Web site for cardiac athletes (updated)
If you are a heart patient who has gone on to make such a good recovery that
your doctor/physician has agreed to let you return to your favourite sport
"so long as you don't over do it!", then you might be interested in a
website, launched in April 2002:
http://www.cardiacathletes.org/
This is a non-commercial, free website. In the forums you will meet many
like-minded, friendly and interesting people from around the world to share
your experiences with. You will learn much from others on how to heal your
heart safely and effectively, to become fitter and healthier, to improve
your sports performance, to stay positive and optimistic.
The site has been reorganized since I last posted.
On a personal note, I had a major heart operation at the end of September
2006 aortic valve (mechanical) and aortic root replacement (Bental
operation), mitral valve (mechanical) replacement, and pacemaker implanted
(a result of the operation) the consequence of a congenital condition
(Marfan syndrome). On January 1, 2007 I completed a 5 km fun run (ran the
whole way, albeit slowly), May 12 I ran a 15 km trail race, and May 26 I ran
a 25 km trail race. I am also doing a 30 km (short I know) MTB ride June 3rd
(left road bike at home, will get back to it though). While in none of these
was I competitive, in none of them was I last either in my age group nor
overall. I will be exploring exactly how far I can progress from here.
Cardiac surgery does not mean an end to an active life-style.