From congenital heart defect to cardiogenic shock,
open heart surgery and a defibrillator at age 68 to endurance Athlete at age 76.
Always remember to pursue the dream and
live the journey
[The Story of my Heart-segment 18]
I
make my project presentation and explain the reason for the idea, which is to
bring about awareness of congenital heart defects, especially for children and
teenagers. I also stress my goal of sharing my experiences with other heart
patients. I ask for a sponsorship amount of $15,000. This is a positive
meeting. They’re even more excited after I finish my presentation, for which
Dr. Coletti laid the groundwork, along with Beth. As a team, I believe we can
make this a success. The meeting lasted about 45 minutes and I leave Beth with a
hardcover copy of my first book. As fate will often interfere, a year later
Beth will succumb to cancer. After the meeting I drive to Train-or-Try,
Bellingham’s triathlon headquarters. Come to find out, the owner Maureen
Trainor is a heart patient, apparently much worse than I am, and still doing triathlons.
I tell her what I’m looking for and why. She’s only 42 years old and her
problems go far beyond just the heart. It so happens that both Dr. Coletti and
Dr. MacGregor are her physicians. Obviously my visit to the store takes much
longer than anticipated. She explains the most up to date products being used
in wet suits. The difference between a diving wet suit and a swim wet suit is significant.
I learn that for a swimming suit the interior is similar to a diving wet suit
made of neoprene, but the outside is made of smooth skin. The technological
difference is evident. They are designed to increase swimming efficiency,
flotation, and speed. I try on several suits, after which I’m almost exhausted.
The cost ranges from $250 up to nearly $1,000. We concentrate on several from
$250 to $380. She explains the technology of design between the two price
ranges. The suits come from New Zealand and Australia. We are astounded by the
difference in size I need, in comparison to the chart for my weight and height.
Because of my body construction after surgery, I end up needing two sizes
larger than she expected. In the first week of August I again drive to North
Cascade Cardiology for Maria to check the defibrillator. The ratings come out perfect
except for a couple of short periods of atrial fibrillation back in February,
lasting no longer than about five minutes each; nothing to be concerned about.
After that I meet with Jerry Marschke, Cardiovascular Administrator of North
Cascade Cardiology. I tell him about my decision to postpone the Gibraltar swim
until next year. He once more confirms their commitment. He will also contact
Tracy Peacock, the project director at the American Heart Association in
Seattle. I continue swimming and make several visits to North Cascade Cardiology
for routine checkups. Always looking for incentives to do my exercises, the
berry season comes in handy. I now have another reason to take out my bicycle
and ride through the berry fields, where I can stop and gorge myself on fresh
berries—energy food. First it’s the raspberries, followed by blueberries, which
makes for a delicious ride indeed. In September, we attend Dr. Coletti’s heart
seminar at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center. It’s amazing to learn
about all of the new devices that are appearing. I confirm his agreement to be consulting
adviser to the Heart Challenge Swim Association, once I set it up.
In
March, I have an echocardiogram and blood tests done. A couple of days later
Dr. Coletti’s nurse, Heidi, calls to let me know they both came out perfect and
Dr. Coletti is delighted. In May, I register the Heart Challenge Swim
Association as a nonprofit organization with the state and receive the largest
sponsor contribution from North Cascade Cardiology. This is exciting because
it’s a great step forward. North Cascade Cardiology is now merging with
PeaceHealth. I send notice to Spain to register myself for the swim and on Wednesday,
June 8, I receive an answer from ACNEG, the swim association in Spain,
informing me they are completely booked for the year and suggest registering
after December 1 for the 2012 season.
If you like this
story and have a moment to spare, I
would really appreciate a short review. Your
help in spreading the word is gratefully received.
©
Johannes Lisiecki
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