I am new here and would like to share experience and inspire (and be inspired) other people with ICD

• by PSimoes
• 2018-10-02 10:22:27
• ICDs
• 1558 views
• 6 comments

Hi Everyone

I am 49yold and I am passionate about running. I started only 5 years ago, but it became part of my daily life. I was able to run Berlin Marathon in 2h58 and NY Marathon in 3h'03 min in November last year. Unfortunately I had a severe Vemtricular Tacquicardia in January this year (my heart went up to 280bpm..after an interval triaining run), followed by an ablation in April which ended up with a Tampane (hemorragy) and consequent 8 tacquicardias in a space of 4 hours. The doctors were not able to identify the cause of these tacquicardias, as I had no risk factors, so they said it was a "Virus", but don't know which one :(.  My doctor said that 99% of people would not have survived and that I was saved due to my fitness and healthy life style and mostly due to "being lucky" (which I fully agree :)). Finally they have implated an ICD.

After I left the hospital I went through cardio physiotherapy during six weeks as I was (and I am) determined to live a normal life and continue to live my passion (running). The doctors told me to be careful, and I am trying to balance my impulsivity and my wisdom to get back to run. So, I did start running immediately after the physiotherapy, but of course in moderation. Now I am running based on heart rate and I have established my own tresholds. I am improving every day at the same time as I lose the fear of having more tacquicardias. I believe we all go through this process of improving both physically and emotionally.

I have done last month two 10k races :)...which makes me proud. Of course I did it significantly slower than my previous pace:  I used to run 10Km in 38min and now I run the same 10km in 51min. However, I feel that I am improving and I am already able to run 20km keeping my heart rate average of 140bpm. I am looking forward to my next race this weekend (20km) and to a half marathon by the end of October!

I wanted to write my story because I want other people (and especially the ones who like sports) to know and to believe that it is possible to go back to our lives. I am confident that I will improve more and more as far as I keep training smart based on my heart rate.

When I left the hospital my doctor was not confident that I would be able to run a marathon ever again...but I know I will do it (trust me) and who knows if I can even go further.

I also went through a lot of fear, pain and sadness during the first weeks after I left the hospital, but I am a positive person and I have wonderful friends and family in my life that helped me to go through.

I really want to share my hopes and positive energy with everyone here and in particular the ones that feel demotivated, disappointed, sad, etc. I really understand you because you have reasons to feel that way, but I also want to assure you that things will change if you believe in it!

Happy to help if anyone needs!

Wish you a beautiful day!