#TEDicated – Chapter 2

A Bump in the Road

Its been a little quiet on mrcmedia in recent months, but there have been a few significant developments with regard to my marathon training schedule for the #TEDicated campaign. Here’s a run down on the most recent major development.

Over the last few months, I have set out a steady training routine.
Back in July I ran the Gloucester 10k just to see where my base fitness was. I didn’t take it all that seriously, which I partly regret. On race day I did give it my best, struggled at the end of the race but finished in just under 50 mins. Reasonable, but way below my best efforts for the same distance. I do always try to save a little bit for a strong finish (see below for my finish line effort)

http://dbmaxresults.co.uk/MyResults.aspx?CId=16421&RId=6170&EId=1&AId=123035&YT=1

Not wishing to make excuses, but with a hectic family life, training outside of work hours has been difficult. I made it my mission to up my game over the next few months.

Baseline fitness

My regime has involved training on a Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I have built up sufficient pace to squeeze in a 10k (6 mile) run on my lunch break leaving just enough time to shower and get back to my desk before the hour is up. In recent months, the weekly mileage, my stamina and pace has improved. Results have been good, but I have put in some effort to get there.

A few of my training runs took a physical toll on me. I felt drained and my heart pounded and took a while to settle down afterwards. Last week, I was on a not particularly hard run. My heart started beating faster than usual, followed by a crippling stitch. I opted to cut this run short.

Final run route

I’ve had an occasional bout of heart palpitations since I was about 16, but more frequently of late and for much longer. I called the doctor to book an appointment for later in the afternoon. I sat back at my desk at work and had some lunch and carried on with my day. I left work an hour early to see the doctor.

Tales of the unexpected

A few hours later, my GP had a good listen to my heartbeat and not happy with what he heard, hooked me up to an Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine for a few minutes. He called me back in to discuss the results and I could see him looking slightly confused. He referred me to my local A&E and was advised to check in as soon as possible. I popped home to gather a few things, said goodnight to my son, confident I would be home a few hours later.

I was seen promptly after I arrived at the hospital where I discussed my symptoms again. I was hooked up to another ECG machine. The doctor was not convinced by my results. “Come with me” he said. He ushered me to a wheel chair and pushed me round a corridor to another waiting area. I thought at this time I may be here for a while.

Eventually, I was hooked up to yet another ECG machine, this time in a private bay on a hospital bed. I was left to it. Occasionally, my blood pressure was taken, routine blood tests etc. My phone battery getting low and not sure how long I was going to be here. Naturally, I rang my family to give an update on the situation. Fortunately, I brought a book with me. I started reading.

A few hours later, I was seen by a consultant cardiologist. He advised me that he thought he knew what the problem was, but I was going to have to be kept in overnight for observation. At 23:30 I was wheeled to the cardiology ward. I was connected again to a monitor, given a few biscuits (The only thing I’d eaten since lunch time) I settled down to get some sleep.

Hospitals are not the best place to get a good night’s sleep. When morning came, I was offered some breakfast and told I would be seen by another consultant cardiologist who would be able to let me know more about what was happening.

Diagnosis

The consultant and his team came round to confirm my diagnosis. It was revealed I have Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). It’s a congenital condition which essentially means I have an additional (accessory) electrical pathway in my heart.

Think of it like a second spark plug which triggers my heart to suddenly beat very rapidly. It’s a fairly common condition which effects 1-3 in every 1000 people. It’s a congenital condition which means I was born with it. Often the symptoms manifest between the ages of 20-40. The condition can vary in severity and often go unnoticed. Some people have no symptoms at all and some can have multiple episodes of very rapid heartbeats every week. Fortunately, it seems my case is relatively mild, but nevertheless will need to be treated to prevent it getting worse.

What Next?

Because I have been having more frequent episodes recently. I have been prescribed Bisoprolol Fumarate until treatment is arranged. Bisoprolol fumarate is medicine in the beta blocker family which will help keep my heart rate down and prevent any further occurrences.

My new medication until further notice

Until further notice I am now on a daily dose of heart control medication. On doctor’s advice I am now not allowed to run. This may very well throw next year’s #TEDicated marathon challenge into jeopardy. Naturally I am disappointed at this, but until I know for certain one way or another, I remain positive.

In the long term, the prognosis is good. It seems that most cases of WPW can be successfully treated. As I am otherwise healthy and active, the doctors have referred me to a Bristol hospital where I will undergo a Catheter Ablation procedure. This essentially uses a laser to burn away the additional electrical pathway to prevent any further false signals to the heart.

I have been made aware of some organisations that can provide more information regarding the condition and subsequent treatment. I have registered with the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) who have already sent a hefty information pack containing advice and case studies of others who have also been diagnosed with WPW.

Social Media

In times like these, the internet really can be your friend. I have been a regular listener to the Marathon Talk podcast (a great listen featuring discussion on all things running). In a recent episode, they mentioned a worldwide athletic club “Cardiac Athletes” specifically tailored for participants who have been “medically cleared for sports” They arrange events, have social media channels and forums where members can share their stories.

Having introduced myself to them, I have already had responses from members who have had the same experience. The encouraging signs here are that most of these sufferers have been successfully treated and have gone on to live very healthy and active lifestyles. Although my condition is mild in comparison to some members, it seems I will have to follow a gentle ease back into any athletic exploits to ensure I recover sensibly.

This has motivated me to document my journey. As a relatively young guy, I was very surprised to have been admitted to hospital to stay overnight in a cardiology ward. By and large, the other patients in the ward were twice my age.

I have clearly taken my health for granted and although I should be cured and fully fit, it was scary to face a night in hospital strapped in to frequently beeping machinery uncertain what the outcome would be.

I am determined to ensure this remains a positive experience. I would encourage anyone who has any doubts over their own personal health, to get investigated. Health matters. Particularly conditions of the heart.

Thank you for reading and I will report back with an update shortly on what happens next.