There is life after PM (continued)

OK sports fans! Here are my results for my most recent Masters Swim meet in Pointe Claire QC, January 29th.
400 m freestyle: 1st in my age group @ 6:58.12;
200 m breaststroke: 2nd in my age group @ 3:52.72;
200 m IM: 2nd in my age group @ 3:49.83;
100 m butterfly: 2nd in my age group @ 2:04.35.
Swimmers who know their stuff may not be impressed with that last result, but in my age group, anybody attempting to do 100 meters in butterfly should have their head examined pacemaker or no pacemaker.
I want to post this for our newbies who think that their life is finished because their doctor told them that they need a pacemaker. Sure it's a bummer to learn that the fuse box on your pump is not working perfectly. Don't let it get you down! take time to recover from your surgery, then go back to doing what you enjoy.
Regards
Edouard

6 Comments

Impressive

by Creaky - 2011-02-04 06:02:05

Really!

Harry

Excellent News.

by helen - 2011-02-04 06:02:32

All the very best,It so good to hear such great news.Thanks for sharing. Helen and Christopher.

Good going

by ElectricFrank - 2011-02-05 01:02:25

I will say that just thinking about that 100m butterfly is enough to give me butterfies in my stomach. LOL.

Good idea though giving the newbies an idea of what is possible with a pacer. As long as the heart is in good shape other than that bad fuse box, there is sure no reason for not getting on with life.

frank

Edourad

by LS - 2011-02-07 10:02:54

Very impressive!!! Congrats to you!!
Liz

ICD Swimmer

by randall - 2011-02-14 03:02:51

Outstanding, what ever your age!

I was implanted with a pacemaker in 2004. In 2006, my ejection fraction rate dropped from 42 to 35. I also have an irregular heart beat. I was told if my heart stopped for any reason, it would never restart. They implanted a CRT-D (ICD - pacemaker/defribillator). My EF increased to 45 ( that's still one third less oxygen than the normal EF). I started a swimming program - didn't swim in high school or colledge. I lost 70 pounds.

In 2008, I went to the USMS Nationals in Austin Texas and competed with 46 swimmers in my age group (65-69). I won 5 medals including a medal in the 50 yard butterfly. I have won the 50 yard and 50 meter butterfly events in region swim meets despite the lack of oxygen.

At 70 this year, I plan to enter the 50 meter butterfly, 200 meter backstroke and 800 meter freestyle.

Edouard is right. Don't let your device (Pacemaker or ICD) slow you down. My doctor is very supportive and is asking me to talk with pre-op patients who are nervous about the implant procedure.

Randall

Thank You

by Edouard - 2011-02-14 04:02:00

Thank you all for your comments and encouragement.
Edouard

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

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