We only have one heart. We only have one machine that pumps millions of times over the course of a lifetime, pushing blood into all of the organs that keep us functioning. So when you learn that something is not quite right with yours, it can be disheartening (no pun intended).
My doctor's nurse told me, very nonchalantly yesterday, that I have mild mitral valve regurgitation. It's a mouthful, to be sure, and it's led to massive amounts of googling. What it boils down to is that in approximately 1-4% of the population, the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, doesn't close properly and some of the blood leaks back into the atrium when the heart contracts. It's nothing severe for me and my symptoms are slight, but they were enough for me to feel and to get me to make an appointment with my primary. Now that the tests are done, I have a follow up with the cardiologist because I have questions. Lots of questions.
I've learned that it's probably genetic, which doesn't surprise me in the least. My dad suffered from heart disease and I knew I would have to be careful. I just didn't think it would be something like this. Something that diet isn't really going to affect all that much. (I think). What I need to know is what can I expect long term? I know I'll be getting an echo every year so that means I need to start saving immediately - thank you, U.S. healthcare. I also need to know how this affects my lifting. Just in the few things I've read they advise against any heavy lifting, but light weight for reps appears to be OK and cardio, of course, is beneficial. I've stopped doing pretty much anything until I see the cardiologist. The nurse told me over the phone that I could resume normal exercise, but I guess they must have forgotten the part where I've told the doctor that I lift weights. Huh...go figure.
I suppose it's not the end of the world if I can't lift heavy and progress to that 400lb dead lift, but maybe I'll still be able to. At any rate, I'm pretty sure I'd still be able to swing that 35lb bell and Odin knows that thing whipped me into pretty good shape. People have gotten pretty damn fit from nothing but body weight exercises too, so I'll still have options.
Part of me is just tired of this body of mine, though. I have ovarian cysts that come and go and one that's been hanging around for years now. That's supposed to be followed by ultrasound every 6 months, but that was getting a bit pricey. I have this screwed up SI joint, which is completely workable and honestly, it's better than it has been in a long time, but it's still an issue to watch. I have a couple of discs that want to degrade too early for my liking and now I have a faulty shut off valve. I mean holy hell, if I was a used car, one look at my car fax report and I'd be brought to the scrap yard.
I have no choice but to deal with this body, as is, and try and make it the best it can be. I try not to worry, try to keep my head up, but at times, it's a gargantuan task just to put a smile on this old face. However, I'm no stranger to struggle or adversity so I doubt I'll be down for long (as usual). It's also a good thing for me that my boyfriend is a mechanic and knows how to deal with used cars! :P
as always....onwards and upwards.
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