Timing. Oftentimes timing can be an interesting issue. It can be a matter of getting something accomplished within a time-frame allotted or it doesn't have to be about the calender at all. Timing may be about experiencing something where the timing of your experience falls into place to give you a greater context. Or, timing can be just a simple matter of coincidence.
On Valentine's Day this year I was getting my heart shocked back into rhythm again. This is my third time and probably won't be my last. The first time was right after I had a visit with Timroff in 2008 during his layover in Atlanta on his way to Netroots Nation in Austin. My second cardioversion was just last year about this time (Jan/Feb).
The first and second times my heart went A-Fib I could reasonably explain the circumstances that triggered the event. This time however, I was just sitting in a chair drinking a cup of coffee, something I do all the time, nothing extraordinary.
All the doctors I've had conversations with about A-Fib comment on how young I am (55) to be having A-Fib. Whooppee! I don't care to be exceptional that way. I'd much prefer to be normal when it comes to my heart.
It's important to point out that A-Fib is NOT considered a heart disease, it's an electrical problem of the heart. My heart can misfire. These electrical problems can be managed but there is no definitive way to guarantee these episodes won't keep occurring. I choose to go with medication. I could choose a procedure called ablation surgery, but even then there are no guarantees.
I was just introduced to what is kind of an inside joke among cardiologist. In this medical specialty there are even sub-specialist and generalist. The sub-specialist are broken down into plumbers and electricians (I'll let you work that out). Of course the generalist is somewhat self explanatory.
No matter how fit you are you may still experience A-Fib. Recently I've become acquainted with a cyclist out of the Raleigh(NC) area who has been cycling for over 30 years and does a 60 mile ride with his buddies every Tuesday. One of the reasons he's legendary is his experience of cycling with A-Fib. One of the stories recently is of David;
1) riding in a race on a Friday and;
2)going into A-Fib;
3)Having a cardioversion on Saturday;
4)Winning his age group (he's 65) on Sunday.
David has been riding longer than I have, but he is an example of how A-Fib doesn't have to be a barrier, just a hurdle to be constantly overcome.
My caution to everyone who thinks this will never affect them is to work hard for it to not affect you. Hydrate properly and manage the stress in your life. Water isn't sufficient all the time to hydrate your body you need electrolytes too. Dump the stress.
On with the games!!
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I. That's enough for now. (Have a suggestion? Post it.)
MKinTN posted a diary to help everyone achieve greater success called How to Succeed at Mojo Friday Without Really Trying.
For those of you new to MF (Mojo Friday) we have our own lingo about a few things. Thank's to MF'er Jez (the link will explain) go to this diary for a little more fun and explanation. Official Mojo Friday Snecktionary.