Until now.
Lets back up a bit. As long as i can remember, i have had these little "speedy heart" episodes. Every once in a while - whether i am exerting myself or not - my heart will start to beat very rapidly for about 10-20 seconds long. It will always go away with a few deep breaths and relaxation. It used to only happen once or twice a year, therefore i never felt alarmed by it or felt the need to see a cardiologist. But as i am getting older and becoming more physically active, it has been occuring a lot more. In the past few weeks, it occurs as often as 3-4 x a week! So, moving along to my story...
So i have been training for a half marathon. And yesterday was my 8 mile run day. I have a cold, and i wasnt really in the mood to run. But i figured i was being a baby and just needed to do it. So i found a nice little trail to run on and began. I was getting tired very quickly, which isnt normal for me but i figured it was due to my little cold. But i persisted, i was determined to get this run in. And about 1 1/2 miles into my run, i had one of my heart episodes. I was aggravated b/c of the inconvenience. I had to stop running and wait until it passed. So i did. As soon as my heart regulated again, i began running. Another mile into it, it happened again! I was totally annoyed, stopped, waited. But this time it didnt go away. I figured i would just run slower and i would be fine. I began running and eventually forgot about it. It happened 2 more times before i realized that i couldnt run anymore. I had gone 5 miles and felt like i had gone 10! I was beyond exhausted and felt like i had destroyed my body. I stopped running and walked slowly until my vision started to go funny.
I wasnt seeing as clearly anymore - it was still bright, but dark at the same time - yellow and black. I knew this is what it must feel like before someone faints. I sat down on the side of the trail, put my head between my knees, and tried to relax and breath this episode out. But it wasnt getting any better. It was getting worse and i knew i was going to faint. I got way out of my comfort zone as asked the next runner (luckily this path is full of runners and bike riders, i was never alone) if she could help me. She asked what i needed and i told her that i felt like i was going to faint and i needed to lay down. So i did, and i closed my eyes. Next thing i knew i was totally relaxed, dreaming about mundane things (i need to finish the laundry, i should run to the store too....boring stuff); i thought i was in my bed simply sleeping.
After what felt like 10 seconds, i came back around and heard lots of people around me talking. I suddenly remember that i was trying to get that damn 8 mile run in and was laying next to the trail instead. My eyes were closed, i remember wanting to keep them closed, not ready to see any light. I felt something wet on my cheek and apoligized to the lady next to me for falling asleep and drooling. She said not to worry and began talking to people, describing to them what had just happened. I heard her say, "she was out for 15 minutes, she vomitted and wet
herself ". !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was only then that i realized that i had passed out for 15 whole minutes! I was totally embarassed for losing control of my stomach and bowels and apologized to everyone; i felt like a complete idiot. They of course told me not to apologize. Suddenly the EMT's were asking me tons of questions, which i was happy that i knew the answers to. Name, birthday, address, phone # - i knew them all!! The lady who helped me stayed there the whole time making sure i was ok. I know her name is Nicolette, but i dont even know what she looks like. Im immensly grateful for her help! I shouted out jakes cell phone # and someone called him. The EMT's loaded me up in the ambulance and took me to the ER. I decided to open my eyes when i was in the ambulance only to realize that i was surrouned by good looking EMT's, and i was lying there coverd in twigs, dirt, unshowered, and in soiled clothing!! Aw man! Embarassment settled in and i quickly let it let pass realizing they have dealt with worse and they dont care what i smell like (at least they pretended to not care). But one thing was for sure - i had clean underwear on!!!! Well, it was clean when i started running....
Anyway, at the hospital Jake showed up with all 3 kids. He threw a handful of diapers in the car and rushed over. The kids were happy to see me, but Jonah looked a little worried. I think he knew something was up. But i fought back the tears best i could and kept a smile on my face for him. The doctors ran all kinds of tests and diagnosed me with Wolf Parkinsons White Syndrome ( http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4785 ) which sounds exactly like what i have experienced my whole life. Since my episodes are more frequent than the average person, it is recommended that i undergo catheter ablation procedure. It is quick, safe, very low risk, and a cure! So i plan to set this up as soon as i can. It was terrifying to sit on the side of that trail knowing i was going to faint and not having a way to call Jake and tell him. To have to rely on complete strangers to get medical help for me while i lay there unconscious. Im grateful that there are so many willing and helping people out there! Im grateful that im home now, safe and well. Im still super tired, but after some r&r, i'll be back to normal. No more running for me. Its time to take up Yoga!
