Bad news from the cardiologist

I'm really upset and kind of down tonight.

During my pre-op testing, I was diagnosed with a heart condition (Long QT) which in some cases, can be fatal (causes people to go into cardiac arrest and die)

I have a mild form, never had any symptoms. When I met with the cardiologist, he never mentioned any restrictions, he told me I didn't need to make any modifications in my life style (but then again was a relatively sedentary 360 lb blob at the time)

I had a thought to email him about my exercise/training since I've been reading on the topic, and all articles say to avoid exercise. Anyways, he responds to my email by leaving a long winded voicemail while i was at work that i shouldn't be exercising, that its highly discouraged because of the risks blah blah blah. He said absolutely no triathlons/marathons/races of any nature.

Well, Im registered to do a triathlon in December and Im not really prepared to wtihdraw at this point. I made an appointment before then to get a better idea of what he's blabbing on about, but I do not think I can give up exercise, nor am I willing to. I feel like i have to make a decision between the risk of dying from cardiac arrest or suffering from major depression for the rest of my life since exercise has been my really own motivation to lose weight and get healthy.

Not really sure what to do, but im definitely not in a great mood after that voice message.

Well I have no words of wisdom for you I just wanted to commiserate with you. That sucks.  So very sorry.

Can't you hold out on exercising just until you see the cardiologist? Depression is better than death isn't it?

 
Ummmmm........ I'd find a new activity till you get sorted and cleared from the cardio doc......

I'm thinking you would give the same advice......

frisco

Hahah yeah. I know. I just have to get over the disappointment before I think rationally.

I'd definitely pursue a second opinion.  I'm so sorry!

wow that is a total bummer!

However, there is more to you than your love of exercise....and definitely lots to live for! Please do not take the chance!!

I believe everything happens for a reason and that there will be good that comes of this too. Not sure what that could be yet...but time will tell - it always does. : ) Sending you lots of positive energy and healing thoughts!

I'm so bummed for you. That stinks. You seem to excersize a LOT though, have you felt short of breath or chest pain or anything? Maybe when you see him you can explain how much you do and the benefits so far and lack of negative symptoms. Perhaps that will change his mind? Then again what do I know- nothing about heart conditions that's for sure. If you were my sister and they told you not to excersize I would be pinning you down so you couldn't though. That's just too much of a risk if you can really die!! I'm sorry you have to go through this. 

Talk to your doctor about having an implantable defibrillator placed.
See this article:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/qt/
Quote from article on prolonged QT: "?Having an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator. These devices help control abnormal heart rhythms."
Since you need to exercise to truly live, you would be a good candidate for an implantable. I have had many patients with this device and they do just fine. Good luck to you.