bikebuddha 

I'm currently in my third week of not commuting in fact I haven't been on the bike at all. Long story short I had a physical with a new doctor who after doing an exam and getting a family history suspects I have Marfan's syndrome. I've been to three doctors in three weeks and none of them has been able to say conclusively if I have this thing or not but they've all advised me to lay off the exercise until they know for sure. My father died of a heart attack when he was 42, his mother when she was 38, and now that I've learned a little bit about Marfan's syndrome I see why the doctors suspect I have it.

But god do I miss riding to work. Even taking my motorcycle, which is better than a car, is still miles below the feeling I got climbing that last hill before the office.

-bikebuddha
very cranky from not riding.

desmoface

Wow, sorry to hear about that...Hopefully it turns out to be nothing too serious and you back on two wheels again...Good luck.

Steve

CycleMagic

yikes...sounds like you are on pins and needles waiting to hear something definite. that is the worst time; when you don't know what you want to know. i've not heard of Marfan's syndrome; what is it?

Santaria

Goggle told me it was:

Marfan's syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited abnormality which has been localized to a mutation in Chromosome 15. Cardiovascular features include mitral valve prolapse, mitral regurgitation, aortic insufficiency, and aortic root dilation which can progress or be complicated by dissection. The mean age for cardio- vascular events is 32 years.

Small retrospective studies suggest an increased risk of aortic dissection in women with Marfan's syndrome who become pregnant. In women with preconception aortic dilation, greater risk is due to the changes of cardiac output and plasma volume that occur by the 6th week of pregnancy and the increased stress during labor. Vaginal delivery is acceptable in patients with Marfan's and epidural anesthesia may be helpful in lowering the blood pressure at delivery. However if the aortic root is greater than 4 cm a cesarean section should be considered.

Decipher that. Sorry to hear that you can't ride. Hopefully they'll find that your perfectly healthy and tell you that you need to double up on riding once they release you.

myates1980

From www.marfan.org :

The Marfan syndrome is a heritable condition that affects the connective tissue. The primary purpose of connective tissue is to hold the body together and provide a framework for growth and development. In the Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue is defective and does not act as it should. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, the Marfan syndrome can affect many body systems, including the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin and lungs.

The Marfan syndrome affects men, women and children, and has been found among people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. It is estimated that at least 1 in 5,000 people in the United States have the disorder.

Metieval

not to sound ummmm..... I don't know the right word ??? Sadistic ?

Anyways first off it sucks to hear your story! and I am sorry and I hope the Dr. turn out to be wrong. But if they are right, how long can you extend life by not exercising??

In other words, why prolong the enevitable and be cranky? In other words, ride and be happy and when it is time to go... you at least had fun.

And can you not ride at all? it is only exercise if it is work..... just leave twice as early and go half as fast

GTcommuter

Budda, I'm sorry to hear that. I wish you the best news possible and I'll be looking for you again on the mean streets of Hotlanta.

bikebuddha 

Thanks guys I saw the Atlanta cycling crew out tonight which put me in the mood to ride.

bigfatdud

Wish all the best to you buddha. Hope you'll be back riding soon.

RonH

Sorry to hear the news.

I'm not prying but what type of doctor did you go to?

Have you tried other doctors (internal medicine docs, cardiologists, or neurologists) from "reputable" medical facilities like St. Joseph's, Northside, Emory, or Piedmont?

Did you mention the "condition" to the other doctors or did they tell you to lay off exercise from their own conclusions?

bikebuddha 

So far I've been to two general medicine practitioners, I've got an appointment with a cardiologist at St. Joes next Wednesday. I think the doctors are being overly cautious until I can have an echocardiogram.

bikebuddha 

Well I met with the cardio guy today and after listing the numerous problems with my ticker he's given me the ok to resume commuting as long as I don't push myself to hard. Just in time, gas just hit $3 a gallon here in Atlanta.

The bad news is I’ve probably got the Marfan’s gene and will likely be visiting the cardiologist the rest of my life.

CycleMagic

wahooo! back on the bike! even if you have to "take it easy", I'm sure that you are happy to be rolling again. sorry to hear about your diagnosis, though. stay strong and try not to let it get you down.
Liz

RonH

Glad to hear it.


Sorry to hear it. I guess having a regular checkup is the best approach.