Welcome guest, is this your first visit? Click the "Create Account" button now to join.

To disable ads, please log-in.

Shop at TeamEstrogen.com for women's cycling apparel.

Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Health issues

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Essex, CT
    Posts
    12

    Health issues

    To disable ads, please log-in.

    I am a diabetic, asthmatic and have cardio myopathy (enlarged heart due to high blood pressure). I exercise as much as possible. I am an avid cyclist. But - I lose energy, get muscle weakness and I have trouble climbing hills on my bike. My medical conditions are well controlled but I'm always the last one in the group, and always the last one up the hills. I'm thinking that it might just be all in my mind... does anyone else have any of these problems?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    8,548
    I don't have your health issues, but i'm slow too. Nothing wrong with being slow, at least you're out riding!

    WELCOME TO TE!
    Mimi Team TE BIANCHISTA
    for six tanks of gas you could have bought a bike.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Longmont, CO
    Posts
    545
    I'm slow, too. A few years ago I found out I have Crohn's ... maybe that explains why it seems like I don't reap the benefit of all my hard exercise the way that others seem to.

    You're out there -- that's what matters!

    But, aside from that, have you talked to a nutritionist at all? You may be able to get some wins with a different diet or supplements.

    I quit gluten a few months ago -- and for me personally, it's possibly the best thing that's ever happened for me. I'm still figuring out all the ways in which I feel healthier and better than I have for years. It's possible (although I'm not promising anything) that you could be eating something that doesn't work well for your body.
    monique

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Vancouver, BC
    Posts
    3,932
    Get different riding partners, or outfit them with much heavier bikes.

    Just kidding, don't worry about it. Ride your ride and be happy to be alive. That's really all that matters.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Albuquerque
    Posts
    127
    I was recently put on a ribose supplement. It's supposed to be REALLY helpful with heart conditions and whatnot and general muscle cramping that can't be fixed with electrolites. maybe you should look into it.

    on the up side, at least you're out there riding!

    keep it up!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Ireland, Donaghadee
    Posts
    43
    Everyone rides at a different pace no matter their health, fitness level, age or experience

    Just go with the flow and remember the most important thing.....

    have fun!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    1
    you should be proud! keep up riding and dont give up.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Limbo
    Posts
    8,769
    I take two diuretics which flush out a lot of electrolytes so I have trouble with cramping. Forty miles seems to be my high water mark right now (though I think if I was more serious about training this might improve).

    My point being, as others have said, is you're doing fine. Don't let this take away the joy of the ride.
    2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
    2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
    2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    546
    Have you mentioned your concerns to your MD? some medicines can cause fatigue or muscle problems. A pharmacist might be able to advise you if you are taking anything that could possibly affect your athletic performance. But other than that, I am so impressed! You must be one determined TE'er! bottom line, take good care of yourself! Does your cardiologist know what you do in your spare time? I have a friend who is a former cat 2 racer, young ,healthy and vibrant. but she has atrial fibriillation which kicks in whenever her heart rate goes above 140. Drugs and an electrical "ablation" procedure to eliminate the A Fib have been unsuccessful. So her racing days are over, and she has to climb slowly to stay out of A fib, which really drops your heart's ability to pump blood. She has learned to pick her rides and riding partners so that everyone is still having fun. You rock just for getting out there to do your very best - now you have to find out how to let it be joyful and fun, not frustrating! Tokie

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Calgary, Canada
    Posts
    280
    There's a really simple cure for being the last one in the group. Ride with me. Then you're guaranteed that someone will be farther behind.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Essex, CT
    Posts
    12
    thanks to all of you for all your support and ideas - I will check with my MD and the pharmacist. I think sometimes they really don't believe how much I exercise...... My riding group (Biker Babes) want to do a ride along the Erie Canal - sounds great, but 65 miles a day for 8 days - well, I had to put my foot down and say - NO!

 

 

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •