I’m a 51 year old man who was a competitive long distance runner until 2012 when I suddenly went into VT during a 10k. I had an ICD put in and was still running, though not as intensely and not as far. Recently I had some episodes, even at rest, and was put in this Solotal just yesterday. I hope I’ll be able to run still. I’ll understand if it’s not too much.
ICDRunnerGirl, I am in a similar situation, I am 40, have an ICD and on 40 mg of Sotalol. I hate it. Wanted to see how you are doing now?
Wow!!! Brave soul.
I'm a middle pack marathoner too... looking to Boston @ 45 when they give me a few minutes!
Anyway, I don't agree with Kylie and short races. I'd think you're better off in a relaxed marathon rather than a ripping 10k.
Regarding the marathon... i just ran a "training marathon" last week (Little Rock - great race with awesome medals!). I have a "goal marathon" this spring and didn't want to interrupt my training, so I ran LR very slow. You know what?? It made it SO MUCH FUN. No pressure. No goals. I drank every beer offered me on course. I sat in with two bands. I stopped to shake hands with Governor Beebe. Stopped to chat it up with Southern Belles enjoying a mimosa. Keep running, just forget about time. **Take TIME and pace off your Garmin.** Just show distance, elevation and HR and enjoy the scenery.
Please be careful..I also started out like you with sustained VT, got an ICD placed and continued endurance exercise and racing...my condition has deteriorated as a result. The fact you've been paced is seconds away from being shocked which is so miserable. Avoid this! I'd ask to have your medication reconsidered if VT is still being seen by your device. And make sure your device parameters are set liberally enough (ie has to be very fast and many beats before initiating therapy). I've been on everything, have had to give up most sport after recurrance of VT following drugs, plus multiple epi and endocardial ablations. My genetic tests are now pending. I was initially diagnosed 7 years ago. I worry you aren't doing your heart any favours by continuing the long distance events. Stick to 10k's and try a different antiarrhythmic.
You may or may not be aware of this fact, but sotalol, along with most if not all of the beta, calcium, and sodium channel blockers are banned substances by the IOC. If you compete you may or may not be subjected to testing, so I wanted to alert you to that fact.
Thank you! Yes, my EP and I work together. He insists I should be able to do everything now that I did before the ICD. I haven't found that to be true, but I'm certainly grateful for the recovery I have!
I reply mostly to "Bump" your post back to the top. I think others who frequent this Community and may have something to share just haven't been here today.
You say you have worked with you EP so I can assume s/he supports the level of exercise (major physical stress compared to my past 3 miles runs, I don't run any more due to age and AFib) - you are a brave and strong woman, wishing the best.