triathlon - cycling & elevated heart rate

[bowyer2002]

I am doing a triathelon this weekend, the bicycling part (18 miles). I am 42, and 20 weeks into tx.
I have noticed that my heart rate is 30-70 bpm higher than my other cycling friends.
Dr says it's due to lower Hg (last check 10.5) - but doesn't seem concerned as long as my heart rate settles back down, which it has been doing after a ride. (max bpm for my age according to the internet is 181bpm)
I wear a heart rate monitor and if I keep my HR 120-150bpm I feel fine - got into the 170 range and felt like vomiting!
Has anyone else 'competed' with a low Hg and how did you fare?
Thanks for any input!

[bowyer2002]

I feel pretty good and most daily activity is okay - work, and walking around is fine, I ride a motorcycle with my kids, work in the yard, bicycle with the kids, etc.
When I exert myself - cycling with friends or competing, there is where I FEEL the meds - I don't have any 'gas' in my legs!
I'd like to avoid the epogen, it is expensive, i dont want to be a pharmacy, and I dont like giving my self the interferon shots as it is.  Whatever to make me better, I'll do it to make it thru though!

[nygirl7]

Ah Bowyer that is such a sad thing - time for the epogen, really if only you had been started on it a few weeks ago you would have already been over ten again. But maybe your body just knew something your mind didn't and it just wanted you to sit this one out, using all the energy required might have done something to make your treatment in danger...who knows it still must sting.

From those of us who know how it feels in the 9s (and still are amazed because even just getting from the parking lot in to the office building 50 ft away took me a half hour!) we're sorry.  But the good news is obviously the riba is at a high serum level and most of us in here think that is a great indicator of success.

[bowyer2002]

I will NOT be competing this weekend as I just got a call from my Dr and my Hgb dropped to 9.8. with my elevated heart rate and competing I could do myself more damage than good. :(
SO, I am shelving my ego and will plan on racing next yr post treatment....
Good luck to everyone, I'll keep cycling but not at a 'competetive' level till treatment is over.

[bowyer2002]

Please don't think I am super human or an anomaly - I think I can do this ride, I have 2 supportive team mates and I am pretty hard headed too!
I wish I had known about the EPO earlier - I'll report how well I do after the ride Sunday.
Thanks a lot for all the supportive comments!

[nygirl7]

Wow and to think some folks talk about getting disability and having to quit work before they've even really started treatment - and to then see this post and how much physically you are able to do. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Epo is magic.  Magic magic magic without it I could not have made it through treatment. But to do all that cycling at 10.5 I just dont know you really do have magic in you for sure!

My doc kept me at about 10.5 with the epo and although I felt much better than when it was lower........it still wasn't all that great to do what you do, just amazing!

GOOD LUCK.

[FlGuy]

Aranesp is sort of a long-lasting med. It's also very expensive.  I think it's the reason most docs Rx Procrit (EPO).  Whether it's Aranesp, Procrit or Epogen - the stuff works.  There is no reason to unduly suffer or tax yourself while on treatment. SVR does not award points for being flattened out.

[bowyer2002]

I will have to check into the Aranesp - Thanks for the suggestion!

[FlGuy]

Although I know you're kidding, it's not at all out of the realm of possibilities.  During treatment I had a deal with the hemotologist.  The arrangement was that he would keep hgb at a minimum of 11.  He used Aranesp which is similar to Procrit (EPO).  But, most people use Procrit (EPO).  It's not outrageous at all, especially when putting stress on your ticker.  Be careful out there !

[bowyer2002]

I should be okay, I have both balls and I am only doing 19 miles, NOT the 'Tour'!
Thanks for the support!

(pssst - just between you & me, do you know where I can score some EPO?) ;)

JK -I kid, I am a kidder!

[FlGuy]

"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 1999
"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 2000
"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 2001
"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 2002
"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 2003
"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 2004
"I wish I had a medical reason to take EPO" Lance Armstrong, 2005

I think you do, Bowyer. Godspeed!