alanseijas Posted September 9, 2003 Posted September 9, 2003 Hello. I'm 34, and started karate training in 1983. I broke my ankle, and didn't get back to the dojo until recently. I had taken 12 years off, and gained 100 pounds. I'm 6 ft tall, and weighed 240. In January, I went back to the dojo; and since then have lost 70 pounds. I was feeling great, until just the other day. My heart beat was sssooo strong (not fast), I was moving the bed with my heart while trying to sleep. I had to get up. I felt a little better 2 hours later, and went back to bed. Since then, I'm short on breath and energy. I even get bouts of pressure in my chest. I went right to the doctor, and she said my blood pressure was higher than normal; and scheduled me for a Halter meter and a sonogram which I have to go to the hospital for Friday and Saturday this week. Now for a little background---- 4 years ago, in a quest to loose weight, my friend suggested "Stacker." It's an Ephedrine based product, and I was taking it for 2 weeks. The last time I took it, I thought I was going to die. My heart was pounding out of my chest, and I never touched it again. It was then that I quit smoking, too. I am wondering if anyone here has had similar experiences with this, and if anyone has any information as to whether I possibly hurt something in my heart with that stuff. My doctor said no, but I am scared. I have 2 kids and a wife that I do not wish to leave. I'm even afraid to work out. My blood pressure normally is 110 over 80 and now it is 130 over 80. My resting heart-beats-per-minute is 70. What is yours? Thanks for any info, and for listening. It feels good to vent a little here. The patch or crest worn by Isshinryu karateka often raises admiration and curiosity. The patch is based on a day dream Tatsuo Shimabuku had in the fifties while he was creating his karate style. This dream was the missing piece in the puzzle called Isshinryu. The patch is often incorrectly called Mizu Gami, which means 'water goddess'. Originally the Isshinryu emblem was called 'Isshinryu No Megami', which means 'Goddess of Isshinryu'. The goddess is the Goddess of Isshinryu karate and not the goddess of water.
ninjanurse Posted September 9, 2003 Posted September 9, 2003 Ephedrine taken over a long period of time can damage your heart so I wouldn't worry if you only took it a few times. I wouldn't get too worried until after the Holter and echo and discuss your concerns with the doctor then. It may be a simple rhythm problem, too much caffiene, not enough fluids, anxiety, etc. BTW, I think it is great that you have lost 70 lbs and it sounds like you are on the right track here. Keep us posted if you don't mind! "A Black Belt is only the beginning."Heidi-A student of the artsTae Kwon Do,Shotokan,Ju Jitsu,Modern Arnishttp://the100info.tumblr.com/
alanseijas Posted September 10, 2003 Author Posted September 10, 2003 Thanks for the kudos on the weight loss. It was hard, but worth it. it's funny, I see people that I haven't seen since January, and they don't even recognize me. I had a whole conversation recently with someone, and after 5 minutes; he realized it was me. He said, "Alan???? Is that you???" I went from a size 38 waist to a 30. Now I'm just trying to maintain. Oh yeah, I shaved my beard that I had for 6 years; too. That definately helps the whole not being recognized thing. It's not caffeine, because I don't drink coffee or even soda. I do, however, drink a lot of water; so it's not lack of fluids. Anxiety? Well, maybe you just hit it on the head. My wife thinks I'm having panic attacks, and maybe she's right. I've had some really big changes this year, and I'm really stressing out. It's not like me to feel like I'm helpless and weak. I don't know..... Life can be really hard. Thanks for listening. I'll let you know. The patch or crest worn by Isshinryu karateka often raises admiration and curiosity. The patch is based on a day dream Tatsuo Shimabuku had in the fifties while he was creating his karate style. This dream was the missing piece in the puzzle called Isshinryu. The patch is often incorrectly called Mizu Gami, which means 'water goddess'. Originally the Isshinryu emblem was called 'Isshinryu No Megami', which means 'Goddess of Isshinryu'. The goddess is the Goddess of Isshinryu karate and not the goddess of water.
Ben Posted September 11, 2003 Posted September 11, 2003 I am 17 years old, and whenever i go on a full out workout, i sometimes come away, keep sweating a few buckets, and my heart beats so hard i can sometimes feel rushes of blood through my viens. however, i have never had an irregular beat so i am not worried. stress can also make your body react very weirdly too - so if you think that might be it, ask the doctor if this might also be it and talk to them about how you feel mentally, and what your life is like in your mind. last time i was checked my blood pressure was "fine" as the doc put it, and my resting heartbeat is 65 - so not far off yours. Life can be hard sometimes, but only you have the disciplin and choice to be able to change how you live and how you feel. you have a wife and two children that love you very much (or they wouldnt be there!). whenever you're feeling stressed relax and remember all the good things in your life. do a couple of kata's, whether in your mind or with your body, and concentrate. theres nothing like calm concentration to ease stress.
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