And the scores on the doors.....

I'm really tired tonight, so I'll keep it short. I'm sure you won't mind.

I had a meeting with the doctor today and the results of the ergospirometry are in. I "expired" at 384 Watts at a maximum heart rate of 184BPM. Personally I thought that was quite respectable for someone who is relatively out of condition, has just had a heart attack and is on beta blockers. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with my lung function the specialist recommends that I restrict my efforts to 130 Watts on the exercise bike. How depressing. Fortunately, I did get my doctor to conceed that we shouldn't drop down from the 160 Watts I'm doing at the moment. It also turns out that there is something wrong with my blood.... elevated levels (three times normal) of a certain lipid. Doctor doesn't thnk it's anything to worry about and could be a reaction to the medication (statins). Anyhow, I have to have another arm full of blood taken tomorrow as a follow up. Perhaps I should ask them to store the blood so that I can have it back some time before an important race ;-))

The news about limiting my exercise really pi**ed me off. Who knows when I'll be able to ride a bike properly again..... if ever. I was doubly pissed off when I had to stop my second velo session of the day after only 30 minutes because I really couldn't sit on the saddle any more. And not to mention my chest.... with the almost constant ECG monitoring it looks like I've done ten rounds with a sea monstor. Even the skin is starting to come off now.

So this afternoon I went AWOL and walked to the nearest cafe (2KM) where I got a nice unhealthy schnitzel brotli (with plenty of sauce and onion) and a coffee. Then I went for a 4KM hike on the way back to the clinic. I bunked off relaxation classes, opting instead to sit in the sun and observe the beautiful view over the alps which are taunting me.... just out of reach.

I met with the clinic social worker this evening who, I am pleased to say, speaks really good english. I outlined my concerns and questions about the heart attack and he questioned me about work-life balance (what balance). Unbelievably, it turns out that my doctor can speak good english too.... not that she ever mentioned that. Hopefully things will become clearer in coming days.

The highlight of the day, as always, was Fiona's visit. We tend to meet in the clinic cafe as she comes straight from work and arrives at the same time as dinner is served on the wards. We get to have a coffee together and then go up to my room to chat and watch DVD's. Tonight Fiona arrived bearing a card and gift from some colleagues in her office. Thanks guys and girls! I'll have a lot of fun playing with myself...... solitaire that is ;-))

Just time for a cup of camomile tea before bed...... L8RS.