Well, you won't see my name in the results for a bit. I went and got myself one them blood clots in my left leg. You know the things that your 85 year old grandmother has to worry about? Yup, same thing. Or as I like to call it: Mike Friedman Disease. I'm not really sure what caused it but I think it had something to do with the trauma of the Tour of Cali followed directly by 3 days of relative inactivity due to a bronchial infection combined with a genetic predisposition to such things. Shortly after the tour is when I first felt it and I just got it checked out 2 days ago (that thing was setting up camp for about 3 weeks undiagnosed). As you may or may not know, Friedman got a clot in his leg last fall, it went undiagnosed, and a month later it manifested itself as a pulmonary embolism and he nearly died. He was the sole reason I got my leg checked out and caught it before it got nasty. For that reason, I'm calling Meatball a hero who deserves all sorts of medals, town keys, and beautiful groupies and maybe a cape too. He has been an invaluable source for me of both advice and empathy. He's quite the caring fella.
I think I will be out of the racing scene for at least 3 months because of the blood thinners that I have to take. Hopefully, I will be able to train again in 2 weeks but I will know more in the next week or so.
And just to address the elephant in the room for those reading this that don't know me: I got my blood results back yesterday and my hematocrit level came back a stellar 41 (or "slightly anemic" as the medical folk like to say). That's probably the extent of the time and energy that I will spend addressing any accusations.
Redlands update: Ben pulled off a 2nd place in the prologue which may be the ideal position at this point. The remaining 7 dudes are raring to go and will be racing for the GC win. I'm just sorry I won't be there to contribute and left them 1 man short. I'm sure they'll step it up in my absence.
Okay, there's my news. Health updates will be forthcoming when I get them.
11 comments:
Bummer. We will be missing you but are glad you have friends that are watching out for you. Take care and maybe now you can check out the beach and work on a more even tan than last year...
Doreen
I was wondering why I didn't hear thunder on the Redlands course. Get well and then win USPRO.
I am so glad you had a warning and checked out your leg! I have been an avid cyclist my entire life, yet ignored signs of DVT as pulled muscle and then had PE, and subsequently another two years later! Am on life long coumadin! There is not a day that goes by that I do not wish SOMEONE told me about DVT and that it could happen to active people. I also had an infection in my jaw due to some surgeries. I am working on research to show the connection between infection and PE/DVT. Any other information you could send about your infection may be helpful.
To see my story, log on to www.nwclotbusters.org. My husband and I rode across the country last summer to raise awareness to cyclists and athletes and also funds for research. Every one of us that has suvived has a duty to tell others to save their lives as almost 80% of PE deaths are found in autopsy...no warning...nothing. With a condition that kills more than breast cancer, car accidents, and aides combined...WHY DON'T WE KNOW MORE!
Pass it along....
Cheryl
Man, good thing you caught it when you did and had the heads up to get it looked at. When I had my issues in Tucson a couple years ago there was some belief that I may be suffering from the same. Luckily, it was my own stupidity kicking in. Well, I guess it is back to full-time buritto eating for you. One at a time there fella. Take care -Ian
Thanks for your story, Cheryl. It is a serious problem for seniors and active young people alike. I will visit your website and give you the details of my situation. I'd like to raise awareness of this condition as well.
Yo man, what the heck? That is some crazy stuff. Perhaps you need to eat more chicken drummies or other past food items from the ol Wartbug caf? Glad to hear you caught it early and are ok, but sorry to hear you are off from racing for a while. Come July and August you will be flying when everyone else is burned out!
PS I saw an orange golf ball in the ditch this morning and thought of you, the bus, and gus...
later -Holmes
Get well soon mate, and i hope you have a speedy recovery...
That sucks man....i was looking forward to getting out there with you boys and sitting in front of you for a change. Ill miss you early season....take care of yourself and dont be a stranger
Sorry to hear, but glad you did something about it early! Yer still a smart one.
Just read your interview on cyclingupdate.com, it made me giggle. I'm so proud of you zirbie!
Hey Kid,
I was really bummed to hear about the clot.... not really fair. Get well soon, see you back in the B.
-Chuck
Bummer! Your presence was missed at Redlands. Hope to see you out on the road training.
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