Folks that have followed me over the past 2 years know that I have made some drastic changes in my life to do my part in improving my chances at a long life to be here for my family and to enjoy flying the RV.
Losing 135lbs and taking up recreational running and participating in half marathons on each coast of the country and training up to 30 miles a week have been huge milestones in my life the past 2 years.
Some also know that I became the owner of 2 coronary stents at the ripe old age of 38 back in 2008. Since then I have been tied to the special issuance medical program in order to fly as PIC. It was touch and go back then to realize that I was building a RV that at the time I did not know if I would ever be able to fly as PIC of or not. Lucky for me, I met the SI standards and flew the RV in 2010.
Fast forward to this fall when I completed my annual testing required by the FAA to renew my SI medical. My routine treadmill stress test showed some positive signs of blockage at maximum exertion and 105% of my age predicted max heart rate. So as my SI medical expired while I waited on the FAA to make a decision, they came back with a request for me to redo the treadmill stress test but this time also add the SPECT myocardial perfusion scan to the mix. I did that and the treadmill again showed some positive signs for blockage at peak exercise but the SPECT MPS was normal.
I sent those results to the FAA and expected to wait for a response. A few days later my cardiologist called and told me that he had went back and reviewed my test results and he wanted me to have another heart cath in order to rule out any issues because of my history.
I was in shock....after all, I have lost 135lbs, run like crazy, BP and Lipids well under control since 2008, had no chest pain etc. etc. etc. No way I could have a new blockage right????
On 12/15/15, I was wheeled into the Cath lab and the cardiologist tells me on the table that I have a new 85% blockage of my LAD. The original stents are wide open and doing great. Lucky me, I just purchased another coronary stent... 3 days later I walked 5 miles and 7 days later I ran 5 miles. No issues at all.
A few days ago I received a shiny new SI medical back from the FAA. Granted it is no good for me but it just goes to show you that their process is really flawed!
Anyway...while I wait out the required 3 month recovery period with the FAA, I am continuing my quest to conquer the Dopey Challenge at Disney World beginning January 7th. This is a 4 day race with a 5k on Thursday, 10K on Friday, Half Marathon on Saturday and a Full Marathon on Sunday. 48.6 miles total! When I set this goal, I decided to couple it with a fundraising effort for the fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - By supporting the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (theGSF) which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing global awareness of SMA, the #1 genetic killer of young children, accelerating research focused on ending this cruel disease, and supporting families impacted by SMA and other life-altering conditions. theGSF is an all volunteer organization, meaning 100% of your donation goes toward fulfilling their mission! Please take the time to read my story and plans on the fundraising page linked below. Also please feel free to share this as much as possible. Finally I would like to call upon all my friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances to honor my efforts by donating to such a great cause as the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation!