I decided to officially join LA Fitness today, plunked down my credit card and felt myself feeling really positive about weight training. (Which is good, because I had admittedly not been feeling very positive overall!)
I thought to myself: “This really isn’t bad! I’m so glad I have this outlet. I think this is great for aging well and will provide a nice level of personal challenge.”
I opened up my app, did 5 minutes of walking, and then headed over to the weights for some single leg glute bridges.
Then, I did a set of “good mornings” using the Smith machine (I mean that sounds fancy right!? I am clearly like a gym person now!). I notice a pregnant woman who has to be in her late third trimester, looking strong and amazing.
I then headed over to the free weights area to do reverse lunges. Note: this is the fourth week I have done this particular workout, but the first time experiencing the ‘gym’ version. I usually do reverse lunges (10 on each side, with 1:30 rest between sets) with 25 lb weights, but they were all taken so I grabbed 27.5.
I started my first set, and the 27.5s felt doable. I felt pretty pleased with myself, I have to say. I thought about how for someone pretty petite I have made good progress in strength.
AND THEN I YELLED AND DROPPED BOTH WEIGHTS BECAUSE SOMEONE SMACKED ME HARD IN THE CHEST.
Oh wait.
That was not “someone”.
That was my defibrillator.
I was shocked. My first shock (well, my first shock while awake. I was shocked out of VT in March and they did a ‘test shock’ after inducing VT after my device was implanted, but I was under anesthesia).
People came over and were super nice, and I was a) confused; b) mortified; c) disappointed; d) angry, all at the same time. (Relieved that a bad rhythm may have been effectively stopped admittedly did not cross my mind.)
I am honestly not sure what happened. I don’t know if I was actually in VT or not. I hadn’t felt anything particularly bad other than (typical, on leg day) exertion. My watch didn’t show anything (but it also didn’t show anything when I had sustained VT in the 260s). That said, I think there is still a chance this was an error, that it read regular ol’ sinus tach as an arrhythmia and acted without true cause. Or it was real, and I cannot be working out the way I have been, which would be really really disappointing.
I *think* I will be able to find out for sure when my device is downloaded.
Everyone at the gym was super nice (including the very fit pregnant lady, who turned out to be an NP) and Josh came down, though I was fine by the time he got there.
Needless to say the workout was over (and I will refrain from doing anything strenuous until I talk to the cardiologist and get the data).
Anyway. So that’s what it feels like.
19 Comments
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this. I bet it was painful! And then embarrassing to have that happen in public. I am glad those around you were nice. I hope you can talk to the cardiologist soon and find out if you were legitimately in VT. Those are heavy weights especially compared to how much I imagine you weigh so maybe it was just a bit too much? How stressful, though!!
Oh no, Sarah. That must be so disappointing and probably scary as well. Really hope you are better now and recovered well. Sending you lots of love and prayers for a stronger heart and to continue exercising as best as your body can take it.
You are too precious to your children, Josh and us- the wider BPL community. Stay safe, stay strong!
That sucks! I do think they should be able to interrogate the device and see what was going on at the time of the shock (of course I am not an electrophysiologist so …). But, ugh! So frustrating and upsetting nonetheless.
So sorry to hear this episode. Hope it was an error. It must be so frustrating to keep adjusting to a new normal and caught it may not be the normal yet. Finger crossed we get there soon, somewhere you can feel good about doing and at peace.
Well that sucks. I’d be really bummed right now. Virtual hugs. Glad you’re still with us, Sarah.
Oh crap 😣 lots of love xx
Sending you virtual hugs and support to navigate this difficult phase. It must be so confusing and frustrating. But you’ve navigated tougher stuff so you got this!
This sounds like… A lot. Physically and mentally.
Good thing the relief also dropped by.
Hugs 🫂
Sarah, this is so scary! UGH!!! I’m so sorry this happened to you. Like, on the whole (having the heart issues to deal with in general) and then this specific time. I hope that the cardiologist and device are able to provide you the info you need to understand how to minimize this happening going forward.
And like others have said, I’m so glad you’re still here and around. Hugs.
So sorry this happened. How frustrating and scary especially on your first day at the gym! Hopefully you’ll get some useful info soon.
Oh dang, Sarah. Sorry this happened… but I guess this is why you have the defibrillator? And it did what it was supposed to do? I am glad people were around and helpful.
I also hope you get some answers from your doc, like was that really a VT? What triggered it? Is it directly related to exercise, or can it happen randomly?
(And girl, 27.5 lbs – color me impressed, those are some heavy weights.)
Sending you support and very thankful you have the defibrillator. I can imagine that was scary and hope your doctor is able to provide some clarity.
Ah so sorry that happened! How stressful and discouraging, although if it was VT thank goodness it worked. Thinking of you and hopefully the cardiologist has some insights and advice.
I’m so sorry, friend. This sucks. You have handled this whole situation with so much grace and I can only imagine how discouraging this experience must have been.
I wish with every fibre of my being I could snap my fingers and take this health issue away. I know you feel the same way and neither of us has the magic touch.
Hoping your medical team is able to clear up any ambiguity behind what happened, glad you were okay, and people at the gym were supportive and able to help.
But also super bummed for you…
HUGS <3
Oh Sarah! How scary! But I suppose this is why you have the device. I hope you’re doing okay.
I am so sorry this happened, and your feelings in the moment and now and in the future are 100% valid. I am relieved the ICD *worked* and you’re here with us, but that exists in the space of sadness. Virtual hugs-you are very cherished by us online (and IRL!)
Oh Sarah, what a story. There you were in the gym feeling great (and doing great- reverse lunges with 27.5’s is awesome) and this happens. I hope you get some answers soon (and that those answers are the ones you want to hear!) In the meantime I hope you’re feeling okay.
the irony is that as i was doing them i was like “it’s super cool i can handle this weight!”. i didn’t THINK it was like, beyond my capabilities (I mean, it’s only a tiny bit higher than the 25 i had been using at home lately anyway!). but maybe it was. . . guess will have to wait to find out.
Oh my gosh I’m so sorry! That must have been scary and maybe a little embarrassing (not something to be embarrassed about but that’s probably how I would have felt!) I’m glad you are ok, glad it’s working as designed, and hopefully a fluke….