Charity Ride | Heart attack waiting to happen

Today I received some fantastic news…

I recently presented the medical form for my Charity Bike Ride to my Doctor for his consideration. I had two main concerns: (1) that he wouldn’t think that embarking on a 300 mile cycle was a sensible thing to do less than a year after having a Heart Attack and (2) that his insurance company might have an issue with the wording of the statement I was asking him to sign.

A “No” would have left me lacking direction somewhat!

On one level I would have understood if either of these issues had arisen. I was potentially asking a lot given my recent medical history. I would even have understood if he had asked me to come back in a few months so he could see how my health and fitness have progressed.

On another level, I would have been totally gutted if he had said “No”. It would have thrown the ride into some jeopardy. Given it’s been my main focus for the past few months (at least as far as motivation for exercise is concerned), it would have felt deflated. I think I’m progressing well, and I want to stay motivated. Having something to work towards really helps.

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Today I received the form back, signed and stamped by my Doctor. As far as he is concerned, I am “good to go”. I just need to continue to gradually build up my training and listen to my cardiologist.

For the record, I have never used these words before!

It was just some ink on a bit of paper, but I felt quite emotional as I left the Surgery. I’m not sure exactly why. It may have been the removal of doubt about whether he’d sign the form. It may have been the fact that the ball is now in my court as far as the ride is concerned – no excuses. It may also have been the small vote of confidence that he recognises the progress I’ve made and trusts that it will continue.

Whatever the reason, it reinforced the fact that the ride is important to me. 180 days to go!

Over the years, I’ve come to realise that I’m not the best with a diary. I’ve historically had particular challenges with Birthdays (to be honest I’m hopeless), but I’m now finding it increasingly difficult to coordinate my day to day activities.

I guess it doesn’t help that I now have four different diaries to manage (technology has only taken me so far!), and that’s before I even consider my very busy social diary! I have had plenty of practice over the years and I’ve rarely forgotten things, but perhaps I’ve reached the point that I need to invest some additional time to get myself organised.

I’m not this organised!

I completely missed an appointment to catch up with an old colleague recently. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it slipped my mind until I received a slightly shirty email, too late for me to be able to do anything about it. I was extremely embarrassed. Must do better!

Anyway, this morning I sat outside the Doctor’s Surgery for 30 mins in the belief that I had an early morning appointment. When I booked it I was given a handy little card containing the details of my appointment, but heaven only knows what happened to that!

From memory, my appointment was 7.45, but the surgery doesn’t open until 8.00 (except for Fridays, so there was an outside chance that I had missed it altogether!).

Outside the Doctor’s Surgery. I predict a riot!

Eventually the Surgery started to wake up, lights spluttering to life. A slightly harassed looking Receptionist unlocked the doors to allow an unruly crowd that had gathered at the front door to gain entrance (actually it was just me and an elderly lady, but it was a bit chilly!).

Fortunately I did have an appointment, primarily to check how my drugs are working, but I also wanted to run the Euro City Cycle past the Doc too – I need to complete a Medical Form and get “Authorisation” from a Doctor.

The good news was that I continue to successfully stroll down the path of recovery. My blood pressure is fine. Everything appears to be progressing well. I’m now onto a “steady” regime of medication. I will need bloods checked to make sure my kidneys, etc. are still functioning OK, but it’s all good!

The bad news was that the Doctor, not unreasonably in retrospect, is not in a position to guarantee my fitness (Mental or Physical) to participate in the Charity Cycle. I was a bit disappointed during the initial discussion, but having thought about it it makes sense. I wouldn’t be willing to bet my Professional Reputation / Medical Practice on someone else’s actions either, particularly someone else like me!

Of course, it’s all down to insurance and lawsuits. The key is obviously the wording on the Medical Form itself. Hopefully the insurers will be sympathetic. Given the number of Heart Patients that participate in these events (it is organised by The BHF after all!), I’m hoping the Medical Form is appropriately worded so it doesn’t become a real issue. Fingers crossed!

Just another little challenge that I never thought I’d have to face!