Hi folks, welcome to my thoughts (maybe some feelings, but I'm English and can't admit to that!). I had an interesting visit to the endovascular surgeon today, as a result of which I clearly have to decide between three major approaches to surgical correction for my growing abdominal aortic aneurysm and stent graft displacement, the best of which sounded like an open repair. Thought I'd run my benefit/risk ... Read more
What Better Time To Write About A Life-Threatening Health Challenge Than When You Have One And Are Fortunately Not In Kona?
Hi folks, welcome! Physical and emotional challenges provide an opportunity for growth, so don't waste them by feeling sorry for yourself for too long. Maybe have a glass of wine, whine a little, then pick yourself up and get on with it. My cycling partner, Sue, who daily deals with people receiving a cancer diagnosis, said, "Kevin, these things make us better people. In fact, of every 100 women in our ... Read more
Of Coaches, Physicians, Older Triathletes, Feldenkrais And Aortic Aneurysms
Hi folks, welcome to my chatter! People who follow this blog regularly may have noticed my tendency to hesitate to take a physicians advice until their advice earns my trust. The same is true of triathlon coaches. My recommendation to all with respect to sports as you age is that you educate yourself, obtain all relevant inputs that you comprehend, and select your life's course accordingly. If complete trust ... Read more
FitOldDog Visits Cook Medical And Learns How His Zenith Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Graft Was Made – Remarkable Engineering That Saved My Life
Hi folks! Great visit to Cook Medical. What a treat! I gave an invited talk to the Cook Medical Staff, in Bloomington, Indiana, about life with an aortic stent graft for a life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysm. I was so pleased to have a chance to say how grateful I am to these wonderful people for a remarkable product, which allows me to continue my life and Ironman training pretty well the same as ... Read more
What Does It Mean To Do A Risk-Benefit Assessment For The Older Athlete With Health Challenges Such Aortic Surgery?
Hi folks! Thanks for stopping by! The primary goal of this blog, and my recent e-book, is to assist people with the art and science, and I do mean art, of getting back on with their lives after a major health challenge, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery. My e-book emphasizes the importance of undertaking your own personal risk-benefit analysis or assessment. This is the process whereby you ... Read more
The Best Stupid Thing I Ever Did And A Lesson For FitOldDog In The Art Of Sales
"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you." From the Tao te Ching by Lao-tzu translated by Steven Mitchell. Hi folks, Over the ... Read more
Life After Abdominal Aortic Surgery: Two Years On And Two Days Before The Lake Placid Ironman Race 2012
Hi folks, The Lake Placid Ironman is a delightful trip down memory lane for me. Each time I return and continue my work towards qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman, which is not my prime motive, I always meet new and interesting people. My real reason, however, for repeatedly undertaking this somewhat challenging race is that it motivates me to push my training limits to a healthy level. And I do ... Read more
You Can Have Sex After Abdominal Aortic Surgery But You Might Want To Be Careful At First
"You are not dead yet. It is not too late To open your depths by plunging into them And drink in the life That reveals itself quietly there." By Rilke, reference provided to FitOldDog by Rebecca (thanks). Hi folks, After writing yesterday's blog post, I pulled out (well, downloaded to my Nook) Tim Ferriss's book, 'The 4-Hour Work Week,' and started reading it again. This got me thinking ... Read more
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