One of the issues as a heart transplant recipient w/ exercise and competition is denervation, the cutting off of a nerve supply. What this means is that my brain is unable to communicate to my heart to increase my rate in anticipation of physical activity. For example, if you are about to climb a set of stairs, your heart increases its rate knowing the demand for increased blood flow is forthcoming. For me, the increase in heart rate is delayed, since the nerves around my heart were cut when it was removed. The new heart went in, but those nerves do not re-attach. Therefore, my heart gets the message to pick up the pace after I have climbed that set of stairs, b/c the muscles have been screaming for help. This caused breathlessness at the top and some time for my rate to be on par w/ my physical needs.
This has been one of unique challenges I've faced each time I have competed in swimming. In a sprint race, I attempt to get my rate up before I get on the starting block, then just go for it. After the hitting the wall, I am really panting, while the officials are telling me to get out of the pool for the next race. The pic above tells the story.
So, when swimming for endurance, I feel better later in the race, and the first leg is usually a chore. Or, a better word is a stressful experience! Muscles ache, out of breath, anxiety increasing...yet knowing it will get better if I can keep going.
The key for my oen water swims--Know and respect my body's limit & swim through it!!!through it!
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