[Aussiecrf230]

Well I haven't been posting for a few weeks because I have only just got out of hospital.

Turns out after having a terrible flu through June followed by a chest infection in July that the poor old body including my heart took a thumping.

Fortunately it appears I am in the group of 50% that improve but I don't see myself and my son going for a ride for a few months at least. Now my brand new boots mock me ffrom across the hall.

Boredom is a killer and there are only so many dirt bike mags you can read.

So guys if you find yourself short of breath after a bit of a walk or other light exercise be smart and go see the doctor. I did and it has probably saved my life.

[Asmith]

Wow Ray!!!

Sorry to hear that. What is it?

How do you get it? How is it treated?

Glad you're still around.

Tell the boots they go outside if you hear anymore giggling...

[JAWS]

Wow... that's weird. So the shortness was a heart issue? Or was it a lung issue due to the flu?
Glad you're going to be allright!
Joe

[Aussiecrf230]

Guys,

Basically it is a weakening of the heart muscle.

A normal heart will pump out 50% to 75% of the blood in the chamber. Mine was down to 18% and at risk of the heart starting to not beat properly if at all. Yes, a new piston and rings should have been all I needed to restore the volumetric efficiency and restore performance but the doctor didn't really understand and the missus didn't know whether to thump me or hug me.
At least it wasn't a valve issue LOL.

From what the doctors have said mine was always probably at the lower end of normal and the flu and chest infection sent it over the edge.

I had done a step test at the end of March and passed with flying colours. I was still finding I was running short of breath on our usual long walks a few times a week. I put this down to loss of fitness at this stage.

Fortunately I had enough sense to go back to the doctor after the flu etc had subsided because I was much worse.
It got to the point where even walking 50 yards was leaving me short of breath.
An Echocardiogram soon highlighted the problem and next thing I was in hospital told to take it easy and your going to have an Angiogram to see if the arteries were blocked because that is the easiest to fix.
Typical the arteries are clean as a whistle and now I have a range of tablets to take probably for the rest of my life.

The cardiologist came in with a beaming smile the night before they released me as my ejection fraction had improved to 29% in 2 weeks. Hopefully this trend remains.

The weather is ripe for riding at the moment which is very annoying (notice politeness) and I have closed the door to the office to keep the Oxtars harassing me as I totter past.
Managing to walk 500 yards now but still puffing a little at the end.

Thanks for the good wishes and hopefully I can get a ride in before the heat of summer.

[gal8x]

Glad you are better. Get well soon. No worries mate, that bike will be there when you are ready (may be a good time to do some engine mods ).

[nedirtbikr]

Glad you are better. Get well soon. No worries mate, that bike will be there when you are ready.

Ditto! Take care of yourself and get healthy. These bikes are like good old dogs. They're loyal and the stay by your side. Again...best wishes!

[Aussiecrf230]

gal8x,
I was going to pull the rear end out and grease everything over winter - but that hasn't happened.

The doctor said not to do any lifting until he gives me the go ahead, so it may be a little while before I even get to play in the shed.

Jaws,
Yes it was the heart issue causing the shortness of breath. Suppose it all works together.