A fitness fanatic runs into an alarming ailment

[mrshandy]

I read this the other day and thought it was interesting. Listen to your body. 


www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-fitness-fanatic-runs-into-an-alarming-ailment-that-was-caught-in-the-nick-of-time/2018/12/14/74b0a31c-de16-11e8-b3f0-62607289efee_story.html?utm_term=.452781ed4d8e


Barry Goldsmith went to great lengths to stay out of the doctor’s office.



His belief in the power of exercise — particularly running — to keep him fit and healthy had long been an article of faith. If he wasn’t feeling well Goldsmith would lace up his shoes and “run it off.” The Maryland patent lawyer routinely racked up about 30 miles per week — more when he was training for a marathon or triathlon — interspersed with swimming, cycling and weight training.



For more than 30 years, his strategy worked.



“Barry is in­cred­ibly fit and he’s always been this major athlete to avoid seeing doctors,” said his wife, Paula, a former teacher. His aversion persisted even after his sister became a family physician.



But several years ago, Goldsmith, now 56, experienced a series of alarming episodes he couldn’t outrun.



They followed a pattern: first a rush of what felt like acid would shoot up Goldsmith’s legs. Then came 10 minutes or so of pounding heart palpitations that ended with a wave of nausea.

[labbie]

Wow, this is so scary. Good point about being fit potentially masking ailments, and to listen to your body, and most importantly, be your own advocate and ask questions.

[taratru]

Also, listen when your doctor wants to run blood work! Goodness.

[jane6672]

Is it wrong that I think this is more about him being a stubborn dumbass than a fitness fanatic?

I mean, I know a few people that are doctor-phobic, some of them are into fitness, some not so much. They are just dead set against seeing a doctor or taking anything health-related seriously, and they'll find any excuse to dismiss symptoms.

[laurack]

Wtf? I just can’t believe he was having these issues and refused to get blood tests