[CR]Russ is home and some bike content, too!

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Russ Fitzgerald" <velocio@earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2004 17:22:47 -0500
Subject: [CR]Russ is home and some bike content, too!

Folks,

I've stabilized enough to be home for a few days. Monday I have bypass surgery. It looks like there may be some permanent damage due to scarring, but we'll see - it will probably be less than initially predicted. The surgeon tells me that after cardio rehab I would do well to ride lots, and sometimes fast when possible, and I take that as a good sign.

Thanks to all for the support over the last week or so. Ana's been printing out the emails and bringing them to me at least once a day. It's been a moving experience, and I can only attribute my improved condition to all of the prayers and positive thoughts. Words can convey neither our gratitude, nor how much of a difference this has made to us.

If your family history includes cardio problems, I strongly recommend exploring routine testing with your physician. The baseline data from a stress test done three years ago made all the difference in dealing with my atypical symptoms. No matter how strong, fit, young or clean-living you are, genetics can't be denied - but knowing in advance helps, and there are often ways to manage this stuff.

Weird, convoluted bike content - the surgeon's name is Claudio Guareschi. He was mightily amused when I asked him if he was related to the author of the Don Camillo stories set in postwar Italy - one of my favorites involving the priest on a borrowed racing bike rushing on an urgent mission, his cassock hiked way up to give him greater speed. Dr. Guareschi's grandfather was the cousin of Giovanni Guareschi the author.

best regards, and thanks again,
Russ Fitzgerald
Greenwood, SC