Here is what I think happen to me...Chris250

**chris250** · 04-14-2010, 12:28 PM

Ok guys, I've had a lot of PM asking what I was doing to cause my left ventrcal to be only pumping at 20% (normal is 55%) and why my walls of my heart almost doubled in size...At first the doctors wanted to say it was steroids, and HGH..But after looking at my EKG, and my angiogram they said it was untreated high blood pressure...that was it...He (the doc) even said if my Blood Pressure was under control all these years (I've had High B.P. for over 10-15 years) even with my AAS use this woundnt happen...Yeah, I know that AAS can cause high blood pressue, but if I wouldve been so lazy about getting it checked and keeping it under controled I couldve prevented this all from happening...Next week im going to do a sleep studied for sleep apena (which im sure I have) and the doctor thinks this is part of the reason to....they want to get me on a sleep machine at night so I can sleep normal...Hell, even the doctor said I could do AAS again, as long as I only do HRT doses or low doses...He didnt seem all that concered about them...But no matter what Im going to a HRT doctor next week to get on HRT/TRT and from now on im just going to do that...So atleast I can have a normal test level or maybe a tad above normal...

So dont feel sorry for me, cause I'll be ok...I'll get threw this and its only going to be 2-3 months tops that I cant train...then once I get the green light and get this damn life vest off of me...Im going to hit it hard again, with only HRT/TRT...and see what I can do...So dont count me out just yet...Honestly guys, im looking forward to feeling good again, and not getting out of breath playing with my daughter, or saying no to her when she wants to walk down to the park...cause im to out of breath, ect, ect...And im not done with Bodybuilding at all...I mean I still got the Team U in New york right...Watch out everyone TEAM U in 2011 ... ??? IM NOT DONE YET !!!

thanks for all the support...

sincerly Chris Genkinger

PS - Hey for all you guys out there that feel funny in the heart, short of breath, light headed, High blood pressure, ect, ect...Get checked out, cause I dont want anything else happeniing to my bodybuilding family...Take care of yourself first...remember there will always be other shows...Health and family comes first...

**MICHAEL ARVILLA** · 04-14-2010, 12:44 PM

Get well Chris!!!!!!
you got all our support bro

**BigJD69** · 04-14-2010, 12:44 PM

GOOD LUCK Chris! Take the time to get better so that you can be there for your family!!

**coaltrain** · 04-14-2010, 12:52 PM

Just got checked out yesterday. 140/80 BP waiting on the rest of my blood panels today. This is great advice Chris. I know most of you will just brush this off because you think you are invincible but it will catch up sooner or later. Just take care of yourselves now and prevent problems later

P.S. I saw a doc that was brand new to practicing yesterday and he was cool as shit. I told him exactly what I do and while he gave me the general AAS are bad diclaimer he proceded to get into an indepth convo with me about what to really keep and eye on, his ideal PCT, all that good stuff. It was great.

**OneWideBack** · 04-14-2010, 12:55 PM

Even though I dont know you Chris I can honestly say I am glad to hear this! And it is great that you reach out and give food for thought like this! Best of luck to you!
Much Rep!

**11Hungrybb** · 04-14-2010, 01:00 PM

Glad to hear you're a well thought out guy..Good luck and btw, if you don't mind me asking.. how old are you?

**Gerb** · 04-14-2010, 01:01 PM

Good well soon buddy, thanks for sharing.

**BigBilly** · 04-14-2010, 01:18 PM

one love chris.. i didnt know u were sick

**jacshelb** · 04-14-2010, 01:21 PM

Thanks for sharing this with us Chris. My blood pressure has always been a little high. What are some of the ways you've looked at/discussed with your doc about lowering yours?

**Daniel Minarsky** · 04-14-2010, 01:24 PM

Good luck Chris

**Jake DeMichele** · 04-14-2010, 01:26 PM

Damn bro, I have the same thing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. When I told my cardiologist I was using AAS he said that is the stupidest thing I could have done besides use cocaine. My heart walls have gotten bigger over the last two years, who knows if it's from the AAS.

My advice is just stay healthy bro. Bodybuilding is awsome but health comes first. The crazy thing about this condition is you never know when or if at all it's goign to effect you. Some people drop dead from this condition and some people live their whole lives with no problems. My mom has had this condition her whole life and she's never had a problem.

P.S. When was the first time you had a ekg? My reason for asking is HCM is a hereditary condition..most people never know they have it...is it possible you could have this all your life and just not known?

**Bona fide** · 04-14-2010, 01:55 PM

So glad to here this Chris. You are a really GREAT guy and I hope the best for your future. Any chance you will be attending any of the shows this year in Texas?..would love to come say hi

BF

**swingslammer** · 04-14-2010, 02:33 PM

Sleep apnea is a BIG contributer to congestive heart failure...that is why it is nothing to mess with. If you don't like the first machine or mask they give you try another...and another. There are atleast 30 differant kinds of masks you can use...some just for your nose and al the way up to a full face mask that looks like a space helmet. Good luck Chris.