More than two weeks after suffering a heart attack, open water swimming legend Steven Munatones has spoken.
Munatones’ sister has been keeping friends and family updated throughout his recovery on his status via Facbeook messages, but now Munatones has left one of his own.
Munatones is a former World Champion in the 25km swim and a former coach of the U.S. National Open Water Team.
Read his full post below:
Everyone,
Thank you very much for the bottom of my heart. I greatly appreciate all the words of encouragement and support during these trying times. It will take me time to thank each and every one of you, so this is the first step.
This is a short report on my mind, body, and soul.
MIND
I do not remember anything for 9 days before and after my heart attack. There were also periods of time after that when I occasionally interfused my dreams with reality (which made my wife either laugh or scratch her head). But my mind definitely seems sharper than normal now.
I notice small things now that I ignored before: the tone of a voice, the color of a flower, and the taste of food. Everything seems more in focus and “closer” now. It seem as if I am watching life on a massive HDTV or while wearing an Oculus Rift.
BODY
A week ago, I could not get out of bed by myself. Fewer than 4 days ago, I could barely move from the bed to standing up. It took a lot of effort and help. My core and legs were useless.
I cannot swim for at least a few months, which is one consequence of wearing a wearable defibrillator 24/7. I cannot run. I cannot ride a bicycle. I do not trust myself driving on the California freeways.
But I can walk easily now and do KAATSU. I am down to my college weight, so that is benefit. But the girth of my arms and legs has decreased; yet strength to my core and limbs is steadily returning.
The local paramedics, Dr. Carter and the entire medical staff at Hoag Hospital are all heroes. Their training, education and the technology they use to keep someone like me alive are absolutely breathtaking.
All of this seems to make this road back to healthful longevity quite doable.
SOUL
Without a doubt, I was lucky. I had a heart attack at home when my family was there. I have a wife and son with a calm, focused demeanor who both saved me. My sister, parents and friends also never left my side. Your collective presence and prayers were powerful and undoubtedly gave me strength.
I just read everyone’s messages on Facebook, although it will take me more time to get through all the emails and text messages. Your words were incredibly beautiful and they greatly warmed my soul.
Your words, prayers, and actions gave me an additional insight and confidence in everyone’s innate goodness. I am deeply touched. Thank you very much again.
Thank God he is on the mend. Romans 15:13. My understanding is that heart problems happen often to mega-long distance runners, not sure anyone knows why. Possibly because of long-term overtraining? Not sure. I wonder if this sort of thing happens to long distance swimmers more often than the rest of the population? Would be interesting to find out.