Matthew Reiswig

Been holding back on whether to post this or not, but it’s too much of a win not to…

Three weeks back I experienced something unexpected. After months (years) of heightened stress and anxiety, no sleep due to apnea, and lifting beyond repair, I succumbed to non ischemic cardiomyopathy w/ RVR, also known as “Heart Failure”. Was dealing with crazy arrhythmia, A fib, and palpitations. Heart was functioning at about 35-40%, all due to a prolonged lack of recovery (not sleeping from obstructive breathing). I was averaging anywhere between 2-4hrs a night, and sometimes less. I developed severe apnea after my bodyweight reached 316lbs, while I was competing for strongman. The rigorous training was systemically draining, and my body could never recover.

After running an angiogram, and specific blood tests, it showed all my pathways were clear. Next step, we’re doing an MRI of my heart to check for any structural damage. Since my 5 night stay at Sutter Roseville, and being prescribed medication to keep me in sinus rhythm, today and this past weekend I’m back to feeling like myself. Body weight is down 25lbs since my last comp, and my sleep has been a lot less obstructed. Feeling recovered.

Knowing that my circulatory system is clear, today I wanted to step back up to the bar. Hit 500lbs for an easy 2 reps, with more in the tank. Hell yeah! Felt light…