MEDIA RELEASE
TUESDAY 1 APRIL, 2008
LISA CURRY KENNY DOING WELL AFTER HEART PROCEDURE - REST NOW A PRIORITY
Lisa Curry Kenny is recovering well from yesterday's procedure to implant a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in her chest. Her cardiologists are pleased with her progress and the procedure's outcome. She had a good night's sleep, has been out of bed today for a short walk along the hospital corridors, is eating normally and is in good spirits.
Curry Kenny has been diagnosed with Myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle causing heart muscle weakness and problems with the electrical circuitry of the heart.
Doctors believe her heart muscle suffered injury from a viral infection which may have been compounded by a rigorous training program. Curry Kenny had shown evidence of significant and progressive electrical instability in the heart which is associated with a high risk of heart rhythm problems which can be dangerous and life threatening. These electrical problems are uncommon but are well known to be a cause of blackouts and even sudden death in athletes and sports people who continue to exercise when they have this condition.
Yesterday, a cardiologist implanted the ICD which can detect and deal with the dangerous rapid heart rhythms by applying a burst of pacing or delivery of an internal shock. The defibrillator will stay with Curry-Kenny for the remainder of her life.
Doctors are optimistic that Curry Kenny will continue to improve and have emphasised the importance of rest and an avoidance of heavy training in her recovery. She will remain in hospital for several days before returning home to the Sunshine Coast for further recuperation.
Curry Kenny said she is feeling sore but well and is thankful for and touched by the hundreds of messages of support she has received and is now focused on her immediate recovery.
"People have been lovely and I really appreciate the thoughts of support," said Curry Kenny.
"I'm not very good at being quiet and staying still so I really need to just follow the doctors' orders and do exactly as they tell me, although I'm looking forward to going home to be with my family.
"I know everyone wants to hear more about what's happened and I want to ensure others understand the dangers of training and not resting when your body needs it, but for the moment I have to do as I'm told and follow my own advice by taking some time out for my heart and my own body to settle."
Ends.
Media enquiries:
Nicole Browne, Media Opps 02 9954 7677 or 0414 673 762 nicole@mediaopps.com.au
