Zumba with Samantha

I thought it was about time I gave you all an update. My regulars have been kept updated via the community group chats we have.

For those that are not aware, I have been given a diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy. From the MRI and other findings and the scarring found on my heart they believe it to be left dominant Arrythmogenic Cardiomyopathy which is a rare inherited heart muscle disease

Exercise limitations - I have been given the strict orders to stop Zumba and all vigorous and even medium intensity exercise. Something that really saddens me, as you all know I am full of energy and love expelling my energy in a Zumba class and passing that onto the class to provide a high energy and enjoyable classes. To have this taken away from me and not knowing if I can return hurts me so much. Zumba is my escape, my happy place, my therapy and these past few months of not teaching feel like forever. The hardest part is not knowing if I can ever return. I long for answers but sadly they cannot advise until the genetic testing is done.

Limit on exercise intensity and duration - sadly this disease and especially with the scarring puts me at high risk of dangerous events. High intensity can accelerate the disease and also trigger dangerous and sometimes fatal arrythmias.

Genetic testing - this helps identify the underlying genetic cause of this disease. This will help aid in the final diagnosis, prognosis and help them give me a definitive answer on exercise restrictions and if a device is needed to be fitted etc. Sadly this is a long process and can take months.

I have been a rollercoaster of emotions. But at least I am now being checked out, investigated and that this has been found. I will now be looked after and monitored by the hospital for the rest of my life.

Will Zumba classes resume. I am unsure and wish I could give an answer. I think if there is even a possibility I don't think I will never be able to return with the same energy and level of intensity. I think if I am allowed it will most likely have to be restricted to low intensity and monitored to see if this works. I really hope I can come back, I miss our wonderful community classes and all of you.

A fun night for our annual Christmas Curry 🍛 🎄 with some of the Mytchett and Wavell regulars.

Delicious food and great company with these lovely ladies. It was great to catch up with some of you after so long. Missing not doing Zumba with you all at the moment. My health is still uncertain but hopefully we can return sometime in the New Year 🙏 🤞

Thank you all for coming and of course we missed all those that couldn't make it.

I am so sad to say that classes are temporarily closed. Due to medical issues 😢

I have been diagnosed with heart disease and have been given strict orders by the cardioligist to stop Zumba and all vigorous and even medium intensity activity, due to the huge risk factors I currently have and what has been found so far. I am currently under investigation and have had lots of tests so far, with a lot more to go before they can let me know if and when I can return.

I initially thought I could continue as they originally thought it was mild, but unfortunatley after an MRI they have found scarring on my heart which puts me at huge risk of dangerous events, so sadly it is risk I cannot take.

I am extremely gutted as I love Zumba and dancing and seeing everyone and it saddens me to have this taken away. Hopefully it is only for a short time and fingers crossed I can return and be back dancing with you all 🤞🙏.

I will miss you all and hope we can be back dancing again soon.

Thank you all so much for all your continued support to the classes and for the new memebers that have joined us this year, it has been fun dancing with you all.

Thank you also to you all for all your kind messages, private messages and well wishes.

I hope to see you all again soon.

I am determined, positive thoughts, and from the quote of Arnold Schwarzenegger "I'll be back"

Great fun at this week's spooky Halloween special classes and with my little Jake Skeleton and Dragon joining me at the front for a dance 💃 🕺😀. He loves to dance, so it was great for him to join us.

This 💯
Dancing with both my wonderful community groups is the best. A good uplift to the start or end of the day. Our happy place dancing, smiling and laughing together. Just simply the best and with wonderful people. We forget our worries and feel energised and feel good afterwards 😃💃🕺

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