Over a year ago, I started to huff and puff, experiencing shortness of breath with little exertion. I thought I was just out of shape. It persisted, so I went to my primary care doctor. He sent me to the best specialists in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I was given just about every test out there. Finally, they surmised I had COPD. The lungs got blocked from receiving oxygen.
Usually smokers get it, sometimes athletes. With COPD, fluid can sometimes block the lungs. I now have an inhaler, a rescue inhaler and water pill medicine. I’m still a hurtin’ puppy until the doctors get the right formula.
I still teach tennis, play golf, shovel snow, and all the other things I like. I’ve also managed COPD by slowing down my exertion level and resting until I catch my breath.
Every Monday evening at 7:30 pm from September to March, I work over (drill) six men who are competing in the business world. They come to me to escape the stresses of the day and maybe learn some tennis. For an hour and a half, they are in constant motion. So am I. I’m a machine gun, feeding balls, offering instruction, critiquing what they do, offering words of encouragement, keeping score, and running the drills. That’s multitasking.
When COPD kicks in, I’m sucking wind (breathing hard), I’m light-headed, my legs are weak. Each point I’m ready to hit the ground (pass out). I can’t let my buddies down. I’ve got to make it to the end. I barely do. I fake it well. It’s 9:00 pm. I rest for a few minutes and drink water.
I’m feeling better but I still have to drive home. At 89 years, it’s hard to see at night but I know the road and there is little traffic. I’ll call the doctor first thing in the morning.
I know I won’t get a callback right away, and I have a scheduled lesson in two hours. I guess I’ll get back on the horse. The drill format is the same as the previous night.
I’m tired and apprehensive after almost passing out multiple times the previous night. Can’t let my ladies down, so I’ll give it a go. I’ll just back off a little, energy-wise. Wow! I make it but not without a struggle.
The doctor’s office calls so at least I have an appointment – but I have another scheduled drill. Again, I can’t let them down. As I was leaving the court after the drill, I notice discomfort in my right arm but I’m on my way to play golf. With each swing of the club, my arm hurts more. I can’t lift it to the height of my shoulder. I’m not going to a COVID-laden hospital. I’ll sweat it out and call the doctor in the morning. I’m thinking stroke because I don’t remember hurting that arm. It’s not unusual that I’m somewhat oblivious to pain. Years ago, while ski patrolling, I was blindsided by an out-of-control skier. When I went to First Aid for an x-ray of my painful arm, the doctor said, It’s not broken but when did you break it! I had no recollection that I ever broke it.
Back to my stroke concerns. I called the doctor again in the morning to report the new incident. I’m on a roller coaster ride and playing phone tag with the office. Still, I have another scheduled drill and can’t let them down. But I’m also really smart. I go to the drill and take Mary Ellen to be my ambulance driver, if needed.
I can’t feed balls with my injured arm because it hurts like hell. So I’ll just use my left arm to drill. I made it. Good news – the doctor’s office rules out a stroke.
I’m not in cahoots or in good graces with the great coach in the sky, but as luck would have it, he sends me a beautiful gift. It’s in the form of a blizzard. Lessons are canceled for the next two days. I have to rest.
Halfway through the first day of rest, I inadvertently realize I can raise my arm without chest pain. By 6:00 pm, I realize I can lift my arm free of pain above my head. What’s going on? No stroke? No injury? The doctor is as perplexed as I am.
The second day of rest I’m loaded with energy, have good range of motion, and am free of pain. I guess I’ll go wood chucking. Oops, I felt that lift. I’ll be damned – wood chucking is how I hurt my arm, but it had to have been a slight, but painful, strain. One mystery solved, and it only took one day to have my range of motion back and be free of pain. Now, I just have to work on the mystery of COPD.
I’m not quitting
You were my hero 45 years ago and you’re still my hero today!!
If there is a GOAT for human beings, it’s you Marty. What is even more amazing is that anyone who has ever been lucky enough to be In your space will say the same. Your life has impacted so many…thank you for your friendship, advice and smiles for over 50 years! Stay well and keep us posted.
Hello Mr. Devlin,
I was your secretary at Rider during 1973-74 until I started student teaching in the spring of 74. I so enjoyed working for you! You always had the greatest attitude and made it fun to type up things for you. You are the best! I graduated spring of 1974 and went on to be a business teacher in high school. Then I went on to be a computer teacher for pre-k through 3rd grade. I loved the little ones. I am now 69 and retired. I am married with a son and daughter. I am so happy you and your wife are doing so well. Thanks for the great memories!
Hey, Ol’ Buddy. Sorry to read that the Ferrari hit a speed bump and the wheels are getting aligned. Should I send more beer to you while you await the repairs?
Marty you are simply amazing! Always have been, always will be! Love you ol’ buddy ~ your sweetie pie Kathy
Marty, It is good to read that your arm pain is under control and that you are still coaching your men and women tennis groups.
We go back to the early 60’s when I started taking your group diving lessons on Saturday mornings at Trenton State College. When I started to dive competitively in AAU meets, my group lessons with you turned to private lessons during the summer months at Greenacres Country Club. I have fond memories of those days. I arrived early in the morning before the pool opened to the country club membership. We always started each lesson with drills to fine tune my diving fundamentals. The first part of every practice consisted of hurdle jumps to make sure I achieved the proper height and distance from the board. After I was solid on the fundamentals, I gained the confidence to execute all the difficult dives that propelled me to a successful diving career in high school and led to a scholarship to Dartmouth College.
Although my college diving career was cut short after I punctured my ear drum, I learned a valuable life lesson from Marty’s coaching. Take the time to build a solid foundation. The effort will pay off when you are expected to take on the difficult “dives” in life.
Marty, you have had a significant impact on my life and many others. Thanks so much You are the best! Lou Fantin
Hey, Special Ol’ Buddy Lou!
I thoroughly enjoyed our visit several weeks ago at the Bucks County Racquet Club. Then, several weeks later, I received a lovely note from you where you reminisced about our former experiences together. You made my day by taking the rust off fond & precious memories. I can assure you that you have been a very special person in my life.
Thank you!
Ol’ Buddy Marty
Hi Marty!
I have no clue if you remember me but I used to take private lessons from you at Hopewell Valley Tennis Center back in the mid/late 90s. While my sports career ended after high school, I still remember all those lessons on mental toughness and perseverance you taught me and have applied them throughout my life. I was beyond ecstatic to stumble upon your site and see you are still sharing your wisdom!!
I did want to comment specifically on this post. I know its a couple months old now, but I was alarmed by some of the symptoms you mentioned. While they can be attributed to COPD, please make sure you see a heart doctor if you haven’t already! Many of the symptoms you described can be associated with ischemic heart disease/coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. If present these are not conditions you want to push yourself physically if left untreated.
Anyways, so happy to see you are doing well overall. I do plan on reading your book!
Take care,
Amit Deshpande