Meet Doug "The Photographer/Comedian"
Our August 2024 Midlife Roller Community Spotlight
His toughest battle recently occurred of the mat. May 28th, he underwent a triple bypass open heart surgery. Unfortunately, being very physically fit didn’t eliminate the factors that led to the surgery. Genetics were the leading cause and are a leading cause in heart disease.
Two months removed from his procedure and Doug is fighting to get back to his level of fitness he was at. Exercising everyday plus three days a week in cardiac rehab have him close to his old self.
Interview:
Q: How Long and Where have you been training?
I started training in 2017 at Tipping Point in Cedar Rapids, Iowa under the John Gutta. We have a great team with some world class competition in the room.
Q: How did Jiu Jitsu play a part in your recovery?
A: Really it came down to my mindset throughout the whole process. Knowing I had to be in a bad situation and not panic. Continue to persevere thru the process and have the calmness of being smashed in side control. Yeah, it suck’s but I can get through it.
Q: What made you start your Journey?
A: I had a shoulder surgery and while recovering I had a feeling of weakness and getting old. I had always been an athlete and a wrestler growing up but age was starting to affect me. So, I decided to give Jiu Jitsu a try. Walking thru the door for the 1st time is pretty tough at any age let alone 44 yrs old. One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
Q: What keeps you on the mats?
A: Well as of now I’m off them as my recovery continues. I feel ready to return but it may be up to a year before my sternum and pectorals can be fully restored for Jiu Jitsu. But what I miss the most is the mental stress relief Jiu Jitsu gives me.
That drive home after training was always great. It’s weird that you spend an hour getting crushed and you’re smiling all the way home. I also miss my team and the pre class mat chats. I definitely look forward to getting back to the mats.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I make my living as a comedian and photographer. I’m finally back to work. On the road it becomes a struggle to eat healthy and maintain a 2300mg a day sodium diet. That’s my toughest roll currently. Everything is loaded with sodium so that battle is tough. As of now I’m pushing myself physically to make that return to the mats.
Age is definitely a factor on recovery but it’s not defining me. I’ll beat the timeframe my surgeon has given me for my return to the mats. Until then I just remain calm until I see an opening.
My biggest task now is informing others to pay attention to your body and realize that no matter how physically fit you are, there can still be a risk for heart disease and heart attacks. I was very fortunate to be on the front side of this and make a full recovery. My best advice is to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to your health. 