Thalassemia: Is this my goodbye to martial arts?

**omoplatypus** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:12pm

so, the past few weeks i've been training again since my hamstring has healed up. however, after every training session i would find myself absolulty exausted in a not good way. i would get increadably dizzy in the showers, have problems breathing. it seemed like no matter what i did, i couldn't get my breath back.

so, i went to the doctor and was diagnosed with thalassemia. he was really suprised i haven't been in earlier. he has recomended that i stop MAs and take up something else like swimming or yoga.

problem is, i'm in a mcdojo contract. decent enough sport TKD school, but contracted none the less.

hopefully my instructor will be cool and let me go. it sucks bad enough my MA days are pretty much over.

**NJM** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:17pm

Sorry to hear that. Are you sure that means the end, or can you make adjustments?

**Anna Kovacs** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:22pm

Most contracts have a clause that will release you from obligation in the event that you're unable to continue training due to a medical issue. Talk with your school about the situation and they'll almost certainly let you out.

**DarkPhoenix** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:24pm

A letter from the doctor stating that you can no longer continue will make the contract void. Sorry to hear about the Thalassemia. My ex girlfriend has that too, so it stops her from doing a lot of things. Take up TaiChi.

**thaclient** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:25pm

From some brief medical research [read: Wikipedia] I would pose that question to your hematologist, when you go see one. First, there is always tai chi in addition to yoga. Second, perhaps you can participate in certain MAs that don't necessarily do much live sparring to at least some technique. Granted, I have no idea how you feel but was just throwing some ideas out there. Sorry to hear it, but at least you've been diagnosed now [now go get a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis!].

**dbm** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:31pm

Your instructor should have a clause in the contract, where it becomes void if you become ill. If not put a stop payment in your account, if he/she won't terminate. As a school owner i would never hold you to your obligation, specially if you are sick.
I use the contracts at my school; however i have never held anyone to them. It is more for the bank, so i can show them 'security' that is what you need to receive loans ect... anyway kind of off topic. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

**CoffeeFan** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:36pm

Sorry to hear that dude. Perhaps you can take the opportunity to discover the R3al D3adly Thai Chi? Follow your doctors orders and see if there is any way to make adjustments or get a second opinion.

Contract shouldn't be a problem with a doctors note stating your unable to continue

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:41pm

Clone yourself and steal blood from your clone IMO. On a serious note, take care of yourself and talk to your doctor about maintaining some kind of sport.

**Sri Hanuman** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:52pm

****... sorry to hear that. Give Taiji or Yoga a chance, and see if they can get you back on track. If not, at least they can keep you in decent shape.

**1point2** · Posted On: 1/27/2009 3:58pm

Why did he recommend stopping MA? I did a little research and didn't see anything glaring.

Sucks to hear of the diagnosis either way--but even with a good doctor, second opinions (especially from sports specialists) are worthwhile. Good luck however it turns out.