The Tour de France is over now. Contador won and seems to be untainted by suspicion of doping. I knew that even if I won the Tour, I would be stripped of the title because, and I can confess this now, I am guilty of blood doping. Doping has been the big media angle on the Tour de France this year. It seems that there was more reporting on doping than on riding or riders.
Doping is an illicit performance enhancing procedure used by endurance athletes. It amounts to artificially increasing the quantity of red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen, and a greater number of them means that the body and muscles can do more work with each breath. There are two ways to increase the percentage of red blood cells in the blood (this measure is known as Hematocrit, aka Crit.) The first is a transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) supplied either by oneself or by a matched donor. The second method is by injection of an artificial hormone, Erythropoietin, EPO, which makes one's own bone marrow produce more RBCs.
I have used both methods of increasing my Hematocrit. In fact, I have syringes of Erythropoietin (brand name Procrit) in my fridge right now. I knew it would be hopeless trying to hide the evidence of my doping from the International Cycling Union. I didn't even bother going to Europe with my bike.
Since my stem cell transplant I have been transfused with 8 units of RBCs. This is not unusual; till my bone marrow recovers and is capable of producing all the normal blood cells I will need this kind of medical care. I'm eagerly looking forward to the day when I don't need to rely on doping. Who knows? Maybe I will make it to the 2008 Tour de France, free of the shame of doping.
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5 comments:
Hi Jeff,
Glad you are in good spirits and are honing your famous sense of humor. News from the outside world? I finished reading the new Harry Potter book yesterday. I have now successfully read each of the books in the series to my kids. They submitted to my reading to keep our streak intact. In the end: love conquers all. I'm relieved, after 7 books, to have the series end with a positive message. Read any good Sci-fi lately? "Feed" was an interesting young adult book about the future of web marketing. You continue to be our prayers. As ever, Amy D'Aquila
Hi Jeff:
"Bravo" for that good sense of humor.
Before Ana left, she had ordered a new Text for Chem L3 & L4, and a new lab book geared to the use of "probeware."
Is this the probeware that you showed Jen how to use?
Does Amy know how to use it?
I'll need a tutorial by the Master (that means you, Jeff).
Keep up the good spirits and let those RBC's Multiply!
Arthur
Hope all is going as scheduled. I'm trying and hoping I am successfully leaving you a comment! Thanks for the medical update. May you continue on the road to recovery with your wonderful sense of humor. Know well you are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace Sue Gird
I could use some help going up hill on my bike - care to share your syringes? ;-) I don't care about doping controls!
Love to all,
deb
Hi Jeff
It was good to hear an update.
Keep up that sense of humor!
We'll keep the prayers coming.
Sr.Dot
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