MIAMI- Not long after Swimming World spoke with 3-time Olympic medalist Katie Hoff about overcoming blood clots in her lungs and her new motives for swimming, she began having trouble breathing again.
“Shortly after I returned on the long flight from the Mesa Pro Swim Series, I noticed my breathing was not normal again,” Hoff said. “After a CT scan, I learned I am still dealing with the effects of the blood clots in my lungs which did not clear as expected.”
Doctors also discovered the thymic gland (in the chest) was enlarged to twice its normal size. Hoff’s doctors advised surgery to remove the enlarged gland.
Hoff underwent surgery on June 4, and was out of the water for two weeks post-surgery.
“Thankfully, tests have confirmed the enlarged mass to be benign (non-cancerous) and doctors hope the removal will also allow for normal blood flow to return and help dissolve the blood clots. While this has been a challenging experience for me the past year, I remain hopeful and committed to regaining my competitive form as soon as possible. I am back in the water swimming, progressing steadily and doing what is necessary to recover in the best way for my health.”
Hoff will be out of competition through Phillips 66 Summer Nationals in San Antonio, but plans to be back on the competitive track this fall in preparation for 2016 Olympic Trials.
All the best with your recovery.
speedy recovery
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