Local bodybuilding president in hospital
Date: 22-11-2006
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamJamaica |
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President of the Jamaica Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (JABBFA), Frederick Smith, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
The 64-year-old Smith, who also serves as national coach, has been in the hospital for the past two weeks. Now attached to intravenous fluid at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Smith said he has low platelet count and feels very weak.
After experiencing back pains since October, Smith contacted his Portmore doctor. Medications provided no relief and he was sent to the university hospital, where he was kept for observation for a few days and released.
He soon began spitting blood and was readmitted to the university hospital, where he now is. The bleeding, he was told, came from the gum in his mouth.
Myeloma is an uncommon disease of the bone marrow that mostly affects elderly men. It leads to a reduction in the number of circulating red and white blood cells, and platelets and causes patients to become anaemic and vulnerable to infection. Blood clotting is also impaired.
Involved in bodybuilding for some 40 years, Smith is one of the humblest sports administrators in Jamaica. A gentleman who preaches the gospel of fitness, Smith said he could be released from hospital in about five days.
A personal trainer at Spartan Health Club, Smith said he came under stress during Jamaica's hosting of the CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships at the end of September and his association is still seeking funds to pay off its debts.
Despite his illness, Smith greets visitors with a vice-like handshake.
