For Rudee...Relate to your post about back & disc issues. On a pain scale 1-5, I reached 4.75 several times in the 8-week period following that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class (a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting) in Seattle's University District in early January 2011. I didn't get an MRI but all symptoms pointed to C5-6 disc injuries and pinched nerves. First time visitors should never be asked to pair up a 5.1, 115 pound Filipina (me) with a gorilla-sized 6-foot tall, 220 pound dude (member of the "club") with arms the same circumference has her legs. Right?
My team of Chiropractors, rehab specialist, massage therapist, and acupuncturist all told me to "take it easy, take time off of work, and pull back from training and workouts. How was I supposed to do that when I had a full-time job and the Seattle Rock-N-Roll half marathon to train for?! That would have been my first half marathon ever. Ghurrrr! Tear-jerking, crawl-to-the-bathroom PAIN...that's how! Yikes! I completely lost the use my left arm for a few weeks, and couldn’t even carry my purse. That was the same arm that I used to wrap around tree-truck-dude's arms for the "knee grab" martial arts move. My point finger is still numb until today, left biceps tendon went out of the groove, and one of my Chiropractors described my extreme shooting pain as "zingers" with manual adjustments in my upper spine. One Chiropractor had to use a little clicker device and activator method for a little while until the inflammation calmed down enough for manual manipulation. Lying in bed with ice-packs for several days was not my idea of training for a half marathon! Alas, after that one miraculous massage therapy treatment with magic fingers Therese, and lots of rest; my healing path turned a huge corner.
In those eight weeks, no pain-killers, no muscle relaxants, no drugs of any kind, no hospitals, no tests, no expensive MRI, and no-one traditional doctors or Western Medicine. I did use only plant-based regenerative nutrition, finally did take time off work, iced, iced, iced and when the ice pack got warm got the second and iced some more, and lots of prayers!
Once I felt confident that I could start working out again, I approached each fitness activity or routine carefully. I gradually got back to my weekly running routine and in a few weeks could run five miles with little fatigue. On the early morning of April 11th, I ran in the Seahawks 12K race and did 10 minute-miles; faster than I planned. I missed the Rock-N-Roll half June 26th due to other knee injuries (another long post on the way) but now on track for Seattle half this November 28th.
Being confined to bed-rest gave me a whole new understanding, respect for those who are suffer from chronic pain, and time to think about my passions and long-term goals. I decided to start working on my skill set as an athletic trainer, and in the process of completing a few more certifications. My focus is working with health-seekers who are "joint-challenged" but want to improve, maintain their fitness levels without exacerbating their injuries, and have just completed post-injury rehab and committed to long-term fitness, OR someone hasn't worked out in years do to chronic pain.
When I share my story at events, meet-ups and online, many people come-up to me and share their own story. They relate to my experience, understand the level of pain that keeps you awake all night, and the emotional toll that chronic pain can cause. You may not plan to check out a martial arts class, but if you do try a new activity; be aware of your body’s limitations and get around people who put your safety and well-being ahead of the athletic pursuit or triumphant victory in pinning some big dude to the ground.I applaud your approach, Rudee, praise your courage and appreciate your blog. I ran a crossed your post when I was looking for "backbend over the ball photo" for my blog and Facebook posts. You can find me on movetobefit.com and also FB MOVE To Fit monthly challenges.
Cheers to your continued path toward healing!
