Exercise or lack there of............

Backinthesaddle · 06-07-2006, 09:24 PM

I hope I am not the only one who loved to exercise. I used to run distance like 6-10 miles a day at least 4-5 times a week. I trained for races and relays. I also rode horses 4-5 times a week and used to compete. Then I also lifted weights 3-4 times a week. I even was able to sustain most of this before and within a few months post my posterior laminectomy C6/7. Then I got rear ended and things just went from bad to worse and within 3 months after I was not doing anything but sitting behind a desk and PT. I got pg and wasn't able to have the surgery for that 9mo so I was basically nursing a decent C4/5 stenosis for 18 months. Now I am post surgery 3.5 months and doing PT but still have lots of arm and hand pain. I am off of work and want to go back if nothing else to get some life back that is normal. I am now still 5+ lbs overweight and it is all fat not muscle anymore. My stomach is fat my legs giggle and I am getting very depressed over this entire thing. I am in my early 40's and it is hard enough at this stage of the game not to be able to work out. Ok you may ask why I don't. Two reasons, the first my arms hurt, second I am on WC and I fear the wrong message would be sent if they saw me trying to get back into shape (not that I was trying to so I can go back to work). When I walk I cannot get my heart rate up where it needs to be no matter how hard I try to walk faster (pushing a stroller), I want to jog and have tried for a few minutes and feels great until I am done. I don't eat that much since I am so sedentary, and I am lifting 3 whole pounds while doing the PT workout. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR maybe it is only me but I am beginning to think I will never get to work out again. What is anyone doing to combat this?

I do realize many think I am petty and silly. But understand I am short and stout and my cloths don't fit. I no longer am muscular I am mush. Plus I am just darn grumpy these days. I had a c-section and a unplanned modified rad. hysterectomy so it adds to it.

JackieH · 06-08-2006, 04:30 AM

Bitsy,

Ok...I'm with ya on the excercise freek thing. I used to be one, cardio, weights, blonde, bikini, living on the beach in So.Cal. Those were the days.

Then I met Mr. Wonderful, got preggy, got sicky, got fatty.
What I'm not tracking with you on is the 5lbs thing. Are you really upset about being less than 10lbs over weight? I don't mean to belittle your feelings, Bits but...THAT's not overweight!!!
Mike's "new normal" cliche' has to apply here. We will never be what we used to be. And that's just fine. You don't want to spend the rest of your life wishing you were. Think of all the hours wasted on thinking about the woulda shoulda coulda's.
I'll bet you look awesome! You can't do crunches or you'll hurt your neck. I do mine in the water. Bring your legs up to your chest using your tummy muscles. It works. ALso, have you bought a couple pairs of "Spanks" yet?

Little by little you'll find that you can do more & more. I have...even w/this high pain level I'm still at. I can do a little more each week. Don't worry...it won't be this way forever, Bits.

I know...the spring in your step when your athletic is awesome. But the one in your step when your comfortable in your skin no matter what is even better.

Don't waste another second on those few lbs.

Now go shopping & buy yourself a cute new outfit for summer, ya hear?!

(Hope I wasn't too bossy)
Jackie

dennisgb · 06-08-2006, 11:07 AM

Bits,

I think I commented before, that you will get back there again.

Realize that this is a long recovery. It took close to a year before I felt like I could work out. I gradually raised my weights, once the surgeon released me from weight restrictions.

It is depressing, and for you even more so, being stuck at home...

Just keep plugging, find a hobby or something you can do to get your mind off of it. Look at the small progress each day, week or month as a big thing, and celebrate that you will get your life back, and be able to do the things you love to do...

Dennis

Backinthesaddle · 06-08-2006, 11:09 AM

Thanks Jackie but yes 5 lbs is alot when you are only 5' tall. It means my pants don't fit. Plus it is all in my stomach now and it never has been. The 5 lbs has now turned into 7 lbs (got on the scale). It will only creep up more and more and I am to short to carry the extra weight. I realize that the days of lifting heavy weights and running all day long may be gone. But now I can't even step out of my door in fear of being watched and misunderstood. I don't have a pool or access to one even to swim or do water workouts. I have just been in a foul mood this past week. I don't look great. I am looking my age which I never have and can't fit into my cloths and am tired of being within 4 walls looking out. And it is dang hot here and no rain! I am from So. Cal so I understand what you mean.

I know people think I am being silly. But it is how I feel and I have no outlet to say how I feel. So I took the opportunity here. I thought maybe there was someone who felt as petty as me and could offer their thoughts. Maybe I am just being to petty. But what else do I have to do right now

.

I have decided that after the EMG (if my doctors office ever gets it done or calls me back) I am going back to work and will live with the pain and get my life back. As long as doing so will not put me in further harms way I will live with the pain. Right now I just do not know if something is being pinched and will get worse so I haven't done that yet.

Thanks for letting me vent I am just grumpy!

sunshine221 · 06-08-2006, 11:22 AM

Walk as much as you can, especially now that the weather is nice!!!

I know my "new" routine needs tweeking, but I'm up for Dr visits next week. I water walk 40 minutes, Curves 30 minutes, treadmill 30 minutes, stationary bike 10 minutes (this is a struggle), leg weights every other day and 1 mile walk at least twice a week. My husband wants to add more real biking and I want to try tennis and golf. (I also work 40+ hrs plus volunteer committments)