Embrace Your Destiny: You've Got to Want IT

I wanted IT (normal walking) too much. I did too much. Sure it hurts, but it's suppose too. Listening to my body and my doctor is challenging for me. But, my body brought me to my knees. I acknowledge that I was wrong. The body can humble you better than anything or anybody. When the body says “Enough” that’s pretty much it, at least for me. I was stopped in my tracks. 

Walker, walker, I didn’t plan to bring you back to life so quickly.

Walker, walker, I am keeping you close again, 

You are my best friend again.

I want to leave you sitting, but that’s not safe.

I’d like to ignore the pain and move on strongly. 

But, that's stupid. I’ll keep you close until I’m sure I am stable again.

I thought I was doing good with my recovery from the fall. In week seven, I was feeling pretty strong and took longer walks. We went out early morning when it was still cool. In the beginning, we drove to the bottom of the driveway to start. I ditched the cane and held Donnie’s hand for support. Then, I graduated to walking down the driveway. It is steep and gravel. That was a good challenge, especially coming back up. The next week we added more distance. I was proud to be walking 1.5 miles in several outings per day. 

I messed up when I got really ambitious adding hot yoga and walking to my daily routine. Then I added some strengthening exercises my Physical Therapist approved for stabilizing the pelvis. Maybe I was not ready for that addition. The pain got worse and worse. I had to use Walker again to be safe. I also became  a regular customer at my chiropractor's office for two weeks. 

When I get the okay to resume normal activity, I am ready! We got an infrared light for our yoga space. Infrared light is used in hot yoga studios to boost the immune system, the mood and to reduce inflammation. Until the inflammation goes down in my lower back, I'm sidelined. 

Now, I am working with my chiropractor instead of against his recommendations. Slowly, I am getting rid of the inflammation and pain. I trust my Physical Therapist to guide me in strengthening the pelvic area through weight work. I'm eager to get back to normal activity. I will gladly do whatever it takes to get back to normal. 

The body is amazing. I’ve learned in hot yoga that with patience, the body can heal itself. I'm done with imposing my own rules for progress. I want IT (walking) but will listen to my body better. I will get back to hot yoga and walking soon.  My body, my chiropractor, and my physical therapist are a great guiding team. They will let me know when that time has come. Until then, thank goodness for Walker.