Friday, January 29, 2010

My Favorite machine!

OK, so I'm finally ready to vent on my blog for everyone to see! In early November I started an exercise program that was very intense, I'm talking like 3 hours of cardio, a lot of sweat and pain! I was so into it i never even dreamed i was way over doing and actually doing damage to myself. I began to have back pain and sharp pains in my legs, I brushed this aside not wanting to break my exercise routine. On December 4Th when Madison broke her leg is when i could not pretend my back wasn't hurting anymore. I remember I was in the van holding Madison and when someone opened the door to help get her out, I was stuck.... The door flew open so fast that i screamed out in pain, I could not move..... At this point I knew I had to buck up because My daughter needed me and it was not a good night for me to crumble.. I continued to be in horrible pain the whole month of December. Lifting Madison, the wheelchair and working were making matters worse. I finally had an MRI and discovered i had a herniated disc. I was told, no lifting, house cleaning and no GYM!! What??? This can't be!! I wanted to continue, to be super woman, I had something to prove!! I wanted to loose weight , to become healthy, to live a long life, long enough to see my kids marry and have their own children.. I was devastated, depressed and lost. After seeing many Dr's they have decided that doing surgery on my back would only make it worse and suggest i have therapy 3 times a week and pain management. Surgery to me sounded like a quick fix and i liked that idea, but for me it wont work. So, my doctor has said I can do a little exercising, like the elliptical and swimming and my therapy. No lifting and prefers no cleaning..
I have decided i will do the elliptical 30 minutes a day and swimming 4 days a week. The elliptical has become my best friend!! Who ever invented this wonderful amazing machine is a genius! I have never in my life been so happy to work out! If you have not tried the Elliptical I highly recommend it, it is so gentle on your joints!
So, the next time you see me... ( biggest looser line) I hope to have lost a few more pounds and to be pain free from my back:) Thank you for all your support over the past 2 months, and as I continue on this long journey.

4 comments:

karen louise said...

I am so sorry that you have have such a painful few months with this back problem Joni!! I didn't even realize that it was so bad, and wish I could have come over to help you more, I am soo sorry!

I am so sorry that the surgery didn't work out, and that you won't be getting that 'quick fix' like you talked about...however, having had the surgery on my knees and it being 7 months since the surgery...I have to say, that I'm not sure surgery was the best option--the pain is different...but seems worse that it was before. Maybe this therapy and light exercise will be a blessing in disguise! Praying for you! And I'm so glad you can do the exercising you love again! :)

Love you, sissy!

Lynda said...

Joni, our prayers are with you! Please don't overdo on the elliptical, either. Take your time and make sure that you get yourself healthy.

Julie said...

Don't worry about cleaning. I can do all the hard things. Maybe taking it slow to repair your back will repair your back the right way. Thinking of you. Love ya tons.

Love your other sissy!

Shane's Angie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your back! I've had two herniated discs that I have lived with for 15 years. I tease Shane that he had the easy way out. A few weeks of terrible pain, surgery, and whammo...no more pain! Not fair! I'm glad you enjoy the elliptical! Best wishes to you and here's hoping you get that back pain under control!