So, after my little fall down the stairs, I thought I’d got off lightly with a few stitches but the following 3 weeks have been a nightmare. I now have a trapped nerve that is sending pain down my arm which has affected everything I do.
My gym sessions are useless due to the nerve impingement and my left arm being weak and ineffective, my sleep is disturbed as I can’t get comfortable due to the pain, my concentration levels are reduced because I feel the need to move about and stretch to relieve some pain. Life has changed!
I have used ice, heat, stretched, been in a jacuzzi, had 3 massages and, recently, went to have an assessment with a chiropractor. I find out my results tomorrow and have my re-alignment to look forward to, so hopefully, it’ll be ‘fixed’ and I can start to build my strength again, sleep better and concentrate on tasks.
I took my pain free life for granted and really didn’t realise how much, having constant pain, can affect so many different areas of life. It’s not a fun space to be in! Having said that, it is getting better so I am feeling more positive and that has given me a different perspective on the next few weeks. I am looking forward to getting back in the gym, ‘rehabing’ and starting again. I am setting some really low targets with the end goal of entering some events, next year.
I am not being too hard on myself and realise that, this time, I have to do things slowly in order to get the results I want. I’m being patient (not normally my style) and I’m taking small steps, but I am remaining positive.
So here are some of the lessons I have from this experience (and these relate to any set back):
- Set backs are inevitable and they do come in different guises so the response needs to be tailored
- When something knocks you back “Start with the end in mind” and work out your plan
- Remind your self that it’s ok not to be where you want to be – yet!
- A step in the right direction, with one thing, can impact your approach to other parts of your life, in a positive way
I am looking forward to a full recovery with the support of my training buddies and will book some events in the diary, just to make sure I have something to keep me motivated. I am also aware that, at my age, things might not be as straight forward, so need to bear that in mind.
Have a fantastic week – stay safe