Hey there. Today I want to talk about something that I know many of my fellow bloggers out there can relate to. And that is bouncing back from some sort of physical disability that is preventing you from doing the things you love.
As you may remember, I rang in 2016 by having a cystectomy on my lady parts. This came right at the tail end of 8 weeks of getting back on my feet (literally) from my torn posterior tibial tendon. It all was a bit demoralizing as I had carefully planned my miraculous athletic comeback to be over New Yearβsβ¦ I even imagined what it would be like if I took my first ride on New Yearβs Day! It was disappointing to be laid up in a Percocet-induced slumber instead.
I rested a lot and patiently waited for my 4 week post-op follow up where I felt confident that my doctor would tell me that I could ease back into physical activity. And when the time came, that is exactly what happened.
Gym Time
I was very careful when I went to the gym at the end of January. I rode the stationary bike for 10 minutes and did some light leg weights. Nothing crazy. Nothing intense.
And then I felt like my insides were going to rip out of my stomach. My mind was saying yes but my body was saying no. It was actually saying h— no.
I think any workout lover out there can relate to this in some respect. You really want to do something, you think you can do it and then you realize that your body isnβt ready. Itβs so depressing. But here is what I keep in mind:
– One of my orthopedic surgeons told me last year that your body really starts to change in your thirties. Things start to slow down, you donβt bounce back as quickly, and all of the stress that you put on our body with running and certain exercises for the past 30 years really starts to catch up to you. Embrace it, yo. This is where I think strength training really comes into play with injury prevention.
– Listening to your body is probably the most important thing you can do when youβre bouncing back from something. Itβs very tempting to try to push the limits but donβt do it. Itβs not worth reinjuring yourself.
– Time heals. So true but will drive an inpatient gal insane.
After the gym incident, I decided to let my body rest some more and not make exercise (or being upset over not exercising) a focus anymore. My car getting stolen really helped take my mind off of this anyway 
I am feeling like I might be ready to get back in the game, so I will probably try another lighter exercise session here in the next few days!
How do you cope when your body is saying no?
Did you ever have to change your workout philosophy after an injury? I was working on running prior to the whole foot/knee thing but now Iβm going to be allllll about the cycling.
It can be difficult for me to “stop” when my body says no but it’s just not worth it to stress our bodies out more or force anything that can lead to more injuries. I do think adjusting to other forms of exercise (i.e. more upper body if you have an ankle/foot injury) is the way to go, and cycling sounds like it will be great for you!
I was awful at adjusting my exercises when I was injured. I could have done more upper body stuff. It was just mentally draining to not be able to do what I wanted to do. Oh well! I’m glad to be back on track now :)
I feel like I’ve become quite in tune with my body. If it says no,I listen. I have no problem skipping a workout if necessary. I think it’s good you’re taking a little more recovery time before getting back into it.
It’s good that you are able to listen to your body, Jen! Definitely wished I had done that about a year ago :)
I think getting older we get smarter about listening to our bodies too… I took a ton of time off from running the past months due to two injuries (nowhere near as serious as your injuries) but it’s definitely a mental battle that needs to be won! Sending you healthy healing vibes <3
Yes, it’s a huge mental battle! Sometimes moreso than the physical! Hope you are recovering well from your injuries.
Oh girl I feel ya! I’ve been through three injuries. I will tell you based in my experience that it takes a good 2-3 months after recovering from the injury that you actual feel better. So while you may be off crutches or out of the boot, it takes time to rebuild day to day strength much less trying to get after it in the gym. You will have your turning point, it’s just comes much later than we expect.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have been off of crutches since November. It was hard for me to go from non weight-bearing to being on my feet all day at work. That made me so much more hesitant to push myself. I feel “better” but my right leg is SO much weaker than my left leg. I’m really trying to get on track with a strength-training plan prior to pushing the cardio. We’ll see how it turns out!
I have to listen to my body when it says no. My “no” comes in the form of chest pain, palpitations, and feeling like I’m going to pass out (or actually passing out.)
I just take it as part of life. I have this awesome brain and body… I love my job, I have an amazing husband, wonderful friends, and joints, lungs and a ticker that don’t always cooperate. It’s OK. Is it frustrating? Sometimes. Do I get discouraged? Yeah, sometimes I do. But you always pick yourself up, dust off, and enjoy the GOOD bits that much more for it, I think… at least, that’s what I try to do! :)
Oh wow, I’m sorry to hear that! Thanks for the reminders to enjoy the good :)
I went through a similar experience when I started running again after my pregnancy. That first run and bit of “extra” movement was really scary for me. Everything felt off and different. It’s so important to listen to your body and not do too much too soon. The mind and body don’t always agree… but one usually knows whats best! :)
Hopefully in these coming weeks things begin to feel more normal and you can slowly ease back into fitness. It sounds like you are being really smart!
I hope so! I went to the gym on Saturday and things went pretty well. Hopefully I’m on the upswing.
I feel like my body has been saying “no” since the beginning of the year. I’m really hopeful once this flu is gone, I’ll be able to ease my way back into running and working out.
You have had a rough go of things, lady. Feel better soon!!!!