BIKELEPTIC

A year of  being immobile caused my weight to rise 100 lbs

So almost seven years ago, I broke my back and messed myself up pretty bad. I’ve mentioned this before, I’m sure. I snapped my Achilles tendon and fractured my scapula. I had two ankle surgeries. It took almost two weeks to get the feeling back below my waist.

I wasn’t supposed to walk again.

It fucking sucked.

Needless to say, I live in constant, dull pain among all the other shit that I go through.

I was on prescription pain killers for a long time. Some people can be on narcotic opioids for long periods, get off of them and be fine. It does cause some other issues that you just can’t get around. It slows down your metabolism. Generally if you are on pain management, they prescribe you stool softeners in tandem for example.

That’s a lovely thought, isn’t it? 

Long story short, after some issues, I tapered off of the pain killers and was just in pain. Got on some neuro-meds, which conveniently enough help with seizure control but also cause weight gain, which just exacerbated an already existing issue since I wasn’t exercising – sitting there being mopey and wincing all the time.

One thing on top of another on another.

Fast forward, shall we?

So, last summer I was able to finally shed the weight back to even below my college size. Thinner than I have ever been in my life. Not just thinner, but actually “in shape!” I am really not going to turn this into a “skinny is the most awesomest thing ever and it’s all about how you look because fat people are gross” article.

That’s bullshit.

And stupid.

In fact, I had been considered “overweight” for most of my life. I was never one of those little beanpole kids that I see running around now-a-days. I was cute. But I was squishy. I was talkative. I had my own style. I wore a large. Then an extra-large. Then began shopping in the adult sizes because I had trouble finding things that fit me comfortably in the youth and teen sizes. I was actually in that awkward size where I couldn’t find clothes in a “normal” store that fit, but when I would go into a “plus size” store, I would be a small and would get the stink-eye from the sales people. It was almost worse being that “in-between” because I felt like I had nowhere I could find clothes. At least when I became heavier I had specific places to shop and didn’t get scorned for going into the store for not being “big enough” or “small enough.“

Sure, I got depressed when I was heavy, but for the most part, besides being in pain, I was OK. There were that feeling, though that I didn’t feel comfortable inside my skin.

I just didn’t feel “good.“

What I was later to learn was not that I was uncomfortable with my body or lack of exercise/movement, but from what I was eating. It wasn’t until 2009 that I found out that I was allergic to wheat, lactose and had a bunch of other sensitives/allergies. Changing my diet alone (including becoming a vegan in 2011), has done amazing things for my health.

Last note on size, it’s not about how much anyone weighs. For me personally, I was not exercising or maintaining a healthy lifestyle for me. I didn’t feel comfortable with me. When I began, fat-loss was a natural response. Muscle-gain/tone was also a benefit. Everyone has a different body type. Everyone also has a different lifestyle. This one works for me and is healthy for me. I support healthy, happy lifestyles. I support healthy, happy people. I am not advocating stick-thin people or muscley-toned people because some people aren’t built like that.

And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Because all those skinny/fat loving/bashing memes are sophomoric.

We should all go eat gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, vegan, organic, macrobiotic, sugar-free, locally made, fairly waged cake and be sisters and brothers and every variation in between – and celebrate together.

Anyway.

So I am tired of my back hurting.

Every day.

Not just my back. Because I have this half inch divet in my spine and I sit all wonky twisted, my hips have shifted. My shoulders have twisted. I am all “Essed” up. So much so that my right leg became almost 13 mm shorter. It’s no wonder I continually have left knee issues every race season! Wasn’t there a song written about this very issue?

“The knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone. . . “

I really don’t want to go back on pain killers again. I mean, what’s that going to do, right? Not going to solve the problem. So, for about six weeks I have been going to a chiropractor twice a week and an acupuncturist once a week. This is a very new experience to me! I saw an osteopath a long time ago.

He was a wizard.

Seriously.

He would find a knot, “trigger point” it, bend whatever appendage it was connected with and just hold it for a moment and then the knot would disappear.

Fucker was magic.

How long until I’ll be able to hold myself up with hands like this again?!

Talking to my chiropractor, apparently, he was very “old school.” He was OLD TESTAMENT. Dude had a burly white beard. Always seemed like Santa was working on me during the off-season.

Anyway, this is my first chiropractor experience and I am having a very positive one. I am working with two different practitioners at the clinic and while I still feel tightness, can feel things breaking up. They are working with an acupuncturist on-site and I have been getting treatment from him as well. This is another first for me.

I have been getting the cupping done. Which is weird. But interesting. As well as the little needle bits. What I really enjoy about the acupuncture (and maybe I am missing the point) is that it gives me an hour and a half to just relax. With my busy schedule and constantly running around sometimes just having that time where I lay there and do nothing while someone pokes you and squid-snail-streaks, you. . . well, that helps too. I do feel better for breaking up the knots physically, though too as well as just the emotional breather.

My chiropractor has now challenged me to find a yoga class and attempt to go one time a week. She knows that I won’t be able to do the stretches as bendy as some of the other people, but building up some of the muscle in places where my regular routine doesn’t could help support my spine and ribs.

I’m loathe to do it.

But I know she’s right.

I have been beginning to feel better.

As a closing point, if you are looking for natural care, I highly recommend Asha Integrative Wellness. I’ve get regular treatment from Chris who specializes in back and appendages, Suzi who specializes in jaw and back. (One is lower, one is mid. I can’t remember which!! I work with both of them equally, though!) As far as acupuncture, I get treatment from Toshio who is very kind, quiet and cool. He doesn’t do the traditional meditation music and takes suggestions! Last week I listened to French jazz. If you go, say “Halley referred you.“