Stacie's Journey for Weight Loss and the 1/2 Marathon Jan 09!

[larry's girl]

Hi, sweetie. I am SO SORRY you are having all these physical issues. It would be a lot to take in on its own, but on top of Matt's seizure problems, I know it seems overwhelming for you.

Take it from someone who has spent A LOT of time in the chiropractor's office over the last few weeks - your chiropractor will become your BEST FRIEND in this endeavor. Just remember: A twisted pelvis/spinal column does not mean the end of your running. My pelvis is twisted and my spine is curved at the bottom, also, and my back doc says that as long as we stay on top of the adjustments, exercising is GOOD for those problems because it gets the muscles and joints moving. Taking off the weight puts a lot less pressure on your back, too, so that's another big benefit to exercising. I also have some disk issues, but he says that those will also improve with exercise and weight loss. Just because a disk is bulging now does not mean it will continue to do so if it is treated correctly. Believe me, if I can jog after having my back be so messed up, you will be able to, also. Just PLEASE BE CAREFUL and don't overdo things. Make sure your chiropractor is okay with whatever your training plan is for the week before you do it, and you will be fine.

I know you are frustrated and discouraged today, but just remember IT WILL GET BETTER. At least you are now aware of what the problems are so that they can be corrected. This may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for you, just like my back problems have been for me, in the sense that you get things fixed now before they become so severe that surgery or other invasive procedures are the only options you have left.

BIG HUGS, baby - hang in there!

Susan

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Stacie!

First of all...hang in there!! I know it's hard...you are dealing with a lot, having to be so supportive of Matt, helping to take care of hiim...and now having to take care of yourself too...take a deep breath and try to focus on today. One thing at a time Looks like you have a great attitude given everything that's on your plate right now. Keep your chin up (I know you will!) and everything will work out just fine.

As far as the bulging disc/running/structural issues...I was completely sidelined for a couple years dealing with my bulging disc (and yes, it's still there...still bulging away LOL). To keep a long story short, building up the muscles around the disc and in my back and legs was by far the best thing I ever did for it. I had a HUGE curve at the bottom of my spine that I figured would be there forever (it looked completely deformed)...but now today it's almost perfectly straight. I don't tell you that to brag about myself, I tell you that so you realize that you can fix a lot of what is going on with solid core work and exercise. I think the best things I ever did for my back were both running and core work. Running/walking forced my body to be more balanced and the core work forced my weaker side to catch up with my stronger side and put me more in line. A good friend of mine (guess who?) set up a GREAT plan for me that was pilates based but allowed me to bulid up the weaker side and further alleviate pain and correct structural issues. SO...please don't worry too much about that bulging disc...it doesn't seem to be bothering you a whole lot right now, so it's a great time to be improving your structure.

I've had to work on my posture a lot too. I hunched over and put so much more pressure on my lower back. By focusing on keeping my shoulders back and sitting up straight, it just keeps everything more in line. (It's so hard to do though! I catch myself slumping all the time LOL). Again, pilates is GREAT for helping with this....as every exercise has you focused on great posture and form, along with a neutral spine position so that back issues are not aggrivated.

I know Amy will stop by here today and provide her insight, she's got great advice. She's dealt with the tilted pelvis/leg shorter issue...and helped me with my bulging disc issue...so she should have you totally covered (No pressure there McPilates). The positive thing is that we are all still exercising and running, even with our own structural issues.

I hope this helps you see that this is not even close to the end for you, and in fact is a great opportunity to adjust your body while you are still young and hopefully eliminate problems that might have come down the road as you get older.

I'm not a doctor, but I'm totally confident that you can work with the feet/pelvis/back issues without sacrificing the goals you've set already for yourself. I'd keep that 15k right there on the horizon :

I hope your day gets better and remember that you have a great support system with your family, along with us journalers here on the boards Keep your chin up

 

[AmyBeth68]

BIG Stacie!!!

First let me say that I LOVE your attitude. It's totally ok to be frustrated..you have a right to be. You're trying so hard to make these changes in your lifestyle and you're coming up against obstacles and challenges. It stinks . So don't worry about complaining, whining or feeling bad...it is completely valid to feel that way! And still....you remain committed to your exercise goals and that says SOOOO much about who you are Stacie. I commend you for that...it takes a lot of courage and determination to trudge onward when things get tough, and pain sets in. Keep on fighting...you and your sister are total warriors out there...I'm soooo impressed!!!!

As for your leg/feet issues...I think you are doing EXACTLY what needs to be done. First of all...keep moving....it's vital and you know what is going on so just don't push through too much pain. Otherwise..if it feels ok and manageable, keep going . Seeing the chiro and getting a good plan of action is sooo important! Keep getting adjustments and work done...it will help, just give it time. Also....you know...it's me .....CORE CORE CORE. I can't stress it enough...i promise you it will help. Let us know what the doctor says tomorrow...I'm hoping they plan to do some sort of orthotics for you...that should help alleviate the stress! As for your back...Scott said it all....you can do this with a bad back....I know you can. Just listen to your body and back off as needed. AND...don't give up on that 15K goal yet. Talk with the doctor tomorrow!!!! Hang tough Stacie! We're here for you!!!!!!

 

[postesf]

Hi! Thanks so much guys! !!!!!

Just wanted to let you know I'm in a better frame of mind today!

I'm off to the chiro!

More later!
Stacie

 

[AmyBeth68]

Good luck at the chiropractor today .

Please post and let us know how the consultation went.

 

[momof2minnies]

Hi Stacie,
I'm just jumping in here to say kudos to you for keeping it together when you are so stressed. I do believe if we continue to work out during times like these you can handle in better.
I hope your appt. went well yesterday.

If you find a good pilates dvd can you let me know-core emergency here!

Have a good one,one day at a time,
Linda

 

[postesf]

Ok...so...the chiro yesterday.

We have a plan. She wanted me there daily next week, but I could only work out 3 days. I'll go in for adjustments to get the pain level down and the muscle spasms down. The 2nd week, I'll go in 2 or 3 times to work on increasing the range of motion, continuing to bring the pain level down and possibly begin muscle work for length. The 3rd week, I go in 2 or 3 times to begin rehabilitation and posture correction.

Technically, these are my problems. Degenerative disk disease for L5; disc bulge at L5; hyperlordosis (severe curve); Left side of pelvis is higher. (I think this is what her note says...) Up Left pelvis w/ 18 degree left convex curve from L4 to thoracecs (and back)???? She also said there really nothing to do for the L5 disk. You can't put it back in place. It's like it's frayed (sp?) and the jelly stuff has been seaping out. I just have to be careful and work on Core Strength.

She told me to drink the recommended 8 glasses of water every day, stay away from processed foods and red meat while during this healing process. Don't eat if if it doesn't swim or fly (do chickens fly??? ) Take a multi-vitamin daily, 2400 mg of Glucosamine Chondroitin and 3-4 capsules of fish oil. These help the muscles and rebuild cartilidge apparently. Also CORE stregth. I must work on this forever. So, I will be out shopping for Pilates for Dummies as Amy recommendeds.

Yesterday my treatment consisted of mid-back and lower back manipulation and my neck too! I hate the neck part!!! Apparently it's really tight!

I called today because I wasn't sure about my training. NO RUNNING for 1 more week!!! Not that physically I really mind, but I just don't want to regress with how far I have come. She said to cross train. No impact though. I can bike or elliptical or interval walking. So, I'll be ellipticising next week I guess. Maybe the hotel this weekend has an elliptical I can do at least one day!

The funny thing is that I haven't done any physical activity since Monday. No time and plus...I hurt. I have actually lost 1lb! Go figure! Hopefully it will stay off. I honestly don't expect too though...

Today, the lower back is bothering me pretty bad. I've got my little travel pillow to offer more support and I'll try to ice it on and off today.

Oh and I forgot. Not too sure about the hip pain. My chiro said right now it could be the SI joint or the hip flexor. I think it may be a combo of both. When back hurts the pain radiates around to my hip, but if back is not too bad, just that hip flexor joint hurts. (at least I think it's the hip flexor...the section there where you bend the top of your leg???)

I feel good knowing we have a plan. Like I mentioned, I don't mind taking a short break from running, but I'm too keen on it for another week. I'm really concerned about my time for the 5K. I don't want to get swept! As long as I'm healthy by then I supposed knowing me and I can push through it. It will my first so I'll be really excited and that always makes you a little more energetic...

So, I think that is about it for me for now...

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Thanks again for all your encouragement and support!!!

Stacie

 

[AmyBeth68]

Stacie...sounds to me like you have a solid plan in place. I know it takes a lot of time and commitment to keep going into the doctor, but it will be worth it in the end for sure. I know it's terribly frustrating to deal with injuries early on in the running process, but think of it this way. The running just brought to light problems that would have shown up anyway...they were just brought to your attention sooner. Now you can handle them before they get way out of control AND still continue to work toward your exercise goals .

Definitely get your elliptical and XT in while you rest the joints from running. You won't lose any fitness...you'll be just fine when you start running again. Hang in there...sounds to me like you can get a handle on all this and feel better in the process!!!

Have a great weekend

 

[larry's girl]

Sounds like a solid plan to me. I think you probably caught this stuff before it got so bad that a chiropractor couldn't help you, so be glad for that. I'm sorry you're hurting, but hopefully you will feel better soon - just DON'T run until she says you can! I know it's hard not to worry about your time in the 5K in January, but you will be fine - I know it!

I won't post much today, 'cause I'm still feeling pretty lousy, but just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. Love you bunches!

Susan

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Stacie!

Sounds like you have a solid plan there and a good chiro who is going to take care of you.

I can relate to the disc bulge...it's exactly what I have and I can tell you once again that the core work is so vital in helping it out. You can't put it back or replace the fluid, but you can adjust your body to make it pain free and completely unnoticable I love to see how positive you are about all of it...just shows that you are going to be successful!

The back/hip pain connection could be your muscles pressing on a nerve near your spine (my pain radiated into my rear and all the way down my leg...making my foot all tingly)...there are a lot of nerves there in your lower back. I'll be curious to see if that pain dosen't subside as you make your core stronger and go through the chiro appointments.

I'm glad to see you taking care of this now when you are young and strong and can overcome things quickly.

I think you'll have no problems completing that 5k in January :

Keep up the great positive attitude and I hope you have a great weekend!

 

[postesf]

BIG to you guys! You really help me stay positive and foucsed!!!

I went to Fleet Feet during lunch (and I was there over 2 hours!!! ) I think tired 10-12 pairs of shoes!!! In the end I swaped out my New Balance 7somethings from a wide to a normal and bought new Sauconys 21 somethings. The Sauconys are more stabile, but also have more cushioning. The NB are a stability shoe, but less stabile and have a nice cushion in the heel. I think I will wear this daily for better back support and save the Sauconys for training--once I can start back. I also have Super Feet inserts for them.

Who knew finding good shoes would be such a pain!!!

Let's just say that Matt is less than thrilled I now have 2 pair of running shoes that cost an arm and a leg! He's concerned about my health he says, but 2 pair???

I just couldn't decide. Now I have options... and I like options...

So, that's all from me.

Thanks again everyone for your continued support! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Stacie

 

[ScoJo15]

Glad things are going well for you this weekend!

Shoes are the biggest pain in the butt when you are initially looking for them, OR if they modify the kind you like sending you on a wild goose chase to find a decent comparable brand.

My biggest and best advice here is....when you find a shoe you love, BUY MULTIPLE PAIRS!! The shoes go out of stock every 6 months or so and the companies make adjustments to each model that comes out. I wore Asics 2110s when I first started and then they retired them and brought the 2120s out...and I HATED the 2120s! I was stuck with trying on a million pairs of shoes looking for something I liked (which as you just found out is a total pain) Luckily, I was able to find more 2110s on ebay. That tided me over until the 2130s came out (just a few weeks ago) and thankfully they made more adjustments to them and they are my favorite shoe ever. I'm gonna buy them up over the course of the next few months. I just don't wanna be stuck again.

Whew...long rant there...but it's important to have good shoes that feel 100% comfortable to you. They are the #1 source of pain and discomfort in the run if they are not comfy or if they are wearing down.

Ok...enough from me tonight. Hope you have a great weekend.

 

[hockeygirl]

hey Stacie! So sorry to be MIA this week from your journal...life really took over.

What a week or two you have had...sorry to hear about the back and foot problems...but I am so glad to hear that you have a plan with the chiro. to help the problems. It may seem like a pain to get to the doctor that much, but it will be worth it in the end.

Glad to hear you will get some XTing in...that should be great. I think that is where I will be the next few weeks, as I have some bad knee pain I am dealing with. So, we will be hitting the elliptical together!!

Glad to hear the neurologist found some meds for Matt to take, hope they help.

As I said in Amy's journal--Gregg and I can definetely meet up at the MK on Friday for lunch...I am so excited to meet you guys!! Can't wait...just let me know the time and place and we will be there!!

Ok, I am going to try to keep up this week! Hang in there!!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Stacie!!!

I just wanted to chime in here about the sneaker issue. Since I can relate to some aspects of what you are going through...I have to say that the proper sneakers are VITAL to your health and keeping yourself injury free! Taking the time, as you did, to find the right pair is so smart. Good work there . I'm so nervous to try anything new...but I've had a major sneaker dilemma. Which leads me to my next word of advice. IF you find a pair of shoes that work great for you...buy a 2nd pair. I'm serious! They change the "style" of the shoes regularly and may discontinue a beloved shoe. I've learned that the hard way unfortunately. Tell Matt that I'm becoming known as the Imelda Marcos of the running shoe world...your 2 pair are nothing girl . I have more running shoes piled up in my closet than should be legal. I've got 4 viable pair...just ordered 2 more new (ok bidding on one so haven't laid out the cash yet)...and have 2 or 3 pair that have too much mileage but i haven't quite cut the apron strings on them yet.

Hope you are feeling good this weekend .

 

[postesf]

Hi guys! Not too much to report today...No exercise this weekend... I weighed this morning and thanks goodness--I've maintained. I've been a little stressed about that...

For today, I'll go the gym tonight to ellipticise and try out my new Pilates for Dummies DVD. I'm off to the chiropractor this afternoon for some "jerking" as my mom likes to call it. Hopefully I'll find some time to tidy up the house and bit and attempt to get caught up on Laundry. We leave this weekend for FL (not WDW). We're going w/ some friends so I need get all packed and ready for that.

So, that's about it. Pretty short and sweet this time. Surprised huh?

Hope everyone has a great day!
Stacie

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Stacie! Sounds like a nice easy day for you! Hope the trip to the chiro went well...and cleaning the house and doing laundry must count as some XT right??

Hope the trip to the gym went well, and I would love to hear how you like the Pilates for Dummies DVD is....I am thinking that I want to try to start doing some pilates! Our resident expert Amy has us all thinking about pilates!

Hope you had a great day!

 

[MIdanceMom]

Hi Stacie,

I'm sorry that I haven't been around lately. I am also sorry to hear that you have been having health problems. It sounds like you have a good chiropractor. Good shoes are vital for sports. Tell Matt it could have been 4 pair.

Take care,
Beth

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Stacie,

I'm glad to hear that you found a pair of running shoes that you like. I have such a hard time finding shoes because one foot is 1/2 size smaller than the other. I usually end up buying a size 9 and then tying my shoe really tight on my right foot to keep it in place. (My right foot is an 8.5 A width, my left is a 9 B width.) Next time I find a pair of shoes that work well, I think I'll buy 2 pair!

Hope you have a safe trip to Florida this week. We just got back from WDW and the weather was absolutely gorgeous! 80s and sun for two full weeks!

Have a great Tuesday!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Stacie!

WHAT?? Florida and no WDW?? That's against non-Florida resident laws! (jk, have a great time this weekend)

How'd you fare with Michelle last night?

 

[postesf]

Hi guys! So, not much to report...

I had a very emotionally taxing night last night so no gym = no elliptical. Did not try my new Pilates DVD either.

Oh, well, today is a new day... I will go aquacise tonight and maybe I'll try part of the new Pilates DVD. We'll see what happens...

I feel totally aweful for not doing anything, but oh, well...

On a positive note, I lost 1.8 lbs last week! CRAZY as I only worked out on Monday!!! Maybe I should work out less often Just kidding!

Hope everyone has a great Day. Hopefully I'll report in tomorrow on my Pilates DVD...

Stacie