The past few weeks have been life changing in so many ways. I have been easing into my new schedule and jobs, which has been very fulfilling and rewarding.

All things must pass. After 14 years one of my greatest assets had become one of the rocks in my life. A trustee jeep cherokee decided after 192,00 miles,  that the clutch’s path to least resistance was not shifting the gears of the transmission; but rather, shifting the vertebrae and muscles of my back and leg. This lead to  back spasms, nerve pain and numbness in my left leg. My Physical Therapist brain immediately said oh shoot, in more R rated vocabulary.

To allow my body to heal I needed to make some changes. Now the true test: to practice what I preach. Did I stop running, yoga, etc. to allow my back, discs and poor nerve to heal?

After some pouting and scrambling, yes. I also said a sad good-bye to the jeep.

I also needed to take a break from long walks, hikes, running, yoga, sitting for more than a few minutes, pretty much everything, which would irritate my back and nerve. After over a week of icing and specific Physical Therapy stretches only, I was able to ease back into walking for workouts. As I continued to heal, I then progressed to other activities such as a self modified yoga class,  a surf on a small wave day, and a moderate hike on the 4th. I hope to start running again soon. It all depends on what my nerve says to me.  Which leads to information for you.  How do you make a come back following an injury?

The answer is: Slowly.

Start with a clean slate. Drop the comparisons of where you were, where you should be, and what other people are doing. Your body is in control now, and this is the hard part, let go of the mind.

After your injury is diagnosed. Sign on a healing team and support group, such as a physical therapist, friends, and family to encourage you along the way.

To allow the body to continue to heal and adapt to a workout load again, start with an every other day workout schedule.  Walking is always a nice place to start. Now is not the time to jump into a new sport.

Time your walks, starting with 10- 20 minutes. If you have no increase in pain, then you can build your walks in 5-10 minute increments. If you have an increase in pain you have to drop back to the level you were before the pain. For a more specific details, talk with a licensed health care provider. If you need a referral to someone in your area, or have questions just send me an e-mail.

Be patient. These things take time .

In unrelated, but other news. My dad is also recovering from an unexpected emergency surgery. After a week in the hospital he has been discharged and is doing well. He does have to undergo another surgery in 8 weeks, so it is a long mental haul. Please send any healing thoughts to him in Florida.