Holiday Cheer
This isn't your typical holiday update revamping this past year because honestly this has been one of the most challenging years of my life. But, I will share what you can expect from me this upcoming year and maybe you or someone you know can relate. On Oct. 18th, my husband's birthday, I was rear ended in the car.
Gettin' it in the Ass
It was a day that one decision led me to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I could see it coming. The man behind me was not paying attention and hit me as I was rolling to a stop and I hit the stopped car in front of me. I braced my core (not the neck and shoulders) and my head jerked forward and back 3 times. I had no idea this little incident would be so big. I was confident I was going to shake this off quickly.
First Few Weeks after Gettin' It
I didn't feel much discomfort until 2 days after being rear ended. I went to a chiropractor who took XRays and began treating me. Over the next week or two, more symptoms surfaced such as headaches and nausea. I went through alot of emotions mentally and, of course, physically. I have never experience whiplash before so it's a totally different concept of discomfort and pain. I have had my share of injuries such as hip, knee, ankle and sciatic. I have not had cervical spine issues. One reading of the MRI states I have multiple herniations in my cervical spine and a slap tear in my left shoulder. I am praying that a second opinion will read it different. As an athlete, Pilates instructor and Personal Trainer, you can imagine how impaired I feel.
The first few weeks, my head felt like a bobblehead. Literally, all the muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels were traumatized, stretched, and injured. At the end of the day my head would feel heavy from all these body parts working so hard to hold up the head. I would try to rest however.... you're lying ON the part of the body that needs rest. Now that sucks. If you've ever experinece an injury, you know typically it is uncomfortable to be in one position for an extended period of time. With whiplash, herniated discs and head pain, it was very difficult to get comfortable. I have since seen progress! The past two months, I've avoided putting my hair 'up' and now wear it down more or in a long braid and wear less earrings and necklaces, apparantly the less pulling on my ears and neck, the better. When I choose an accessory, I wear healing stones and minerals. I didn't talk or smile as much (now, that was hard!!). Think of all the head muscles we use in a smile. I can now smile for a longer period! Sleeping is an obstacle. I used to love sleeping without a pillow, on my belly with my head turned to either side. Clearly, that ain't happenin'.
Therapies
After the MRI, I continued getting adjustments at the chiropractor few for another week or two taking it day by day going through a roller-coaster of emotions and physical pain. I discontinued the chiropractic care (my gut tells me certain ways of his treatment was not appropriate for my body at that time.) I have been to Lifeforce Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Reiki from http://www.robinshealingmassage.com/ and physical therapy with Impact Health and Performance. My Naturopathic Doctor, Patrick Purdue, has safe and effective ways to balance the body. I use my B Me Therapeutic Salve and lotion and apply daily behind my ears and around my scalp and have also been fortunate to have a husband who will gently massage too! I am scheduled at the Florida Spine Institute next week for a second opinion. I want to have another perspective on some of the pain and discomfort I've been experiencing. This is my way of building my 'team' as I continue to heal.
Herbs As Medicine
I am smarter than the average bear when it comes to healing knowing my body needs rest although sometimes I am rest-less. I am doing things in small doses and really giving my body time to de-stress in many ways. Our body responds when we go above and beyond for ourselves to heal. Here are a few of my remedies. * Herbal tea - a rosemary, chamomile, catnip and st. john's wort blend. I always make multiple cups and drink one or two that evening. I add kava to the additional tea in the teapot and let it sit for another hour or two before straining it for the following day.
* A delicious bath of dead sea salts, epsom salts, bath bag of eucalyptus, arnica, horsetail, rosemary. One time I even added dead sea mud. I add a squirt of B Me Body Oil with shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and infused oil.
With any major change in your body or mind, one of the first things you should address is your food and drink consumption. * Eat as healthy as possible and hydrate well. Food can have a major impact on your mind which is your control switch throughout your entire body. Aside from my appetite changing, I also naturally ate soft foods such as smoothies with hemp, chia, greens etc. as my source of food and was satiated (less to chew, less on the cranium). *I also take Planetary Herbals and traumeel.com (homeopathic).
Mental Challenges
Most days I have a strong mind although it's experiences like this that challenge me especially when it's my job to motive people (at The Pilates Loft or other classes). Not only do I want to be able to do everything I did prior to Oct. 18th, it challenges me as an instructor to verbalize an exercise, explicitly, without physically performing it myself. I see people all around me running and playing like I yearn to do!
Knowing what To Do Next
I am smarter then the average bear when it comes to taking better care and listening to my body (sometimes it is screaming!). I am aware of my head position although not stretching or strengthening yet. I understand when taking a walk is exactly what my body needs. Not too far or intense but enough to get some fresh air, move the body energetically and get those endorphins going. However, at this point in the healing process, if I take a long walk one day, I need to rest the following day because even a simple walk may be constant pressure on the head. About 4-5 weeks after the incident, it was time to re-introduce new things back into my daily life such as carrying things like grocery bags. I could begin to strengthen my core and legs a little at a time such as adding in 10 walking lunges 2 times through my walk. I noticed my 'arm circle routine' created headaches. I will wait and try again in another few weeks and do only a few circles instead of ' multiple repetitions'. After a few successful weeks of massage and physical therapy, I will add additional treatments to compliment such as Cranial Sacral, sound and Acutonics or other modalities. Too many things at one time may cause you to be unable identify what is working or working best together. It is emotionally challenging to have time for all these appointments. I allow myself to get sad and frustrated just not daily or too regularly. The first month I was in a little shell not wanting to discuss it much. Prior to Oct. 18th, I would feel good everyday so it's unlike me to have more not so good days than good days.
Determination
I have accepted the fact that this will be a longer recovery than expected. I need to honor my body and recognize that the next few months are crucial in healing and recovery. I know we learn from our experiences in life. However, it doesn't mean I am happy experiencing it!! I am determined to feel better and get past this acute phase. Patience, rest, proper food and nutrition for the body and mind are key. Easier said then done! I will feel better and plan to do the all the activities I once did, it is just a bumpy road right now. Eventually, it'll be a smooth, picturesque ride with only an occasional bump. What doesn't knock you down will make you stronger, right?
Happy and Safe Holidays 2011. Cheers to ringing in a new year! Your life may change in a second. Live every day!
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