MsLouise's Fat Busting Challenge

[MsLouise]

Thanks for the comic relief, you guys!  I don't know why all these writhing on the floor stories are hilarious, but they totally are. 

 

I'm putting on my big girl panties and going to the doctor now, wish me luck!  

[AshPS]

You got it!

 

Take care!!

[MsLouise]

Welp, good news and bad news.  Doctor says tendonitis (which I already struggle with in my arms) in my patellar tendon, probably contributed to by the fact that my knee is too loose.    That's the bad news, plus of course feeling frustrated at having to totally revamp everything to stay active while resting it.

 

Good news is the universe clearly took me at my word when I said: 

 

 

 

I feel good, and I know that I am going to finish this challenge strong no matter what.  I'm doing grading post first, and then a what went right in week two post after that.

...

When my health is acting up, I need to adjust rather than pushing through injuries and remember that this is about a long-term health journey, not about toughing it out from day to day.  The point of this is to help my body get healthy so that I don't have to tough it out from day to day, so toughing it out is not the way to go for me. I am much more of a "I can take the pain!  Work through it!" person than I am a person who uses injuries as an excuse not to exercise, and I need to be careful of this tendency.  Case in point, my knee is messed up right now and I need to baby it while still exercising.  I fractured my left kneecap years ago and didn't get it treated, so it healed up wonky and is easily angered.  Despite how much I want to do them, squats are OFF the menu this week and possibly next week.  If I behave myself and the knee is feeling better next week, I am allowed to explore squat alternatives then. I will also discuss this at my next physical therapy appointment in two weeks.  It doesn't make any sense to keep hitting my PT (for sciatica) hard if it's making my knee worse.  I'm a whole person, not just a sciatic problem, and I need PT that addresses that.

 

So now I get to put my money where my mouth is and kill this challenge by focusing on my health and not on how many squats I can do, or how hard I can work out.  You can bet I will be putting extra focus on my food, and on learning what healthy exercises I can do that won't aggravate my knee.  I'm not gonna lie, I'm not happy about this, but I do view it as something I will overcome.

 

In other good news, this means it's time for some payback at my physical therapy!  Bwahaha!  They're always rewarding me for being awesome by making things harder, and now I get to turn the tables on them.  Now they not only have to help me come up with a modified routine that addresses the original problem (sciatica), but they have to do it while taking care of my knee.  That'll show them for being good at their jobs.    If anyone has ideas for warm-up exercises, bring them on!  Treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike are all out.  I need a way to warm up to do the exercises I can still do that isn't weight bearing, and doesn't aggravate my knee or my sciatic nerve, and no, I don't have access to a pool.  

 

LOL! How right you are! And your description of your kidney stone made me laugh. It reminded me of when I had to have my gallbladder removed, lol! I remember being on the floor on my hands and knees and telling myself it was just gas!

 

Hahahaha!  Ash, we really are peas in a ridiculous pod.  My husband actually had to get my scary dad on the phone to threaten me into going to the hospital when that kidney stone happened.  I had my gallbladder out two and a half years ago, and waited to have it out until I thought I was going to die every time I ate anything.  

 

Sorry to hear about your knee.  I have to modify quite a few poses because of my knee and there isn't even anything wrong with it.  Poor thing just resist some of the poses (I can't even sit cross-legged with my left foot over my right foot).  I think one of the reasons I like the level 1 classes is because they show modifications for my older body.  In my 20's and 30's I subscribed to the "No Pain, No Gain" philosophy.  In my 40's, I have started to listen to my body and realize that pain means slow down and modify.  However, it doesn't mean give up.  "Never give up!  Never surrender!"  

 

Your kidney stone story reminds me of one of my first dates with my husband.  When I opened the door for him, he collapsed on my living room floor due to a kidney stone.  Spent the evening in the emergency room as we had no idea what was going on.  Great date.  lol  

 

I have a YogaGlo class scheduled today that is all about the 3 warrior poses.  Can't wait to see how that goes.  I am thinking it will give modifications that will allow me to get work up to the full pose.  I did try to do some one legged balances on my paddleboard.  I was only able to stand on one leg for a few seconds at a time, but I will keep working at it.  Reminded me of the wobble things my trainer used to make me use during our sessions.  

 

Have a great Tuesday!

 

Melyssa, that story about your date is too funny!  That must have made a big impression.  My understanding is that your knee(s)(?) is not flexible, or is there something else going on with it?  Maybe we should have a knee-modifying yoga thread?  I am pretty cranky about having to give my advanced yoga class a rest, but I am still going to my basics class on Saturday and hoping they'll be willing to work with what I can do, because giving up yoga class until this is better is something I'd really, really like to avoid.   I am totally with you about doing the smart body aware version of Never Give Up!  Never Surrender!

 

Oh MsLouise you do make me laugh!  This might sound weird but your kidney stone story is amazing.  I've had them as well.  I was in a show when the first one struck.  I thought I just hurt my back. I thought I could just work through it.  I didn't go to the hospital until  my Mom found me writhing in pain on the floor of the bathroom and she realized something was amiss.  The second go round I recognized the symptoms and went to the hospital much sooner.  Your organization is amazing. I am the opposite of a planner so it is inspiring me to get it together so to speak.  I can't wait to hear more!  Make yourself a great day!

 

Oh, the funny things we do when our brains don't work right.    If you think MY organization is amazing, check out AshPS's thread--she plans out her grocery shopping in advance for an entire month.  That's some organization right there.  Good for you for recognizing what was going on the second time!  I was...less smart than that on my second go round, but in my defense, my grandfather had just died and I was pretty sleep deprived, so I thought I was just dragging when my 3/4 mile walk home from school took me almost two hours and had me walking bent in half.  After my third go-round, I got crazy hydrated and haven't had them since.  You?

 

I'm making another appointment at physical therapy to get started on modifying exercises for my sad knee, and I'll be thinking hard about food this week.  If my exercise will be getting less intense, it may be time to step up my game with what I'm eating.

[SunSeeker]

Sorry to hear about your knee, but what a great excuse to take Igor out and work that upper body and core.  When are you taking Igor out for it's first ride?  Do you have some really cool places to paddle?   

 

Will your therapist give you a list of exercise that you can do that won't irritate your injuries?   I have told the teachers at my studio classes of my woes (right knee, lower back) and they have all helped me make the necessary modifications.  In my experience, if I ask, they will help.   I would think yoga would be the perfect exercise for you as long as you listen to what your body is telling you.

 

You can do this!  You have to as it's already on your schedule.  bwahahahaha  (Sorry, couldn't resist)

[Oshika789]

Just wanted to stop in and let you know I'm cheering for you! I couldn't agree more with your "what went right?" post from Monday. I love the way you think, and you always get me to reflect on myself as well. You are not only doing great and working through difficulties, you are inspiring others in the process! Keep adapting and succeeding, I know you can do it!

[MsLouise]

Oh, Wednesdays, you are my least favorite day.  I'm planning to either grab healthy sandwiches and go to the park tonight, or cook something special after work to brighten my day.  I'm exhausted, despite getting a really solid amount of sleep this week.   I'm just tired, it will pass.  Thankfully, the zombie apocalypse has not appeared on our block yet, so it's ok to be tired right now.

 

Honestly, the only thing keeping me from falling back into eating unhealthy stuff right now is knowing that I'd have to count it and report it here.  Instead, I'm having leftover ginger lemongrass meatballs and some fruit for lunch.  Maybe a green smoothie later.

 

I had a physical therapy appointment this morning where we adjusted everything to deal with my sad knee, which is frustrating but also good.  It is very encouraging to have new exercises I can do and know that I'll be able to stay active without hurting myself.  I also found a bunch of injured knee yoga classes at yoga glo, so I'm planning to try those as I can.

 

Sorry to hear about your knee, but what a great excuse to take Igor out and work that upper body and core.  When are you taking Igor out for it's first ride?  Do you have some really cool places to paddle?   

 

Will your therapist give you a list of exercise that you can do that won't irritate your injuries?   I have told the teachers at my studio classes of my woes (right knee, lower back) and they have all helped me make the necessary modifications.  In my experience, if I ask, they will help.   I would think yoga would be the perfect exercise for you as long as you listen to what your body is telling you.

 

You can do this!  You have to as it's already on your schedule.  bwahahahaha  (Sorry, couldn't resist)

 

You're right, paddling is something that doesn't involve my knee at all!  I'd love to get Igor out for a maiden voyage, but we're not quite ready yet (no paddles, etc).  We'll get there soon.  We will probably initially focus on area lakes, as most of our local rivers are either icky or are part of the watershed and therefore closed to recreational activities.  There is a beautiful river I know our kayak could handle that runs past my uncle's back door (about 90 minutes from us), so I imagine that will be one of our first.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I can't imagine being able to balance on the squishy kayak floor while on the water, but you can bet I'll attempt some in-kayak yoga poses anyway.    

 

I'll keep you posted on how things go at the yoga basics, I'm really hoping they'll know how to deal with my knee.  It would be incredible to learn a yoga flow and/or modifications/substitutions that work for me so I can eventually go back to the power vinyasa class.

 

Just wanted to stop in and let you know I'm cheering for you! I couldn't agree more with your "what went right?" post from Monday. I love the way you think, and you always get me to reflect on myself as well. You are not only doing great and working through difficulties, you are inspiring others in the process! Keep adapting and succeeding, I know you can do it!

 

Thanks, Oshika.  I am so excited for us all to finish this challenge strong.  I wish we could have a picnic in the park together to celebrate at the end. 

[AshPS]

 Thankfully, the zombie apocalypse has not appeared on our block yet, so it's ok to be tired right now.

 

Honestly, the only thing keeping me from falling back into eating unhealthy stuff right now is knowing that I'd have to count it and report it here.  Instead, I'm having leftover ginger lemongrass meatballs and some fruit for lunch.  Maybe a green smoothie later.

 

 

for sticking to your guns!

 

So with you on the zombie apocalypse, lol!   

 

Ginger lemongrass meatballs. Seems odd, sounds delicious. Gonna have to give it a try. Thanks for the share!

 

Best wishes on the rest of your day!

[MsLouise]

Transcript of a conversation between me and my knee this morning:

 

Me: "Hey, knee, how are you doing?  Wanna do some exercise?"

 

Knee: "No! I'll get all sweaty, and it will hurt!  If you make me I'll get my friend the lower back to beat you up!"

 

Me: "Okay, how about some gentle knee therapy yoga?"

 

Knee: "I guess.  Maybe.  Am I still your princess?"

 

Me: "Yes.  You're my pretty, pretty princess.  Now can we do some yoga?"

 

Knee: "Wait, do these yoga pants make me look fat?"

 

Me: "No, you look great!"

 

Knee: "You didn't even look.  You don't love me anymore."

 

Me: "I don't think this is what that yoga teacher meant when he said 'take a moment and check in with yourself.'"

 

And end scene.  

 

And then we played a round of Goldilocks yoga, wherein one video was too hard, and another was too annoying (seriously, who makes a knee therapy yoga session that has you spend half of your time on your hands and knees??!!), and so on, except that I never found one that was just right.  

 

So I spent an hour trying and failing to find a gentle workout to do.  Is this a failure because I didn't work out, or a success because I didn't push through pain?  You be the judge.  Thankfully tomorrow is gym day, and I feel more confident about what I can do there now that I have modified physical therapy exercises to do.  

 

Last night I made this bacon mushroom cauliflower "risotto," and it was divine.  It was an instant favorite, and I'm a little embarrassed to admit how fast it vanished.  I'm not deluding myself that bacon is health food, but it IS on my plan, and it was an insanely satisfying earthy treat after these weeks of lean meat and veg.  I highly recommend it as a way to indulge without giving in to rice or potatoes.  

 

[WifeyB]

I vote success that you didn't push too far.

 

And YUM! I'm going to try that recipe. My husband loves bacon.

[Oshika789]

LOVE the convo with your knee. You are too funny!

 

IMHO, pain in your knee is NOT the kind you push through. If it was your arm or leg muscles that were just sore from a previous days workout, then maybe suck it up and push through... but when it's an injury type of pain that doesn't sound like a good idea...

 

Oh, and I believe you've inspired me to try that faux risotto... mmmm.... and the 4-6 pieces of bacon called for in the ENTIRE recipie isn't too bad. I believe the cauliflower in place of a startch more than makes up for it.

[SunSeeker]

I agree with WifeyB...most definitely a SUCCESS.  Maybe you can focus your yoga practice on meditation while you let your knee heal.  I find this pose very relaxing  for meditation as my knee doesn't like the cross legged position for long periods of time.  We use this position for guided meditation in one of my studio classes. 

 

Your conversation with your knee is hilarious.  Hope my knee didn't hear it and start acting like a princess.  lol

 

 

 I wish we could have a picnic in the park together to celebrate at the end. 

Me too.

[AshPS]

LOL, your humor is one of the reasons I love coming here!

 

That whole thing sounded scarily like conversations I've had with my teenagers.lol!!

 

I personally would say success, you were actively trying to work with your limitations, not making excuses to just not do it at all.

 

Wishing you the best on finding something that works!

 

 

BTW- Working on making grammy happy.

[Certified Wong Buggalo]

Hey, thanks for stopping by my page! I really appreciated the recommendation. I'm fascinated by the subject of how people deal with their suffering. One of my role models is Viktor Frankl, a trauma psychologist and Holocaust survivor who used his time in the camps to learn more about human nature and how he could help others. He became the resident therapist and when he was forced to work knee deep in snow he practiced delivering lectures about his book to his imagined future audience. And he wrote that very book once he was released - ''Man's Search for Meaning.'' My favorite quote from him is, ''What is to give light must endure burning.'' It reminds me that my experiences have had positive effects, namely, they have given me the ability to be a support to others.

 

You mentioned discomfort while sleeping. I don't know if you have the means to replace your mattress but I am absolutely head over heels in love with my Tempurpedic Cloud. They are not cheap but I was really suffering from our old mattress and it has made such a world of difference. If you can't afford the mattress, I would at least recommend the pillow, which is also amazing.

[AshPS]

Hey there Ms Louise!

 

Watcha up to???

 

Don't tell me grammy has you making me THAT many sandwiches!!!   *** GASP***

[SunSeeker]

We did it! We did it!  We made it to the second half of our first challenge!

 

Hope you had a great weekend.

[WifeyB]

We did it! We did it!  We made it to the second half of our first challenge!

 

Hope you had a great weekend.

Yeay!!! Half way!!! So proud of all of us!

(And Melyssa- I love it that you pointed that out! I'm going to copy you in spreading the half way point love.)

[MsLouise]

First of all, thanks very much to everyone who has checked in.  I am grateful for all the support.

 

I'm still here, still working on my challenge, but it's probably time for me to overhaul the whole shebang.  I feel discouraged because I felt like I was really making headway with my physical therapy until other issues cropped up.  My knee went first, now my hip is angry, and the original sciatic issue is still acting up.  It feels like every attempt to get stronger results in a new problem, which is like playing an immensely frustrating and unwinnable game of whack-a-mole.

 

Despite how much I wish it were otherwise, my body is just not able to do the things I want to do right now, and it's time for me to stop beating myself up over that and take control over what I can.  I can't force my leg to magically stop hurting, and I can't make things better by forcing my body to do exercises that hurt more than they help.  What I can do is to redefine success.

 

For today, that means finding a way to treat myself with kindness.  What that means specifically, I don't know yet, I just know that beating myself over the head with guilt for things that my body can't do is not helpful, and it's not kind.  I know that forcing my body to do exercises that hurt to the point of tears is not kind, and I know that I need to listen to ALL of the things my doctor and physical therapist say, not just the ones I want to hear (case in point, the physical therapist gave me new exercises and told me to NOT to work through pain--I want to listen to the part where I have new exercises to do, and not to the part that says I have to stop when they hurt).  For anyone who might want to chime in with suggestions of "What about this exercise, or that exercise," please save that advice for later.  What I really need right now is encouragement in accepting my body's current limits and doing what I can within those parameters.

 

I am in control of what I choose to eat, and what I choose to do.  I'll get started on redefining my challenge when I have a better handle on what I need to do.  I suspect that Melyssa's suggestion of focusing on the meditative parts of yoga might be a good thing, and I know that eating healthy food will be crucial.

 

I don't have the energy to recap week three right now, so suffice it to say that my grade for week three is an A for Acceptable.

[AshPS]

Hey MsLouise!

 

Consider yourself encouraged!

 

And here is some hugs to prove it!

 

 

THAT is exactly why NF allows us to change our goals! When we start this thing we can not see what will happen as we make the journey! And it is NOT about how much weight we can lift or how many squats we can do. It is about improving ourselves and being proud of who we are.

 

That can be a different set of goals for different people.

 

Smile for me.

 

My MsLouise is too much sunshine to let this get her down.

 

****HUGS***

[WifeyB]

The realization that you need to reevaluate goals is such a sign of strength! Most people just say 'screw this.' And give up! May you be a example to all of us on how to better listen to our bodies. Goodness knows we will ALL be there at some point; frustrated with our own limitations and fighting with the 'what's next?'. And the fact that you're approaching it with grace and seeking to love yourself makes this a double strong, double hard accomplishment!

Going to be following you all the more in hopes of learning from your experience. And to send over all the high fives you need.

Sending TONS of encouragement your way! Own this reevaluation, sister! We all know you can totally do it and you will level up your life in the process.

[Mistr]

Good for you for keeping going even when the path is all rocks in your way.

 

 I know that I need to listen to ALL of the things my doctor and physical therapist say, not just the ones I want to hear (case in point, the physical therapist gave me new exercises and told me to NOT to work through pain--I want to listen to the part where I have new exercises to do, and not to the part that says I have to stop when they hurt).  For anyone who might want to chime in with suggestions of "What about this exercise, or that exercise," please save that advice for later.  What I really need right now is encouragement in accepting my body's current limits and doing what I can within those parameters.

 

Yep, been there.  My knees take turns being problematic.  Keep doing what your PT recommends and track that as your exercise achievement.  I was really impressed with my current PT providers.  They do measurements of my strength and flexibility.  Some very odd ones too.  This information led to some good advice, such as me doing side leg lifts to strengthen the muscles on the sides of my legs to balance against my quads.  Give your abused joints the time they need to heal and work on reinforcing the rest of your muscles while that is happening.  Maybe your PT can give you some exercises to strengthen your arms and shoulders in preparation for paddling your kayak.

 

All your other efforts will support healing as well.  Getting enough sleep is essential for recovery.  The meditation will help with that.  Your healthy eating will supply your body with the nutrients it needs for repairing the damage.

 

Hang in there!

[techmom]

Milady, you have been a constant and cheerful supporter in my challenge; how can I do any less for you?

Pain is your body trying to get your attention. Discomfort can be ignored, pain should NOT be! Nobody wants you to do yourself an injury... and really, the end result of all this exercise is to live longer and healthier lives, doing the things that we love and being with the people who we love. If that is not the result that you are getting, then you do what every successful organism does - ADAPT!

XOXOX
*hugs*
*high fives*

<3

[SunSeeker]

Looking forward to seeing your revised goals.  I know it's tough, because I sense you really want to be out their doing hard vinyasa classes, lifting heavy objects and powering thru the difficulties.   However, you must listen to your body and I am proud of you for having the courage to do so.  The important thing is to keep improving those things that you can control!  You are definitely on the right track.

 

Hang tough MsLouise!  You can do it!!

[Teirin]

Changing your goals is an excellent plan.  Maybe one of your revised goals could be listening to all of the things your doctor and therapist tell you to do/not do?  *lots of encouragement* 

[Stronkey Kong]

Hey MsLouise,

 

Sorry I can't give you the advice you need right now. I've never had to face these kinds of health challenges and I'm realizing how easy I've got it right now.

 

I can, however, let you know that I'm rooting for you and hoping you can find ways to overcome the obstacles and make yourself feel better both physically and emotionally. You've been a major contributor to the spirit of House Stark.

 

Revise your goals and finish strong. You can do it.

[SunSeeker]

Miss you.  Wishing you best wishes and encouragement as you revise your goals.