Three months post-op, and I finally feel like I’m making real progress! Recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been treating it like a part-time job, and it’s paying off. Here’s where I’m at:
Strength Training: Finding the Sweet Spot
I’m weight training five times a week, but the biggest game-changer has been EVLO fitness. If you have body pain, rehab, injuries, or joint soreness, I strongly recommend it. I’ve been doing it consistently for eight weeks, and I’m getting stronger without burnout or pain. It’s a completely different way of training, and my body is loving it. Its 3 doctors of physical therapy who created it.
Cardio & Movement: Feeling Athletic Again
I’m doing cardio four times a week for 30 minutes—mixing up the bike, elliptical, and aerobics. My aerobics sessions are always low impact, but they make me feel athletic again, which is huge for me. I was never one for aerobics but I am enjoying it, keeping it light!
I also do mobility work and physio most days, plus core work three times a week (which I desperately need because my core is still very weak). My physio keeps reminding me to stop moving so robotically and to focus on spinal mobility. It’s a work in progress!
Back on the Ice
I’ve been on the ice three times so far! I was sore afterward, but in a good way—not the kind of pain that sets me back. I miss playing so much, but I’m staying involved by coaching and going to watch my team play a couple of times a month.
Daily Movement & Wins
I’m walking 8,000-12,000 steps most days, either outside or on my walking pad. It sounds like a lot, but I’m pacing myself and prioritizing rehab. The good news? I can finally wear most of my old clothes without pain! For a long time, anything around my waist was unbearable due to the disk issue and then the scar, but the healing is going well.
Mental Recovery: Overcoming Fear
One of the hardest parts of recovery has been the mental side. I started seeing a sports psychologist to help me be less afraid of injury. The fear of needing another surgery is real, but so is the fear of missing out on life because of that fear. It’s a tough balance, but I’m taking it one day at a time. Having chronic pain and fear of injury is really isolating and lonely. I have a whole new appreciation for people with seriousness nerve issues and chronic pain. You have to be so mentally strong and it can be frustrating when you dont feel understood.
Small Wins That Feel Huge
Went snowshoeing a few times!
Not attempting downhill skiing yet, but I can cross-country ski on flat ground.
Survived two car rides (both 2 hours long—made me sore, but manageable!).
Lifting heavier again! I am up to 25 pouns on some lifts. Lower body is a striggle still.
Feeling more connected to my core and moving with more confidence.
Can stay up later without crashing.
Finally able to sleep on my back—this is huge.
Can lie on my tummy (I was never a tummy sleeper anyway, but still).
I can lounge on the couch without excruciating pain!
My focus and clarity are improving as I taper off nerve medication, and as a bonus—I’m less puffy!
Connected with others who have chronic pain, and I may even meet one for coffee soon.
Survived a whole tournament weekend in a hotel (different beds!) and even played mini-putt!
What’s Next?
I still have some pulling in my back, nerve twitches, and occasional nerve pain in my glutes, but it’s all manageable. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to the future. Recovery is slow, but I’m getting there, and life is feeling good again.
Grateful for all the small things I used to take for granted. Here’s to continued progress!
Comments