Back in action..

After a long period of silence, I've decided to write again. Truth be told, it wasn't for a lack of want, it was entirely health related.

The Journey Begins...

I moved to Canada's capital city, at the end of 2004. My cousin-slash-business partner had just relocated from France and his family planted their roots there for the next few years, so I decided I would make the move and concentrate on our start-up.

Not knowing anyone else aside from my family, I was missing my friends. I spent a lot of time at the gym to get my frustrations out through pilates, yoga and high-impact aerobics. After a few months of this I was at the top of my game, and then -- this is where it all goes pear-shaped -- my back blew out. Not just a little pain for a few months, but an injury that had me mostly incapacitated and in constant pain for the next 2+ years.

It hijacked my life. Twice during this period, I was confined to my bed with sciatica for 3 months at a time. Nothing I did would relieve me from the burning, knife-like intensity that was consuming my mind as well as my body. I was trapped. I am a dreamer in both the literal and figurative sense of the word, but let me tell you dear reader, my dreams had left and I was living one monster of a nightmare.


Medicated

I was taking the lowest dosage of pain medication I could get away with (I am not a fan of pharmaceuticals), but after the first year of 24-7 pain, no sleep and deep depression, I needed something strong. Reeeeally strong. I simply couldn't take it any longer. My back specialist prescribed "Oxycontin" -- an opiate used for pain-relief -- and for the next few weeks, I lost the ability to think. I lived in a bubble of pain and fuzziness, AND, received no relief from the pain! It was horrible. I chose not to continue the medication.

What was my future going to be like? Was I going to be like this perpetually? How could I continue?


Denied by 'The Man'

My back specialist referred me to the Chief of Neurosurgery. I was optimistic...maybe I could get operated on! At the beginning, surgery was the last thing I wanted, now I just wanted the agony to stop. I had a small glimmer of hope...

8 months pass (yes, 8 months) and I finally get the call to meet with the Chief. Within minutes of my consultation he flat out refused me for surgery. I immediately broke down into tears. I hyperventilated. I pleaded -- I can't live like this! But it was over. No glimmer of hope for me. You will learn to live with it, he said.

Wait a minute. I'm still young! What do you mean I'll learn to live with it?!

For the next few days all I could do is cry.


Give up? Ha! Surely you jest

I'm happy my mother and father raised me to be a positive person, albeit a stubborn one. I was determined to find a glimmer of hope. When all else fails kiddo, try and try again. I had read many discussions online by people who were in the same boat, so I had an idea of what was out there for alternative treatments. I had heard about Spinal Decompression Therapy and was interested in pursuing this as it seemed like a good fit for my condition. Unfortunately only a select few cities in Canada had the technology, and I was unable to travel. But, as fate would have it, I stumbled upon a website for the first Spinal Decompression Center in Ottawa which had just got the city's first decompression machine.


Enter Dr. Lawrence

I immediately called the Broadview Spine & Health Center. My initial consultation with Dr. Joseph Lawrence was to qualify (or disqualify) me for Spinal Decompression therapy. It's not for everyone as there are numerous causes of back pain, but with my herniated disc and location of the damage, I passed as a good candidate for the treatment. As this is a new and 'experimental' treatment in Canada (at the time there were only 10 machines in the entire country compared to 7000+ in the United States), it's not covered by health insurance. I decided it was worth the risk of it not working. *I* was worth the risk. I moved ahead.




Strapping in

For the next few months I dutifully went to the clinic, getting harnessed and strapped onto the bed of the DRX9000. I watched DVD's while it was happening and noticed it was surprisingly not difficult, in fact the treatment felt good. Finally, relief! The most challenging part was getting off the machine when the session ended, I could barely walk, but then I got to wear a big ol' back brace with an ice pack shoved inside to help sort things out after the treatment.

I spent the next few months in little to no pain for the most part, but the doctor said it can take upwards to a year to heal completely from this procedure. My mobility was limited. I had to be very careful with my movements else I would hurt. Part of the post therapy treatment is a rehabilitation fitness program at the clinic with an amazing woman by the name of Marla Ericksen. With her help, I got back to the basics and taught my body how to function again.


Dreamer

I'd say in February was the first time I started to feel 'normal' again. I braved 'sitting for a long period of time' on an airplane and visited my in-laws in the Dominican. It's now nearing the end of August and I can say that I am happy, inspired and creative again. Mark and I have cultivated our own vegetable garden for the past 3 years which makes me so happy (and healthy) and I have just begun swimming after years of no physical activity. I am constantly inspired by the natural abundance of resources our planet has to offer, and the people who recognize the same.

I move forward with humility and determination to share the wealth of knowledge that I have gathered during all of those moments I was confined to my bed with my laptop.

(+ I'm dreaming again)

I hit restart on this blog...