My Story

jillianjr

I read a lot of stories on here that I feel as though I could have helpful input in. And then I read success stories that make me want to share my own. So for this post, I’d like to share my success story and hopefully reach someone who may be in a similar situation as my past. At the end of this post if you have any questions or need any guidance please feel free to ask.
So here’s my back story: At six years old I was diagnosed with Chron’s Disease. For those of you unaware of what that is, it’s essentially a severe digestive disorder that affects the whole system, primarily the colon. It’s very hard to maintain and there is no cure. It’s been known as a predecessor to those types of cancers so it can be very serious. The silver lining for me is that I was diagnosed at a very young age. So I’ve always been accustomed to eating well and exercise. Dieting has never really been my thing because I’ve always loved my vegetables, fruits and things that keep the Chron’s disease healthy. However, as a result of the Chron’s, there have been many other complications in my life. Because this disease robs the digestive system of the nutrients that it would normally consume and use, I’ve struggled with major deficiencies; iron, potassium, B12, and D are the big ones – which can then spawn a lot of other problems. I’ve always been anemic because of the lack of B12 and D vitamins - fighting major fatigue and a low immunity to general sickness. As I got older I started fighting weight gain, cysts and constant health challenges. It affects everything from head to toe; in a sum I’ve had six surgeries and even a list of seven root canals because of how these things have affected me. And things get worse as you age even in perfect care for the disease and deficiencies. In the past 10 years, for example, I’ve had major tendon injuries in my knees, rotary cuff , numerous food allergies, hypoglycemia, sun allergy, so on and so forth. Having a lack of nutrition is a serious catapult to a list of other problems. But the most serious diagnosis I’ve ever had was four years ago and that’s where my story really begins.
In 2007 I was training for a marathon for a charity event to be held in Phoenix, AZ. I was running about 20-25 miles per week on steep terrain. It was one of the hardest training events I had ever done, but I was eager to accomplish my goal. However, on September 27th I was literally stopped in my tracks. I was rushed to the emergency room because of unbearable pain in my lower back that left me immobile, laying on the floor and partially numb in both legs. I couldn’t move and I was terrified. I was diagnosed with disc degenerative disease and a tear in my sciatic nerve. I was told that this would not be a temporary problem for me and that I had the risk of being in a wheelchair by the time I aged to 50 years old. It was devastating and for five months I succumbed to bed rest, 20+ pounds weight gain and a fairly hopeless outlook. At the end of five months I wasn’t feeling much better despite frequent physical therapy visits and attempts to rebuild. I couldn’t work a regular job and I was looking at a very grim future if I didn’t start making some kind of progress. But I knew that knowledge is power so I started researching and reading as much as I could about this condition and I started myself on my own progress plan.
I began my plan with daily wellness chiropractor visits. It took me a few chiropractors to find one that worked for what I needed, but once I did I was dedicated. And as of today I’ve had over 130 visits to her office. Medical bills were piling but I knew the cost setback was only temporary while the gain was life changing. After she was able to get me mobile I started two things; loyally carrying ibuprofen and an ice pack everywhere I went and swimming. This was an incredibly slow process. Some days I would drive to the gym just to tread water for 2 minutes. But I knew the time investments would be worthwhile if I stayed on schedule. In about 3 months, I was starting to swim laps….with snorkel gear! The resistance the fins gave my back helped me to build muscle and back strength while the snorkel and mask let me concentrate on my swimming instead of breathing. I wasn’t in any condition to learn a new sport; all I needed was to get up and down the lane without hurting myself. The bulky mask and snorkel was embarrassing among the swimmers but I stayed focused on my goals and after some time I was swimming 64 lengths aka 1 mile in record time! I became very aggressive about the swimming and was doing very well, but my real passion was/is running. And I knew I wanted to be back on the road training for marathons. So I started an aqua jogging routine. Again, some days I would go to the gym just to tread water for a couple of minutes. But I stayed on track. I eventually moved to speed walking on the treadmill, then a light jog, then a mile run. I then promoted myself to lifting weights and targeting weak muscle groups, and then finally, three years later I was back on the road running. I had setbacks along the way; both emotional and physical. I incurred other injuries but they were all mild and recovered fairly quickly. The stronger I was, the quicker I healed.

Today I live for physical fitness. I still have challenges but I’m rarely sick anymore, recover very quickly from injuries that used to slow me down and most importantly, my mindset is completely different. Through the trials I had, it didn’t just teach me what my limitations were and how I had to respect them, it taught me patience, diligence, and self awareness. It showed me that no matter what obstacle I have, I can overcome it. It might be a long rough road ahead of me, but if I only focus on today and doing what is right, tomorrow will be easier.
I’m still not strong enough for a marathon, but I won’t give up my goal. To date I have gained control over two serious diseases, a dozen injuries and a dozen or more other medical conditions. And I’m blessed and lucky that it’s not any worse! Because there’s nothing that can stop me now! And I hope to one day be able and inspire others through fitness training and education. I have learned a lot over the past four years. In the meantime I hope to simply inspire who I can online and in person. This is not a pity story, it's a success story! And there are many more out there to help inspire you. Choose to be one of them!

Whatever you are facing today, don’t let it win. I know how it feels to feel like there aren’t any options and the odds are against you. But you can do this! Above all else, above all doctors and what you read online or what you have read here: listen to your body! Find the “positive outlook” doctors out there who are willing to help you heal and use their knowledge. Without my chiropractor (who I still visit weekly) there would have been minimal chance I’d be where I am. We do need them. But choose those who you feel truly comfortable with – who your instincts say really cares about your progress. Otherwise, they will affect your emotional outlook and it will make a huge difference in your progress.

As I stated in the beginning, feel free to post here if you have any questions or concerns. I’m not a doctor but I am someone who may be able to provide a helpful input if you need it. I hope my story has either given you the motivational push that you might be looking for or helped you stay motivated in a course that you’re already on. Either way, God Bless and stay committed!

myopus

I am truly inspired by your story. You are such a motivation and an emblem of what determination means and what it ultimately leads to. Keep up the hard work and never, ever surrender!!