Perseverance - I made it!

[emily_in_nc]

T
The big plus is overcoming obstacles, I have RA plus osteo arthritis, one knee that's had total knee replacement and one that will need it soon and I've been working through some issues of shortness of breath this year as well as last year. Being able to achieve something physically is a huge mental boost. I used to be intensely athletic, water skiing and or golfing daily. I was adept and agile.

When diagnosed and suffering the consequences of this illness it was not only debilitating but downright depressing. I mourned for my loss and restrictions and was angry with my body. I felt like it betrayed me, I wasn't done having fun. Fast forward a few years and I found that perservance can have it's rewards. It was a very slow start and victories came in a few neighborhood blocks, then a mile and then miles with a plural.

Good job, Bike Writer! I can totally relate. I was riding 3000-4000 miles yearly until I had a serious cycling accident in 2005. After that, I never even rode 1000 miles a year. My best year was 800 miles. I know I went through some depression also, and in part that was due to the pain I would feel every time I rode. I was slow and just couldn't ride the way I used to be able to. It was very sad to me that a single moment could change my entire life.

This year I went to see a pain specialist, who suggested a home TENS unit. I bought one and am able to use it during rides (electrodes on the back of my right ilium, and stash the unit in my jersey pocket), and it takes the pain from a 5-9 level to a 0-2 level. What a difference! I am over 1100 miles so far this year and feeling great!

Very happy for both of us!

[Bike Writer]

GingerbreadGirl,

One of the best things about this forum is the inspiration we get from one another. Reading about our fellow riders challenges us to go out and try things we otherwise might not. In some way people here serve as test pilots for things we contemplate...we read about their stories and say, hey I can do that too, or sometimes we find out not, but that's ok because otherwise we may only think about it but never make the attempt.

It sounds like you are well on your way, beginning something new and taking those first steps is 90% of the battle. Good luck with your efforts and congratulations for lifting yourself up and out. Happy riding to you!

[Bike Writer]

Emily,

So glad to hear that you found the TENS unit to help you out and it's working for you. What a relief that must be. Chronic pain saps a person and unless you have had it, it is hard to comprehend how dibilitating it can be.

You are very courageous to be out riding after a serious accident. About your observation over life changing moments...I am currently writing a book titled "In the blink of an eye" about a life changing moment, it's fiction but something that applies to all of us at one time or another in one way or another.

Congratulations on overcoming a huge obstacle and regaining the biking part of your life back.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily,

So glad to hear that you found the TENS unit to help you out and it's working for you. What a relief that must be. Chronic pain saps a person and unless you have had it, it is hard to comprehend how dibilitating it can be.

You are very courageous to be out riding after a serious accident. About your observation over life changing moments...I am currently writing a book titled "In the blink of an eye" about a life changing moment, it's fiction but something that applies to all of us at one time or another in one way or another.

Congratulations on overcoming a huge obstacle and regaining the biking part of your life back.

Thank you for the encouragement. I was definitely nervous about getting back on the "horse" for a long time after my accident, but it's been long enough now, that that fear is completely gone. Thank goodness!

Your book sounds really intriguing. I also lost my only pregnancy (IVF after years of infertility) and lost my father to an auto accident, so I know very well how quickly things can change in the blink of an eye.