Reggie's Revenge and COVID19

As someone who enjoys being as organic and natural as possible I wanted to get myself back in shape but traditional methods of yoga and walking seemed to be a little hit and miss.

I'd worked hard on my physio, making sure I did all my basic exercises as well as going alcohol free for some months since my diagnosis in November ...and then I went away on a ship refurbishment for 8 weeks. Unfortunately after only a few days after the start of the project I went down with a severe chest infection which led to Acute Bronchitis. Coughing constantly certainly did take its toll on Reggie but he managed to stay manageable with paracetamol and the odd ice pack!

I returned from the project at the end of February and as had been walking approx 12 miles each day (and having climbed a huge about of stairs as ships don't use lifts in dry dock!) I was in pretty good shape again with very little pain episodes... so, no need for any more drugs!

Having been away for a long time I wanted a reward of a nice weekend away. My partner Andy and I love Wales so I booked a 4 day break where we could take the little bikes, our walking boots and the place even had a hot tub... it was set to be an adventure with just the right amount of luxury after a tough 2 months away.

Riding Enduro bikes most definitely can have its surprises and although I felt physically fine after riding straight into a very deep bog, this little escapade was probably the toll that brought on my second episode. By the end of the long days riding my back was in complete spasm and I was on my knees with the pains shooting down my legs. 

Returning from our ride, I immediately started the medication I had left over from my initial disc issue in November (and jumped straight in the hot tub). It took about 72 hours for me to be able to walk and 48 hours of that was solid bed rest, hydration and using a tens machine... but then COVID19 hit and lockdown started!

I unfortunately lost my job in April also which added to my stress levels and my back most definitely didn't react positively. With restricted movement enforced by the government, not having the usual friendly coffee outings for support and my Chiropractors closed I thought any ideas of further activities were finished!

I am a stubborn and very determined person who also loves to learn new skills, so I set about to research and help myself... I will say I am no doctor and I'd have rather consulted someone who had trained rather than Doctor Google but I had previously had great experience with a rehab program that involved the Alexander Technique. I found an excellent course and of course had my patient (me) primed to try anything. I also decided to set myself a goal of completing my Personal Training.

Within 2 weeks I was back up and walking and although the pain levels had been much worse my speed of recovery was much faster. 

I promised myself to stay off the motorbikes until I was comfortable doing my Yoga, AT sessions and walking 10km without any issues.... that wasn't going to come quickly with just me working on the problem....