Thursday, July 25, 2013

Skinny Nightmare: Sidelined by a Back Injury

I've lost 12 lbs since this picture was taken last summer
 
 
At the beginning of June, I started having intense pain going from my right lower back all the way down the leg to my foot.  I've had some bumps and bruises but nothing compares to this.  I went to a pain management doctor, had an MRI and found I have a herniated disc (L-5 S-1) that's impinging on my sciatic nerve.  Yes, boys and girls, I have sciatica.
 
Taking 11 classes a week on a regular basis for the past 8 years, I thought I was indestructible.  From "indestructible" I went to being unable to walk.  I was in intense, radiating pain 24/7.  I went several days without sleep because I literally could not find a position where the pain was relieved.  I couldn't even force food down and lost 12 pounds in a matter of weeks.  I've gone from my usual 150 lbs to 138 lbs (very light on a 5'10" frame).  Now, six weeks later and after a series of painful steriod injections, acupuncture and physical therapy, I am on the road to recovery.  But I am far from out of the woods and I am unable to do any rigorous exercise for the foreseeable future.
 
Healthy Choices
 
 
So, I will be posting how I maintain my weight without my usual punishing workout schedule.  I am ahead of the curveball having lost weight and become the "too skinny chef."  But as I get better my appetite will return.  My challenge will be to maintain my 150 lb weight while enjoying delicious food that won't pack on the pounds until I'm able to exercise again.  For now, walking is about it so keep checking back as I get creative with skinny recipes.  And please share your experiences with healthy choices while recovering from injuries.
 
Stay skinny!  


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