Surgeon update...

Just returned from the UK where I got to see Mr S for my annual check-up! X-rays looked fine and didn't explain why I have been experiencing quite severe but intermittent pain in my right butt (and radiating down the leg at times). In fact whilst in the UK I was in pretty bad shape - got pretty frightened really - was like going back in time, limping around and popping Tramadol like it was going out of fashion! Mind you flying long distance never helps and we racked up something like 1,000 miles in 6 days visiting family and friends - so I guess you could say a lot of it was self-inflicted. Anyway, surgeon recommended physio and an MRI just to be sure. So here I am back in Canada, with 2 physio sessions this week alone under my belt.

Turns out I have a lumbopelvic muscle imbalance and a right-sided sacro-iliac dysfunction. I'm not surprised to be honest - I've found it really hard to stay disciplined with my pilates and swimming programmes - it's all been a bit piecemeal this past year since emigrating here.

What can I say? bit of a wake up call really. Got to get back into the exercise now and shed some pounds - there's no doubt that being thinner always bring relief to my back. Onward and upward...

Spring is sprung!

Well here we are, there's still snow on the ground in parts but spring is well and truly sprung! We went hiking today with the dog in a local Conservation Area - abs. beautiful. Keeping up the work in the pool and back into my routine with Pilates at home. Not long now 'til I see my surgeon for my annual check-up, which consists of a number of diagnostics and a general chit-chat. Things feel OK so hopefully no surprises there...

FB group continues to grow

Did the snowshoe romp (see earlier post), which turned out to be much harder than expected and a total drag on my back. But it was a beautiful day and the scenery was spectacular so something good came of the day! Found the most amazing spa in the mountains nearby - on a Scandinavian theme - all outdoor hot-tubs, plunge pools with sauna and steam - heaven :) Back is holding up but the cold doesn't help I'm afraid. The ThermaCare back warmers are a god-send - thoroughly recommend.

On a bright note, the FB group continues to expand - we are now 124 members. There are multiple e-conversations going on at one time with members sharing their experiences and knowledge, which is absolutely great. Never ceases to amaze me how kind and caring our members are. BIG thanks to them all for making the group such a success. Long may it continue...

Bit of a mistake...

Well Saturday just gone I tried x-country skiing (classic) for the very first time. Given that I am an experienced skiier I thought I might at least have a bit of a head start in this sport. DOH! It has to be one of the hardest thing I've ever done. Skiis are narrow, extremely long and boots are not rigid - balance is entirely different to downhill. Guy that fitted us with the rental said that the conditions were not good - like skiing in sand and he was right. But in all fairness it's no excuse as Dr Vic and others in our party picked it up OK. No problem with fitness just fell too many times - each one made me realise that I had been downright stupid to even contemplate doing this after my dynesis op! Hey ho, all part of embracing the great Canadian outdoors and pushing myself to try stuff out despite having a dodgy back!

Early February we're taking part in a snowshoeing 'romp' around Horseshoe Valley, which I'm not expecting to be a problem and later in February it's looking like we'll finally have Curling lessons. I've been told there's a special contraption for peeps who cannot bend to push the stone or sweep - so I'm game!

Just got to accept that sometimes things are going to beat me - better to be pain free and mobile than plain stubborn...

Happy New Year

Here's hoping that this coming year, 2011, will be a good one. Happy, peaceful and relatively pain-free!

Merry Xmas everyone...

Here's wishing you all a peaceful, healthy and Happy Christmas!

skiiiiiing

Hit the slopes yesterday. AWESOME! Would not have been possible 2 years ago - all thanks goes to Mr Shepperd and his experience with the Dynesys system.