I wanted to share with you my story . . . In the early 1990's I was a semi-professional bowler. . . that was until I slipped and fell and shattered my kneecaps. I had to have bi-lateral knee replacements. Shortly after that I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Then, the artificial joint was recalled and during the surgery I got an infection that almost killed me. I was in the hospital for several months. The docs thought I was infection free but they were wrong. The infection spread to my femur, tibia, and quadriceps. There was so much damage the docs thought they would have to amputate or fuse my leg. The surgeon had to remove 1/3 of my quadriceps and then from inactivity the remaining quadriceps calcified and adhered to my bone. They managed to save my leg but i no longer have an ex-tensor mechanism. I have to wear a brace all of the time. During the surgery, I had a major exacerbation of the Multiple Sclerosis. I lost all feeling from my waist down. I was told I would never walk again. I was in a nursing home for almost two years. Due to a combination of nursing homes served high calorie/fat foods; inability to exercise, and severe depression, my weight sky-rocked to a whopping 606 pounds!!!! I remember looking out the window and thinking the world was passing me by. I did not think I would make it to forty. I tell you an abbreviated version of my story because you need to know where I have been to fully appreciate where I am now . . .
I wanted to live and I wanted to be out there enjoying life!! I had to dig down deep within myself. I started doing Jenny Craig so I would have preportioned foods while in the nursing home. My only form of exercising (at first) was swaying back and forth in bed. My mantra was Keep Moving. Eventually I was strong enough to sit up in bed so I started doing seated exercises aerobic & strength. I lost a little over 100 pounds. Finally I was able to walk using a walker and a brace on my leg – keeping my leg in full extension. Finally, I was discharged from the nursing home. . .
I continued to lose weight and get stronger. Last year my nephew got married – I had a dream of dancing at his wedding (without) the walker. I DID IT!! It was the most amazing experience. Next, I set a goal of walking to my weight watcher meeting (a mile each way). I DID IT!! I dreamed of walking a 2K. Everyone said “impossible”. I DID IT!! I walked the 2K . . . throughout the 2K there literally were speed bumps. Imagine using a walker and trying to maneuver a speed bump. Every speed bump represented a hurdle I had overcome. It was a very emotional walk. I did the same 2K a year later and beat my time by 20 minutes. Whenever I am at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center I use the NuStep – I set a goal of reaching 10,000 steps (I wanted to watch the numbers roll over when it hit 9,999). I DID IT!! In fact, I have watched the numbers roll over TWICE – about 80 minutes!! Oh, I miss the NuStep . . . My gym does not have a NuStep. So, I use the stationary bike. I step a goal of completing 15 miles on the stationary bike. I DID IT!!! Every time I am at the gym I ride between 10 – 15 miles going up to a level 16. Amazing. My next challenge for myself was walking a 5K. Everyone said impossible. Imagine walking a five K with a walker and a brace that keeps your leg fully extended. For me, walking the 5K is about endurance not speed. I have now completed NINE 5Ks!!!! It takes me about 2 1/2 hours. I am at the gym six days a week. I have two trainers – one who does strength training and balance work – the other trainer is my BOXING coach. I participate in the following classes: aerobic, step, boot camp, and KICKBOXING. People at my gym call me “the queen of modification”. I talk to MS groups about the importance of exercise and a proper diet. I am a motivational speaker at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. Exercise is a GIFT. I crave it!
The results of all of my hard work is “drum roll please” – I have lost 303 pounds!!!
And so I enter into the next phase of my transformation! I am only a couple pounds away from going into twoterville!!! This has been very scary to me. It is very unfamiliar. People are starting to notice me. I had a little slip and started gain some weight back. That you, for your challenge. It has re-invigorated me. I am back on track. Before long I will have less than 100 pounds to lose. I never thought I would get here. I am still dreaming of new goals for me to accomplish. I will be doing the 5K Color Run/Walk the end of September. I dream of riding a trike outdoors, modified bowling, going down a zip line, and going to trapeze school. Oh the list goes on!. The sky is the limit! I am confident and happy! I am living life and enjoying every second of it!