And then I got the news

After a year of rehab, scans and treatment, it was determined that I had a sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. Meaning that the joint between the sacrum (triangle shaped bone at the base of the spine) and the pelvis were no longer functioning properly on the left side. I also had piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a deep muscle that attaches to the side of the sacrum. My left piriformis was overactive and tight, likely due to the SI joint displacement from the impact of my fall.
​
As I laid on an exam table at the clinic one day, an orthopedic surgeon told me that I had to quit my beloved, synchronized swimming.
​
At that moment I'm certain I didn't realize the trickle effect the loss would have on my young teenage self. And what it would do with my pain levels.
​
Reflecting on it now, the loss of community and friendship that came with losing synchro was one of the greatest pains. I fell into a depression that was a struggle to come out of.
​
My solace was walking. This was the only thing I was "allowed" to do during my medically directed year off from exercise.
​
Every evening I would go out for a walk after supper. I was out so much (with my cassette tape Walkman on of course!) that kids from my high school would see me and ask me where I was going.
​
Walking was my medicine. It was what allowed me to have a sense of control on what felt completely uncontrollable.
​
As the year lagged on, I helped coach new swimmers and took the time to learn more about the human body. I was intrigued with what was happening in my body but also with how the body moved. I continued with my yoga practice (this is the actual practice - its still a good practice, vintage and all!) and tried my best to find what would be next for me.
​
I knew it would be related to physical activity. And I knew that it was likely sport. I just wanted to move my body again!
​
I took the time to reflect on what I was good at. IT was being in the water.
​
Then rolling into my next year of high school, I was asked to play on my high school water polo team.
​
I was hesitant in the least. Would my body be ready for sport again?
​
The pain was still present. But tack on the mental pain as well.
​
But, maybe this is just what I needed.

Photo by Caleb Jones on Unsplash​

I love how the world presents things to us when we need it the most. Here are a couple things that landed in my lap this week that worked so perfectly for my newsletter this week. Enjoy!
​
​Emotions, Back Pain, Yoga: How are they all connected?​
​
​Exercise Can Help Reduce Chronic Pain, Researchers Say​
​
More to come about my pain...
​
Stay well and happy moving, Lisa