Almost 24yrs ago, On June 11, 1991 my life changed in so many ways. There was tears of joy (a child was born), a sigh of relief (the child was healthy) and something so small yet so powerful that it would physically change me forever(an epidural to ease the pain of childbirth)… From that day on I would have the occasional lower back ache as expected from getting an epidural.. Ok.. No big deal, right.. So, I do it again 15 months later! Still, no big deal, right..? Until…Sixteen years & five months later… 

Seven years and three months ago, In November 2007… I was walking down the carpeted stairs of our duplex carrying our 5 month old babygirl. Yep, I did it one more time… Third one is supposed to be a charm, right? She was an average weight baby girl. The last 2 steps that I ever so gently slipped on, not falling hard at all, as I got up saying that I was okay & baby was also okay. So I thought I was okay, anyway… The next morning I was not even able to lift up our babygirl due to the excruciating pain in my lower back… So this is when the REAL fun begins with my back pain journey as well as my neck.. That I have managed to hide fairly well. Between then and today, I’ve been thru various physical therapy including acupuncture, kineseotaping, massages & chiropractor visits, two MRIs.. Even a spine surgeon visit for my neck. I’ll never forget the spine surgeon told me that I could have surgery but there’s the chance that I could end up back in the same condition I was in needing surgery in the future. My other option was to suck it up and deal with the pain I was having or try injections. Well… I don’t do surgery unless I absolutely have to in a life or death situation. Although I believe I have a pretty high pain tolerance.. I am not a big fan of needles! I really don’t know of too many people who actually enjoy getting shots with needles. Unless they enjoy the pain or have a fetish for needles or sharp objects entering or against flesh. Yes, I do know they exist. 

I really enjoy working out and living an active fit lifestyle but of course this back issue has caused some setbacks with all that I would like to do with my fitness. I made up my mind to not let my back issues set me back anymore… I’ve become a Beachbody Coach, I’m a Fitfluential Ambassador, a Move More Fitness Ambassador and a Certified Bootcamp Instructor and soon to be a Certified Personal Trainer! It’s all about doing more & being smart about it! (#BEMORE) I continue to workout and I modify and take it easy on my back. I’ve also started doing Yoga. Prior to doing Yoga, I’ve been doing the PiYo workout program by Chalene Johnson, which has been very helpful with my back issues. PiYo also helps keep the body toned up without the high intensity like other workouts. I’ve also been doing some Holy Yoga and lots of Yoga Challenges on Instagram. I’m currently doing about 4 Yoga Challenges… Some days it’s hard to get them all in.. Then I try to play catch up and have lots of poses to do in one day and it’s awesome.. Until my back starts hurting.. I’ve started putting my faith before all things.. That seems to be what is keeping me going in the right direction.. Tomorrow, 2.10.15, I will be getting an injection to help ease the pain that I have been suffering in my back… I’m nervous yet looking forward to the outcome. God willing it will go as I expect and I will be a much happier person! Pray for me ya’ll!!!

Thanks for reading… More to come in the future.. #followme 

Peace & Blessings, Helene...