My Journey With Health And Fitness – And Then It All Went South

I am finally starting to believe that I just might get everything done before Christmas. I keep a to do list on the white board in my office for everything I need to get done for my business and my volunteer organizations. That list had gotten to be a fair size but by dedicating some serious time to it over the past little while most of the jobs are either complete or nearly complete. Here’s hoping I don’t have to add anything more to it.

I had been riding on quite a high the past few days. On Saturday I had weighed in at 123lbs meaning I only had 3lbs left to lose. With 2 weeks to go before Christmas I thought not a problem! I think I got a little over confident and jinxed things.

Saturday afternoon I started noticing that I was struggling to get my bad knee to bend. If you recall, this is the same knee that I badly injured in an accident 30 years ago resulting in 4 surgeries. I have known for a long time that my knee is full of arthritis and it was nearly 20 years ago they told me I heeded to have a knee replacement. But I have been pain free for several years after having lost so much weight I figured I was good. Apparently, that knee is not good.

By time I hit class yesterday morning my knee was sore and I could tell my range of motion was even more restricted than it usually is. I figured I would just do my normal bootcamp but not push it quite as hard as I have been doing. As the class progressed so did my pain level. I found myself modifying things that should be easy for me. Then in the last set of exercises we had to do weighted lounges and that was it, I was down for the count. I managed to finish the class (and not do any more lounges) but by that point I was in debilitating pain. I have no idea where this has come from, possibly it is just a severe arthritis flair up but I haven’t had one in a long time and I will be honest, never has it been as bad as this.

And so now, I need to step back. I always have my prescription anti-inflammatory cream which I maxed out on yesterday. I also hit my limit on extra strength ibuprofen . I spent most of the day with my leg elevated and obviously did not do any further workouts. I got up this morning and my knee is not as sore but obviously there is still a problem. I hit the meds again and decided no gym this morning (seriously, like I would have been able to do anything). I might try to do an easy 30 minute walk later this afternoon but only if I am confident my knee will tolerate it.

Yes, it will be hard for me to pull back but I know if I do so for the next few days I have a much better chance of healing. I will just be careful of my calorie intake to ensure I maintain my latest weight. I keep reminding myself that in looking at the big picture, this is just a small setback and the finish line is still in sight.