Still having balance problems after surgery?

[ajb010]

Hi everyone. So the reason why I am posting this is because I want to make sure I can help those who have had to battle the same challenges I have had to face in life. My name is Afton and I had my AN surgery removal over a year ago. The doctors told me that smaller tumors tend to cause more balance issues but I figured this would just go away. I REALLY struggled to gain my balance back. At the time, I was barely 19 and should have been able to bounce back easily. Health wise, I did. Balance wise, I did not.

A year later I was so tired. So tired of falling over all the time. So tired of the weight I had gained from not being able to run anymore. And SO tired of just being depressed. That is when a friend told me about Beachbody’s Insanity challenge. I figured I would give it a shot because I REALLY needed to lose the weight I had gained post surgery. At first, I could barely do any of it. But as the weeks progressed, I went from the girl who was constantly falling over to the girl who could balance on one leg and jump without being anywhere near a wall. And then when I finished Insanity, I was so excited. I WAS ABLE TO FINISH INSANITY WITH ONE BALANCE NERVE. What, what. I then later moved on to Turbofire which is where I am at today.

I am writing this because I know many face balance issues after they have surgery. If you are like me, you felt hopeless and angry with what you now have to face day to day. But I don’t feel this way anymore. Beachbody products helped me gain control of my life again. So if you are sitting there reading this right now and thinking... “man, I wish I could get my balance back” REALLY consider trying a beachbody product. I will attach the link to my fitness blog as well as a link to my Facebook if anyone would like to talk or have more information.

http://aftonbaird.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/afton.baird

Afton

[Petrone]

Hello Afton,

Congratulations!!! You have shown incredible perseverance and strength in your recovery! Life threw you a curve ball, but you didn't let it stop you from fulfilling your potential. Your story is truly inspirational.   

I am not familiar with the exercise program you describe, but I am a firm believer that rigorous exercise and a healthy diet are the best medicine for AN issues, as well as many other physical ailments. Insanity worked for you. My workout routine includes a combination of power yoga, light weightlifting, and jogging or other aerobic activity. Others will find the exercise/activity that is right for them. 

Finally, I also believe that willing ourselves to overcome obstacles is empowering in a spiritual and psychological way. The knowledge that you have overcome your balance issues will give you the strength and confidence to take on other challenges that come your way.  I sincerely wish you all the best in your continued journey of recovery!

Petrone   

[ajb010]

Petrone, you couldn't have said it any better! Overcoming every obstacle strengthens us and makes us realize we can overcome so much! Our mindset is what is so important and to have a healthy body, you have to treat it in the right way. I love doing yoga and I am so glad you found your program that would help you overcome your obstacles.

Afton

[wintersmd]

Thanks for posting this Afton.  Like you, I was extremely active prior to my AN surgery.  I am a triathlete and have completed numerous triathlons including Ironman Wisconsin.  I had surgery on 14 June, and to this day I cannot walk a straight line to save my life.  My energy level is so low that I can only work for a few hours per day.  Like you, I have gained so much weight because of my lack of fitness.  I have an appointment in November with a TBI specialist to help with my balance issues and hope and pray it help.  I know that it takes time, just get frustrated many days.  Thanks again for posting this and reminding me that the sun will rise again.
 
Mike

[james e]

BRAVO! I am much older than you, and have the same balance issues, three and a half years post surgery...it never stops. Do not let it get in your way. I do Beachbody P90X and another similar tape 5 days each week. I can stand on one leg with the lights on, but fall over in the dark. I am hard as a rock and proud of it. I had a stroke, then a heart surgery and then the translab surgery 6 months later. None of that stands in my way. Just put your head down and get it done. You should be really proud of yourself! I am really happy for you.