sport competition/involvement

[berniejfnp]

Just a question for all those who enjoy sport activity.  Since I was young, I found great comfort in being active in sports.  Most activities were greeted with great enthusiasm.  Since 12/07 when I had my AN surgery (retrosig on the left for a 1cm CPA AN) I have been slow to return with the same enthusiasm.  THe level of my involvement is only a fraction of what it once was.  I do attribute that to the surgical recovery but now I am seeing that some depression was likely involved.  Over the last 2 months I have brightened and feel reenergized to the point that the time has come to get back into condition.  For many years I fantisized doing a triathalon, low key as I enjoy biking, swimming and running.  Have any of you out there been able to successfully achieve a level of sport competition/involvement after AN surgery?  I do have days with some balance challenge, thankfully the headaches seemed to have just disappeared (a miracle if you ask me) but overall, I think I am ready.  I have been cleared by my docs for over a year now, but my own self doubt of how my body will respond concerns me.... Does anyone out there have any thoughts?

bernie

[leapyrtwins]

Bernie -

ANs can be depressing, but getting back to your normal routine and the things you love to do helps immensely.

There are a number of people on the forum who are involved in marathons or triathalons - Jeanlea, Patrick (tex sooner), Laura (allegro), ixta, and LA David come to mind.  Bob (stoneaxe) and Joe Bloggs standup paddle board.  I'm sure there are even more people here that I'm missing.

I just read a post yesterday by LADavid where he talks about not thinking he could golf, but he can.

It took me a year to get up the courage to ride my bicycle again and I'm sorry I waited so long.  My balance was a little off at first, but I soon got the hang of it.  

In the beginning things may be different, but give it a try and you'll do fine.  Exercise is good for balance issues as well as cognitive issues and eye coordination.

Please keep us updated.

Best,

Jan  

[sgerrard]

Here is a topic called "Athletics and Post AN Life."

It is a nice example because it has posts from quite a few of our more active members, including those mentioned by Jan, as well as the arm-chair coaches like me.

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8639.0

The short answer is "you can if you want to."

Steve

[berniejfnp]

Thanks Steve for the info from previous posts...and many quite recently, how timely.  Jan thanks for the support and encouragement, the leads you gave me for personal resources (other members) a definite encouragement.  And as Steve said, you can if you want to, a great mantra.....Thanks
bernie

[Joe B]

Bernie

I do believe that one can achieve a level of sport competition/involvement after AN surgery. Although the level won't be as high as before surgery and may be slower going, it definitely can be achieved. Since my surgery 2 1/2 months ago I have cycled, swam, kayaked, bowled, played catch with my 17 year old son (although I won't squat to catch his 90mph fastball any longer,mainly due to vision issues) and ran. I am just about ready to enter a 5K run which I haven't done in about 5 years. I'm not out to win the race and I really don't care how fast or slow I run, I'm just looking to finish. 

I realize that everyone's surgery and recovery is different, but it sounds like you are more than ready to give it a go. Your body will let you know when you have had enough (you may not feel it untill the next day, so don't over do it).

As Steve mentioned, "Athletics and Post AN Life" is definitely worth a read. Lot's of people on this site are very active!

Good Luck

Joe B.

[berniejfnp]

Hi Joe,
You have done quite a bit in the last 3 months!  All I can say is, just walking a straight line the first 6 months was a challenge, let alone all that you have accomplished...fantastic.  It seems that I have always found comfort in my athletic capacity, and I have let that go over the last 2 years.  I have accepted my new limitations, and want desperately to find a new path of challenge.  The greatest concern I have had is can my body tolerate the challenges (slow and steady as the rule goes) without relapse into headaches and undue fatigue.  Last year just swimming was intimidating, with the buoyancy sensation.  Still haven't tried to bike since the surgery, but plan to soon.  What I need is a goal to strive for to move into a more active lifestyle, just a little nervous...if you know what I mean.
Bernie

[leapyrtwins]

Bernie -

forgot to mention in my previous post that at one of the sessions I attended at the recent ANA Symposium in Chicago, the doc who was speaking said that exercise is very important to achieving better balance.  He felt that the more active you are, the better your balance will become. 

Obviously don't overdo it or engage in anything that you aren't ready for balance-wise, but perhaps getting back to your active lifestyle will help improve your current limitations.

Jan

[berniejfnp]

Jan,
Thanks again, I do notice that if I sit around too much i am more unsteady.  although I do maintain some level of activity each day, it's really not where I would like it to be...One step at a time, toward my goal....
bernie

[texsooner]

Hey Bernie...I'm one of those Jan mentioned as being active pre and post AN surgery. I say get out there and go for it. I too was a little shaky a few weeks after surgery, but the more I did it, the better I became. I still find that my balance is better when I'm running or biking rather than slowly walking. If there's some type of mini-triathlon event near you coming up in the next few weeks/months, sign up for it and give it a try. That will give you motivation to get out there and train for it.

Good job as always Steve(finding the earlier thread on this subject)....I re-read it myself and it's got some good info in there.

Jan, I always thought that about what the doc said about balance improving by exercise, but it's nice to hear that confirmation from an expert.

Thanks,

Patrick

[berniejfnp]

Hi Patrick,
Thanks for the support and the get up and do it vision.  For years since my 30's I have wanted to do a triathlon, but with graduate school, kids and job changes, I never got to try.  When the AN was first identified I was considering running the BOston Marathon but chose not to due to all the pre surg confusion and planning.  It has only been in the last few months that I really feel that I am ready to take the "plunge, cycle and run" role seriously.  I have located a few local triathlons so maybe there is time to get going before the snow hits.
Thanks .....
bernie

[Mickey]

The body can achieve what the mind can consieve! I`m W+W and play golf and raquetball competively. It`s vey good for my personal well being. Go for it! Best wishes, Mickey

[cindyj]

Hey, Bernie!  Just chiming in...I was quite active pre-surgery and have pretty much picked up where I left off.  I am still pretty woozy at times, but my philosophy is that it will not get better by me staying in the house and doing nothing.  I play competetive tennis in a recreational league...got back on the courts a couple of months after surgery.  I am now training to do a 1/2 marathon in Oct...will be a walk/jog...mainly walk   There are many others in addition to the ones you've heard from on this thread who have done some amazing things post-op.

Great to hear that you are getting your enthusiasm for activity back!  You can do it! 

Cindy

[berniejfnp]

Hi All,

Just an update...I have successful started a training routine for a triathlon!!! I absolutely can't believe that I have been able to work out again...the weird headaches plagued me for  sometime and then when I did feel good, I worked out and got a headache.  Well, good news all around, NO HEADACHE 2.5 months, yahoo..I feel transformed.  I am looking at 4-6 months training then plan to enter a race in the spring...anyone out there know of a race on the east coast that they have heard of, or have done?  Maybe someone out there has competed and can share... 
THis site has brought me so much support.  I may not visit frequently, but when I do, you are inspirational, thank you all.
Bernie

[Jim Scott]

Bernie ~

Thanks for your update kind words.  I'm pleased to learn that you received inspiration from the folks posting on these forums.  Maybe I'm a slacker but I don't compete in triathlons so I can't offer you any information on that subject - but I'm sure others will.  I can wish you the best of luck when you compete in the spring and hope your pre-event training is successful.

Jim   

[Seal]

Hi Bernie,

Congratulations on getting back on the horse as the saying goes.   I'm sure that by now you've found that instead of staring ahead at the mountain that you need to scale and thinking it all has to be done at once, you most probably started out taking it bite by bite, a little at a time.    That is actually where I am at now 5 months post surgery.    At some point, you must have overcome the headaches issues and moved on to more normal and aggressive training.  The only thing I could add would be to keep it fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself for times etc.    I think you already know this, and your attitude sounds fantastic.    Keep it going!    I'm just starting to spin again, dealing with headaches and hypersensitivity caused probably by all the blood flow and a big fat Irish head that is still healing.    Thanks for your great news; it will keep me motivated for the good days to come!

Steve