Headache free workout!

[Lizard]

So for the first time since my surgery, a good 17 months I just had my first real workout!  I've been going easy for quite a while, doing what I could....but I felt really good today so I thought I'd give my old favorite kickboxing class a try.  This was an amazing experience and I am so pumped up on endorphins I may not sleep tonight. I was even able to do jumping jacks and mountain climbers, and both were impossible before, believe me I've tried.  Of course I have to be careful and pay attention to my surroundings so I don't fall on anyone, but it was fantastic!

On a serious note, over the last month I had an aggressive round of 4 occipital nerve blocks and they have seemed to really help most of the pain.  Of course I still get "DEFCON 5" (thank you Erin) headaches, but not nearly as often and the morning headaches are gone!  I only really feel the pain in my eye socket and extending to the temple area, which still needs to be addressed, but is tolerable. I'm still taking Indocin, but I feel like I might be entering a new headache chapter, or at least I hope and pray that I am.  More good days than bad, that's what I'm reaching for...less meds and less pain.

Hopefully this trend continues because I really love to exercise and none of my clothes fit anymore 

Just wanted to share the happy news 

Liz

[Syl]

Liz:

Something tell me you're going to be real tired tomorrow. But it's great that you can get back to your old exercise routine.

I was also getting those morning headaches up until about 1 or 2 months ago. I was calling in sick alot. Progress is slow, but it does get better, doesn't it?

Syl

[ombrerose4]

Liz,
I am so happy for you. I can't wait for the day when I have the energy and no pain and can exercise again. Hearing about your progress makes me feel that my day will come eventually too. Cheers  to no headache days!!

[Lizard]

Cheers!  Today is a great day and tomorrow will probably be a tired day...that's why we take this one at a time! 

[epc1970]

Liz!
I can't believe it missed this! I'm so glad that you were able to get a good workout in. That is SO great...I know for me that being physically active had always been a huge part of my life and having to restrict that due to headaches and pain was hard for me to accept. As I started to not have to worry about that as much, it made me so much happier. I felt more like "me" again.  Yeah, I still get a DEFCON 5 every now and then but I feel like the more active I am, the fewer I get. I hope that you are continuing to feel good and that as  time goes on, the DEFCON 5's become a thing of the past! I really enjoyed meeting you and Kevin at the brunch and I hope to see you guys at the brunch in October! Take care!

Erin

[opp2]

I've been finding headaches coming on as a result of my workout, and I'm pre op. It really has interferred with my ability to complete my workouts, and quite frankly, I've been off the regular workout track for about 3 months. Since going to Vancouver. I ache to get back at it, but it seems every time I do, I end up with a doozy of a headache. Perhaps I should medicate prior to, and after...I don't know. I just know how disappointed I am, and that makes me tres pleased for you Liz..I see a light at the end for me.

Please keep us posted as to your progress....

Living vicariously through you!

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Liz ~

I mistakenly overlooked your post from last week but I'm pleased to learn that you were able to successfully work out and are essentially headache-free.  So, how tired were you, anyway?

Jim

[Lizard]

Erin,  Thanks and it was great meeting you and your Mom as well.  No DEFCON 5ers in almost a week.  I'm so thrilled...and its great to feel like I'm moving forward again.

Opp2, I'm sorry you can't exercise without pain.  I know how terribly frustrating it is, and medicating before is a good idea.  Hopefully it works for you, keep me posted as well.

Jim, I was pretty beat, but it was totally worth it! 

[Nickittynic]

Great news, Liz!
Headaches have kept me from working out for some months now. Before that I was well on my way to my pre-bab(ies) weight! Oh well.. 

[Lizard]

I just went for round two with the brutal kickboxing Nazi and again feel great.  I had a slight headache at the end of the class but attribute that to going a little overboard, but now just an hr later its gone.  I know I'm still having headaches, but finally have found something that works!  Its such a great feeling to be back to some of my old activities    I think I may try another class later this week....that is if I can lift my arms...ha ha

[opp2]

Thanks DL and Liz. I'm back at it slowly but surely. I worked out today, and felt great for about 20 minutes then the head issues started. C'est la vie...I really want to be in shape for surgery so I'll find a way to keep at it.

[Lizard]

Opp2, the 20 minute mark is where I was having issues before, but hopefully after your surgery is going to help!!!! 
Thanks for the good wishes...

Donnalynn I'll have to try the L-glutamine, and thanks kickboxing is great and I love it, I'm so happy my balance is better.  The only time I have problems is in the dark or in a large store I get wonky.

Take care all!
Liz

[Captain Deb]

YAAAAAY LIZARD!!

The nerve bocks are really weird--seem to help some people immeasurably and don't faze others, but are well worth the try.  I find that the Botox helps the temple and behind the eye pain a lot.  We're just going to have to call ourselves "needleheads." Or "pinheads."  Glad you are having such good results.  My next occipital headache, I'm going back to the pain doc for another nerve block.

Capt Deb

[Lizard]

Thanks Capt Deb,
Its hard to tell how the blocks will do and how long so I'm taking full advantage!  I'm happy the Botox is helping you, I really wish that they shots were considered medical and I didn't have to pay for them out of pocket or I'd most definitely be there waiting to get stuck. 
Liz

[jaylogs]

That is a great feeling, to be somewhat "normal" again?  I know we've all had our days where we wake up and are like, huh...I feel different!!  Those days are become more often for me (and I am only 5 months post).  I am very glad to hear you aren't suffering from the headaches like you were...keep rockin'!
Jay