Category: Alternative Healing

Day 7 Post Op Hip_Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!

Hi Your Fit Day Friends!

So by now you’ve had a tour of my room here at Fisherman’s Cove. After my yummy meal I settled in and tried to get a much needed nights sleep. I woke up at about 5:30 wanting to toss and turn, but couldn’t roll over, so instead I decided to move myself smack to the middle of the bed so I could have more support around me and hug my buffet of feathered body pillows.

But….then I had to go to the bathroom. Now this can be traumatic and send anyone who’s  just had major surgery-and has spent most of the night trying to get as snuggled as one can after surgery-into a  panic! I mean, there’s a lot of energy and gymnastics involved to get from your bed to the bathroom; especially when you’re bunked down in the middle of a king size bed in a cave of pillows supporting your every limb. So I had to think hard if I really needed to go. Yup! I did.

Well, at least I’m getting better at it and it’s less painful than two days ago. But moving this limb still feels like a ton of bricks. So I didn’t get much of a restful night… but I’m excited to show you around this healing haven.

OK! Last night when I arrived at Fisherman’s Cove it was dark so I had no idea of just how paradisaical this place is. But when I woke up and opened my window here’s what I saw:

Room 217 Fisherman's Cove Taj Vivanta

I just stood there-like a stork on one leg- and took it all in. I mean, when I looked out the window form the Apollo I saw guys hanging from the side of the building cleaning the windows of the Rain Tree hotel, a parking lot, a two lane road packed with honking vehicles, and a post apocalyptic glow from all the smog.

From the moment I arrived my senses were tantalized with the cachophony of birds, the thick humid air,  rustle of palms in the occasional breeze, and the crashing of waves along the beach, in the distance.

I couldn’t wait to get downstairs and check it all out… starting with the breakfast buffet that comes with the room! It’s an ‘all you can eat’ buffet, and they will cook anything to your specifications. So I ordered enough to carry me through my late breakfast/brunch, with enough for an afternoon meal too!

The Fisherman’s Cove is used to having us Hippies and it’s their unofficial custom to provide excellent follow up care for those of us who stay here after the Apollo Hospital.

And boy did I really got the royal princess treatment from the moment I checked in.  Which suits me fine. In fact I think ‘royal princess’ is in my blood. I mean, according to my mother, I’m  a descendant of Count Dracula-which could explain my nocturnal  habits-so I believe that would qualify me as having Romanian princess blood running through my veins!

Anyway, while sitting at my table I got personal visits from many department heads of staff  who came over to introduce themselves, and to make sure my first night was grand. It was just like holding court! One right after the other they came, to make sure that all my accommodations were met.

Really, I felt honored.

First the IT manager came over and said that he was ‘at my service’.

Then the hotel manager came over to greet me.

Then the head of housekeeping came to let me know that he would be bringing more pillows. He also suggested more towels, more water, a raised toilet seat

My Personal Privy

and a bath mat so I wouldn’t slip on the lovely marble. Who’s to complain. And when I got back to my room that late afternoon this is what I saw! (left)

And this:

No Slip Bath Mat at Fisherman's Cove

 

At the breakfast Buffet Chef Manas made me my omelet, a farmers market bounty of grilled veggies, and whipped me up my protein shake made with coconut water and my Green Vibrance mixed in (great for healing); plus he sent me up to my room with two extra

Green Vibrance protein shake made with coconut water; Glass of coconut water

large glasses of fresh pressed coconut water. I downed the protein shake and a glass coconut water, had some decaf coffee and then headed back to my room to do my exercises and eat my yummy meal and drink more coconut water that chef Manas had sent along with the meal. I was O.D’.ing on coconut water! Not a bad thing under the circumstances!….

DebbyK’s Workout in a box!

Here’s what my workout looked like. I did it in a really small space up in my room, like a 5ft x 6ft space…in about 45 minutes. And that was with hobbling. So you can do this, and probably much quicker, too!

Do Max reps til failure

Set One: Do one right after the other

Bench Push Ups

Bench dips

Robin Hood Pulls( Video coming)

X 3 Rounds

Set Two:

Band Shoulder Press Alternating Arms X 4 sets

Band Chest Fly alternating sides X 4 sets

Band Rear Delt Pulls alternating sides X 3 sets

Band Close Back pulls Alternating sides X 3

Band Biceps alternating arms X 3

Band Tricep overhead extensions alternating sides x 3

Side bends 20 per side

Made to order omelet and veggies from Breakfast Buffet_Fisherman's Cove Resort

After getting my body moving I showered and ate my yummy omelet, inhaled some more fresh coconut water, and headed back down to show you the lobby, and then I decided to take a buggy ride and check out what will be my paradise for the next five days.

But first, here’s the video I took this morning of the beautiful lobby and what I saw last night when I arrived:

Magical Mystery Tour

Then I went exploring in the buggy and took a short walk on the beach with the Conch Man, who offered to walk with me, and who is one of many that come daily to sell their shells to tourists. Well, looking around there was only me, and one other lone guy reading his book on lounge chair, so I really I think he just wanted me to buy his conch shells. But I really wasn’t in the market for shells.

After I got back exploring from the buggy ride my legs and feet were pretty swollen and I was getting pooped. Yup! Me, worn out, done in, after twenty minutes! But those chez lounge chairs by the pool were looking really comfy and inviting. And seeing that it was my job post surgery to relax and repair, I decided to take advantage of the complementary services and headed on over to sit on one by a tree, and take in my first day here instead of heading up to my room. What an amazing place this is.

As Indian custom would have it I was greeted by the pool boy who showered me with care and made a special Indian treat.

You definitely won’t want to miss the next blog post and video!

So stay tuned…

And while you’re waiting…

…why not do the ‘DebbyK! Workout In A Box’, above.  It’s just one of the many I have designed for those who are limited in space and time challenged. And they’re really keeping me in shape while I’m recovering.

If you have any questions on how to do the exercises then leave a comment below. I will be posting a video of these exercises soon, so keep checking back.

Your Trainer and Friend,

DebbyK!

Make It Your Fit Day

 

 

 

DebbyK’s Hip Surgery_ Eve of Day 6 Post Op_My Emerald City of Healing

HI Your Fit Day Friends!

OK, so driving to the Fisherman’s Cove Resort was pretty straight forward. Or so I thought. I mean, I asked the driver, the same one who picked me up from the Airport-who was digging my Extra brand peppermint gum-if he knew where we were going. Yes Mam, he said.  So, great, I assumed that meant, yes, Mam, he did.

So off we went.  As you saw in my last blog there was tons of traffic getting out of the city. Click here  to see me all dressed up on my last day at the Apollo, or if you just need a recap. And to check out how crazy it is driving in India, watch this video  of traffic coming head on into us as we are leaving Chennai !

Anyway, after driving for about 20 minutes as we made our way out of the city, we headed towards the beach resort areas. Along this stretch is where the film stars, foreigners, IT execs and the wealthy own homes.

There’s not much traffic, considering the one lane road, but even so the roadside is still lined with vendors, restaurants, and emporiums and lots of neon; as well as stray cows, cats and dogs. Really, we were dodging cattle who were just meandering down the road, just following the crowd. Occasionally they would break into a trot and head into the road. We actually had to dodge them.

I wondered how did they know where they were going. They just seemed to be following the crowd. Nobody tapping their butts or taking an interest in them. And when I looked back everybody was passing them. They were just following the crowd! Well, apparently they had better GPS than my driver…

As I shifted focus back onto the road I noticed that even along this stretch, away from Chennai, the buses were packed with commuters coming from the city. I mean, packed is an understatement.  Absolutely NO room. And everyone was just frozen into position once on the bus. But no matter. I don’t know how they did it but they would just make room at every stop for more  people.

And it seemed like nobody ever got off the bus…only on. So whoever is standing at the door just pulls the person in.  I mean the doors are closing and folks are just yanking bodies in, arms still hanging out the door. Packed… in 100 degree weather. Having good breath control would definitely be an asset here.

I bet we’d seldom see that in the U.S.. We’d  just wait for the next train or bus; or we’d be driving by ourselves in our minivan!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

So, we’re driving along for about 35 minutes and it’s dark by this time and I’m looking at all the signs along the road. They were all really interesting to me.  And it’s also dark by this time. There’s also tons of visual stimulation and you either have to know where you’re going or be looking in 3 places at once, while driving. Well, I’m glad my driver was keeping his eyes on the road.

Anyway, right then is when I notice an overhang sign that says ‘Taj Vivanta’. It was obscure because every few feet there’s an overhang sign advertising resorts and restaurants, or whatever; and likewise, the roadside realty is littered with signs on the left hand side too. (Remember, it’s opposite over here in India). So you can pass your destination turn if you’re not sure of where exactly it is your going.

Hmmm! I thought, maybe we’re here. So I ask my driver how long it will take to get there,  and he says about an hour. Ok!… Maybe not.

Anyway, back to that sign I saw. There were some smaller words underneath that I could barely make out, but what I thought to be “Fisherman’s Cove”, the name of the resort. But I could have just imagined that, wanting it to say Fisherman’s cove. But my gut feeling was like, it was Fisherman’s Cove, and I thought… we missed the turn!

Not wanting to think my driver doesn’t know where he’s going, or give the impression that a hippy chick, who’s never been to India-but has great intuition-does, I cheerfully say, after seeing the sign, ‘So, have you been here before?’.

He says: NO!

Okee-Dokee! Thinking that there may be some other sign that is will jump out and say ‘Turn here for first timers’, I perk up a bit and have this inkling to pipe up and say, ‘Turn…back there’!. But I don’t, wanting to believe I can just relax; that he knows where he’s going. I mean he’s the driver after all, and this Apollo-to-Fisherman’s Cove transfer has been set up by the international coordinators at World Med Assist. So the driver must know where he’s going, right?

Well, after another 10 minutes he stops on the side of the road and leaves me in the car. ‘Right back’ he says. He dodges traffic, chats it up for a few moments with some men, dodges more cars coming back, and hops back in.

Meanwhile, even though I’m wearing those fashionable TED stockings for circulation and to prevent an embolism from sitting too long, my legs, feet and butt are starting to swell.

So, we make a U-turn India style, right into head on traffic, and head back. He says it’s back in the other direction about 5K and apologizes for wasting my time. Well, yes, I would have liked to have been at the Resort where my leg could be up and I was filling my hungry belly with some fresh seasonal fish;especially when check in was at 2pm and it was now pushing 7pm. But oh well. He got me here safely. And here in India I was learning to just ‘go with the flow‘. Nothing we can do to change anything now.

However, piping up was prudent at this point and so I put in my .02$ and said that I had seen a sign that said ‘Taj Vivanta’; and Fisherman’s Cove was a Taj Resort… so I would be sure to point it out to him.

Well, he was pretty surprised that I even saw the sign. But hey, I’m on an adventure and I’m looking at, and for, everything I can. And I just had this gut feeling from the beginning that I should be on the lookout.

So keeping my eyes out I piped up again when we approached it, and we made the turn…into a long stretch of darkness; what would be my paradise for the next five days. What I was expecting was a nicely paved road with well lit signs guiding us into my Shangri La.

Um, well…thank goodness for the late model Toyata minivan I was in and it’s superior shock absorbing suspension. Because with all the lumps and bumps in the road it literally saved my a#@!

But within moments we pulled into the land of OZ.

Here’s a video of my room, and a glimpse of what lies behind the curtain!

Oh!…and the beautiful gift I got from the Taj.

Oh! And  a picture of my friend Chef Manas Mallock,

My good friend Chef Manas Mallick at Bayview resteraunt, Fisherman's Cove, Taj Vivanta

the Bay View restaurant,

Bayview Resterraunt at Taj Vivanta, Fisherman's Cove. First night, first meal
Boulibaise at BayView Resteraunt at Fisherman's Cove, The Taj

and my first meal, that was so yummy and to die for; and for which I’m desperately trying to score the recipe.

Yummy veggies to order in olive oil, from Chef Manas Mallick, Fisherman's Cove Resort

 

 

 

 

 

So stay tuned for Day 7, where my Emerald City of Healling awaits…

Thank you everyone for your support and kind loving words. You are my motivation. You are all helping me heal.

Your Trainer, Friend, and sometimes personal shopper,

DebbyK!

Make It Your Fit Dayâ„¢

DebbyK’s Hip Surgery_Day 6_ I’m Leaving The Hospital PLUS Bonus Day 5 Video

Hi Your Fit Day Friends!

Hallelujah!

Last night was soooo much better  What an improvement. I was able to sleep on my non- op side and even got into that position without having to be ‘tucked-in’ to bed by the nurses. I mean, yeah!, it’s nice to have turn down, but it’s so nice to have this little bit of normalcy back in my life, like getting into bed by myself.

And here’s something else that was pretty normal; Reading myself to La La Land.  Last night I was craving a good read and was able to read myself to sleepiness. Now, that’s getting back to normal-ness! So I was blessed to be able to read my book for an hour.

I slept for about 2-3 hours and then, all by myself, I was able to turn on my back, and doze in and out until about…you guessed it… 630AM!, when the nurse came to take my BP and temp…again. Can’t wait til that is over. I mean, by now I would think that they know I’m alive!

Speaking of alive!  When I first arrived at the Apollo and they were taking my heart rate and pulse during the intake, after having been run around the hospital for all those pre-op tests. And they were alarmed by my heart rate and pulse readings and said I was abnormal, and that they would have to give me medication. I was like, WHAT? What are my readings?

HA! get this: My HR was 44 and my pulse was 46. This is NOT my waking up metrics either. These were the mid-day numbers. The nurse was concerned and left. And when she came back she said they would give me meds to get my heart rate up!. I was like, “NO Your NOT going to put me on anything like that. These are normal readings for me. My waking pulse is often 36bpm-38bpm. Forty four is not uncommon for me. Please, check with the Doctors. I’m athletic. I have a happy and healthy heart!!”

Well, after some explanations and background of what I did on a daily basis they finally got it, and said they had never had a patient who had such low readings.

Things You Do On Check Out Day!

And, what a far cry from the last week: Last night I was actually cold upon falling asleep and even had to ask for two sheets, the AC turned down, and a towel put over my chest and shoulders. This is a sign telling me that my body is starting to regulate its metabolism; normalizing itself from all the meds and anesthesia that were pumped through me. I was told that all those crazy buckets of sweat that I was pouring out were partly due to my body purging itself of all the toxins.

And… when I got up…, yes!, I am regular, again. Maybe a bit too much information, but for those of you Hippy’s out there or anyone else who is having surgery you will totally understand.

However, my body is still bloated like a fish. What a weird feeling.

But I know in a few weeks I won’t look like a Macy’s Day Parade balloon!

Then I did my exercise routine which took about 20 minutes. There is no Physio today because I’m leaving and there is so much else on the schedule for checkout!

And here’s my Happy Halloween Treat for all of you who are still looking for an outfit… This is my walking outfit that I wore on Day 5 that I forgot to post in my last blog. And please…don’t steal my outfit for Halloween. It’s an original!

Do you like my slippers?

Check, Please!

So, although there was a lot to get get through before I left, it was a pretty relaxed checkout.

First, I had a visit from the international patient coordinator. I gave her great reviews and told her that if I had all the money in the world I’d come back to Dr. Bose for surgery. In fact, I was told that the Apollo Platinum ward is a VIP ward. So it makes sense that even if I had all the money in the world I would still come here to be healed!

BTW: This is also this is a Specialty hospital for cancer and many in this wing were here for cancer treatments.

Next I was visited by the dietician again. We discussed things I may want to wean myself back on to.: like nuts. Bummer. I was ready to dive in and munch away. But she said only about 3-5 a day to start. And to think I brought a pound and a half with me!. Well, I don’t want to mess up what’s working, so I’ll go slow. That seems to be the mantra from Dr. Bose too… Balance, Deborah! I can still here his voice…

SIDE BAR: Regarding coconut oil for those of you who may follow a Paleo method of eating and will be traveling to India for surgery, or pleasure for that matter. You can eat Paleo style. But many here are concerned about cooking with it. “It’s bad for my heart”!! they tell me.  “Well, yah! If you’re eating tons of Omega 6’s and sugars and processed foods, then, yes it is. But if you’re eating whole foods, no processed foods, no added sugars, and exercising, then cooking in small amounts of coconut oil is fine”, I tell them!

But buyer beware in India. As it turns out the first few days that I was having them cook my omelet in coconut oil little did I know that it was 2nd press. As it turns out it is difficult and very expensive in Tamil Nadu, as well as other regions,  to get 1st press coconut oil. It’s very expensive. So they cook with olive oil and vegetable oil, and of course butter. When I found this out I opted for no  coconut oil, and just some olive oil with my veggies and grilled fish. I mean, I really needed fat.

So, I’m not sure if the dietician was concerned because she knew it was 2nd press or that she just thought coconut oil, even organic virgin, was bad for you. I got that from many Indians here; that coconut oil had way too much cholesterol and you’d die of a heart attack.

Apparently there is a big drive from the Ministry of Health to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure and obesity, all which are creeping into their society.Hmmm! I wonder why? Could it be the full page adds for Chinese food and pizza and Western style treats that have infiltrated the Indian homes, and are advertised in all the local papers? Just like the U.S. of A!!

So If you are sticking to Paleo, and you prefer coconut oil,  make sure you ask them what oils they are cooking with. And if you ask for coconut oil, make sure to ask for 1st press, unrefined. In fact virgin coconut oil is abundant in some and non existent in others. Every region is different. So make sure you ask.

The Final Hour

Dr. Bose finally made his rock star appearance. And this is exactly how I feel when I see him. I grow weak and am often lost for words. Although he would probably beg to differ on that one.

The TEAM, who put Humpty Dumpty back together again! Dr. Bose, immediate right of me

Actually his entire team that was there during my surgery and helped with my recovery, came in to see me off. Dr. Bose went over all the post op meds, set me up with my Xrays, Echo, CD of my films, and a goody bag filled with bandages and rubber gloves; as well as some notes and documents for the airlines, so I wouldn’t find myself on the NO FLY list as I beeped my way through the gates.

Then he gave me general post op flying procedures:

Drink lots of water every hour.

Get up and walk every hour.

Do your leg exercises every hour.

Rinse and Repeat.

He was kind enough to do this little exit video for me:

The great thing about going on a medical vacation is that World Med Assist coordinated all of my transfers; from landing in India to shuttling me to Taj Vivanta Fisherman’s Cove resort. So all I had to do was wait for my driver to arrive.

Within a few moments after Dr. Bose had left they said my driver would be here soon.  I thought I’d have about an hour, which is much needed when hobbling. So Durga, my buddy, helped me pack up.  Since I was going to be on my own I strategically packed my bags so that I could get at things easily for the first few days at the resort

I am so positive and happy.  Those of you who are my close friends know that I was going through a tough period. The pain of an arthritic hip and not being able to do what I love athletically, which affects my profession as a trainer, can bring you down emotionally and drown your spirit.

But I feel so different now. Months before I left for India I just let it all go; I gave myself over to my hip, Dr. Bose, and India. And when I did that it was like a weight was lifted from me. I knew this would be an emotional journey as well as one that would free me to move forward, take action and start a new life; physically, emotionally and spiritually.

In fact, it may seem odd, but I have not missed home while being here. Because home right now is here. Not to say that to hear from my family and friend and long lost acquaintances and high school buddies hasn’t been wonderful and instrumental in my healing. Because it has.  Thank you all so much. I love you!

But I am here in India;  She has become my home since I stepped off the plane; and I am focusing only on the present.  And when I leave, India will be in my heart and soul forever; India, Dr. Bose, the Apollo, and all the friends I have made here.

With that said, I will miss everyone here at the Apollo. And as much as I thought just four days ago that I wouldn’t be ready to be without my Apollo ‘A’ Team, I am ready to move on. Besides, I really need to feel a sea breeze and breathe some clean air, and not have my arm yanked and pulled every 6 hours!

So, with happy face, I said my goodbyes and was off.

I didn’t leave until 5pm.

Late check out. But hey, no extra charge!

My journey is just beginning. Can you tell by the smile on my face?

DebbyyK! Saying good bye to the dancing statue

Here’s some pictures  of me leaving the Apollo:

Me and Durga. She was such a great caregiver and friend. I miss her..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then it was off to Fisherman’s Cove Resort

Stay tuned for part 2 of Day 6. You won’t want to miss this. It’s where the magic begins…

With much love,

Your Trainer, Friend, and sometimes Personal Shopper

DebbyK!

Make It Your Fit Day!,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Saved My Butt, Literally!

HI Your Fit Day Friends!

I’ve been getting tons of emails requesting the links to the pillows that I used for traveling.

One thing I especially liked about these pillows is that they’re really versatile. I mean not only were they great for the plane, where I could place them underneath my butt, against the small of my back, behind my neck, and against the hard side when lying with my butt against the arm rest. But at home they are great for reading in bed and propping yourself up and supporting your neck.

So I decided to put together a long awaited products and equipment page on this website that I’ll continue to update.

And if we will be using certain equipment or products for a workout or recipe I’ll make sure to have the links directly on that blog post, for your convenience.

So click on over here to check these pillows out. The blue C Curve neck pillow would make a perfect holiday gift, along with a book or cozy blanket; or maybe even a plane ticket to that favorite tropical island you want to bring your sweetie to!!

Remember, I try everything out before I suggest them to you. I know it’s only my opinion, but I rarely guarantee something. And I guarantee you will not be disappointed with these finds.

I’ve already had three people who have bought them based on my experience. If you do happen to get one or all of these, let me know how you like them and be sure to leave a comment for all the other readers too!

Thanks you guys!

Your Trainer, Coach, Friend, and now Personal Shopper!!

DebbyK!

Make It Your Fit Day!

 

DebbyK’s Hip Surgery: Day 2 Post Op

Hello Your Fit Day Friends!

Last night went much better. After having adjusted my bed to feel more like a Lazy Boy lounge chair, with pillow strategically place under my elbows and calves, I pretty much slept through the night. I fell asleep at about 10:45PM

At 6AM they woke me for some shots, to draw blood, take BP and not sure what else. Then it was more sleep until I woke at 930 to start the day.

Durga giving me sponge bath

First up was a sponge bath which  really was a pseudo sponge bath since they don’t use a sponge. Instead they use large wipes that smell very lemony and are cool on the skin. It felt good to get the grime off my body. I brushed my teeth in bed, camping style, and then was draped with a new robe.

Shortly after cleaning up Dr. Bose’s assistant came in to see me and change the dressing. He said the sutures looked clean, no infection and were healing nicely.

Debby's Battle scar

Next was breakfast. On the first day, when I checked in, the dietician came in to ask me what I wanted to eat. I told her my diet consisted of protein, fats, and veggies and small amount of yams. Since I’m not working out my body doesn’t require the carbs I was eating before, and it was difficult to make them understand that rice was NOT my main staple of a diet. I’d give them a list of what I wanted to eat and when I was through they would say : “yes, rice?”. And I would say ” No , no rice please, just steamed veggies” But they kept pushing the rice on me.

And it’s hard to get the staff to bring steamed veggies with every meal. It seems that Indians don’t eat many vegetable or it’s their custom to only have steamed veggies for dinner. On Day 1 I got my veggies with breakfast. On day two  I had a different staff person and I guess he decided that veggies were not appropriate for breakfast so it was a struggle to get them with my morning meal, even though I asked another 5 times. Just trying to have some roughage for later, if you know what I mean!

So, At 10:15 AM my six egg white omelet came prepared as ordered, cooked in coconut oil, with onions laced through it. Very very yummy. But there was no veggies in sight. I asked several more times for my steamed veggies. I got a lot of ‘Yes Mams’ but no veggies.

Egg White Omelet at Apollo Hospital
Yummy Egg White Omelet at the Apollo Hospital

Hmmm!  it’s 12:15am and I’m still waiting for my veggies.

Finally at At 1pm they brought me veggies, as well as my lunch, another egg omelet.  But since I had just eaten less than 3 hours ago I wasn’t that hungry again, so I ate the veggies, along with some leftover veggies that I had in my fridge from the Rain Tree hotel. Gotta have my veggies!

Even though I have very little appetite it’s important to eat enough so I get ample protein to maintain my muscles, and fiber to keep me regular. Bringing almonds with me was a good idea, since it will help with keeping my fat intake up. However they want me to wait on the almonds for obvious reasons, if you get my drift! I also brought a good whey protein powder and squeezed a scoop in before physio.

Next up was physiotherapy to give me more exercises and take my second stroll. We did some extension and flexing of the knee with both feet dorsi flexed. It felt good to bend my knee. The exercises are very similar to Muscle Activation Technique.  I tense for 5 seconds pressing my leg into the pillow with my leg straight, hold for five second, release, and repeat. All the while keeping my  feet dorsi flexed. Toe circles and calf pumps are mandatory also. It keeps the blood flowing.

After the isometrics were finished we worked on range of motion with my leg. Lying flat the physiotherapist abducted my leg a few inches then returned it to just before mid line and did this about 10 times. This was uncomfortable since all my muscles were being stretched. He said this was normal. But boy it really felt like the sutures were ripping.

Now for the big event. My second attempt at walking. Just as we had strategically placed those pillows around my body they now all had to be undone,taken away, so I could sit up and pull myself to the side of the bed. This is where my upper body strength came in handy. I was able to push down with both hands and raise my body up and to the edge of the bed. I sat a few moments taking deep breaths, centering myself and focusing on my core. It was very painful to navigate the leg. I wanted to go one way and my muscles were not cooperating and felt like they were ripping. For anyone who has had there muscles cut and repaired I’m sure you know what I’m feeling now.

With the walker in front of me I slowly lowered myself to the floor and stood straight. Wow! I couldn’t stand straight on Day 1 so I’m progressing as all my hippy friends before me had said I would.

The plan was to put 100% weight on my hip leg. Physio said that was acceptable even on day 1.  So I moved the walker out in front of me and took a step with my hippy leg, lifting it off the ground and putting it back down, then left leg same. I could feel I was using the walker to take off pressure from my hip. There was a burning sensation, like my  muscles were coming apart. But they assured me nothing was wrong, it was  natural , and just do what I could. So I tried to put more  pressure on my leg while walking to see how much it could bear. Surprisingly it felt better when I loaded more weight onto the hip, like I was stretching out my limb.

After ambling to the door I turned around and made it back to the bed. I think that is all I could take.

My bed linens were changed as I hobbled about and when I returned to all my pillows the sister took my IV drip out. No more tramadol, and I was free to move around the cabin!

At 2:45 I ate my veggie omelet, had some tea, blogged, and waited for physio.

Physio came again at 3PM for another series of leg exercise and an afternoon stroll down the hippy hall. I was feeling much less pain now. In fact I stopped all pain meds about an hour before and the sister just gave me an ibuprofen cocktail. I felt much more confident having less pain, and my limb was much more flexible.

Walking 2nd day post op

I was able to walk a few steps down the hall, to the next room, putting about 75% weight on my leg. A few times after placing my foot down I let all the weight onto my hip to see how it would feel. Sore, with some cramping in my glutes. He said that was normal and to keep trying.

After speaking with a few nuns about the small amounts of food that I was getting they assured me that I could have veggies with every meal. I also asked for two pieces of fish with dinner, since the one they brought me last night was only about 2 oz. It was a yummy and I’m assuming it was in the swordfish family so hopefully I’m getting some Omega 3’s in my diet.

I Googled this yummy fish and here is what I found:

KingFish (vanjaram/batang) fish is a expensive fish and is a delicacy of south indian cuisine. Its fat content ranges from 3-30% and a good source of vitamin D and B12.

Yummy King Fish with steamed veggies and raw veggies
Yummy King Fish with steamed veggies and raw veggies

I can see how my life will have to change over the next few months. This is not easy, especially when I am used to doing hours of activity on a daily basis and being independent. But I am here for the journey and intend to enjoy the ride, as bumpy as it may get.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far. And thank you Vicky for being a friend. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward and help others through this experience.

So, stay tuned for more of my medical ‘vacation’ to India…

Have you had similar experiences? I’d love it if you could share them so please leave your comments.

Make it Your Fit Day with DebbyK!

 

 

 

 

 

DebbyK’s Hip Surgery_Day 1 Post Op

Hi Your Fit Day Friends

This is my Day 1 Post Op experience which I wrote on the 5th of October, Chennai time. I was pretty out of it so some I’m recollecting some from memory. Times may not be exact.

It was a very rough long night.  I didn’t anticipate I would be in so much discomfort. My leg feels like a ton of bricks, falls asleep, and burns. I doze in and out trying not to move or wake up so I don’t feel the pain.

I was pretty much hallucinating throughout the night. Upon checking in on the 3rd I was given an IV drip of fluids since my urea was high from all the travel. I was also given an oxygen mask due to a low saturation of about 80%. I actually found the oxygen mask helpful in helping me sleep, except for the dry mouth.

Sometime right after surgery, not sure when since it’s all really a blur to me, my arms got numb and were tingling. I think it was during a time they were doing a procedure on me like giving me a shot or taking BP. But it was a horrible feeling losing all feeling, on top of the pain I was feeling in my hip. The sisters massaged and needed my arms,  trying to get feeling back. It was scary. Eventually they called the PT and he adjusted me and put pillows under my elbows to raise my arms and that seemed to alleviate the problem. So now I  make sure I have a pillow under each elbow as arm rests.

Getting comfortable was the most difficult. One thing that saved me is that I brought 4 various sizes of memory foam pillows and had strategically placed them the night of the 3rd, before surgery. So for all of you who are pending surgery, travel or not, I highly recommend these pillows.

One is a small pillow which cradles the c curve in my neck. A must for lying back or working upright on the computer.

My memory foam C curve neck pillow

Another is a small square travel pillow that I put under my butt and relieves the pressure of the bed, since I start getting numb. It’s by Home Medics and I found it on Amazon.

The third is my thin, flat memory foam pillow that I sleep with at home. I got it at Costco and it also comes with a flat polly pillow, which I left at home. I’m so glad I brought memory part one with me.

The other pillow is the horseshoe shaped pillow that goes around your neck. It’s also a Home Medics memory foam pillow that I got on Amazon.  I found it helpful to place it behind my head during the recovery, giving some added neck support and comfort, especially when I’m stuck in bed in one position.

After waking up all through the night, it was morning of day one and really time to get up for physiotherapy. I’m not quite sure if I had eaten breakfast yet. Some things are just to hard to recall.  But I was able to stand for a short moment and put weight on my leg. Then I started to get dizzy and nauseous from the tramidol they gave me. And I started to break into a sweat so I knew it was not a good time to try and walk.

After having breakfast I felt better.  Even though I have no appetite I make sure I’m eating enough protein.

Dr. Bose came in to see at around 1030am. I can’t recall if it was before or after my breakfast and first attempt to walk.  He showed me  pictures of my cartilage and the BHR inside me. He used a size 44, for all of you hippy folks who know what that means. I’ll have a nice shot of the doc and those shots of my bone for you soon, so stay tuned!

So, Dr. Bose said that my OA was worse than on the xray and I had many many bone spurs and I was bone on bone. He was surprised that I was doing as much as I could and thought he’d see me in more of a crippled state based on what my current x-ray showed. Apparently over the past 10 months the OA had progressed. But he said the bones were very strong and I’ll be doing everything I was doing before in no time. Everyone is so encouraging.

He is really amazing. I feel blessed that I was able to come here.

My second attempt in the afternoon at standing went much better and I walked in a circle with the walker. It was very hard to stand straight up, my butt was throbbing and my thigh burning, and it felt like everything was just ripping apart. This is a far cry from what I’m used to doing on a daily basis. But it gives me the will power and motivation to get back to the top of my game.

I brought my flip video and it’s a  hit. As well as my new iphone. One of the sisters video taped my first walk with the walker. She loves being the camera person.

The staff is so attentive. Just the way Vicky and everyone at the www.hipresurfacingsite yahoo group said it would be. And Everything is ‘yes mam’! But I have to be careful when talking about pain because they think I want more pain meds, when I don’t! They are very liberal with their pain meds.

More ice is what I really need for the swelling. I forgot to bring my ice packets and all they have are the old fashion plastic ice bricks that fit into the mini freezer part of the fridge. A bit outdated but I make due.

I will continue to visualize walking at the Fisherman’s Cove Resort, where I will move to on the 10th of October to continue re hab on my own before I set off for one last check up on the 15th and home on the 17th.

I’ll be blogging and uploading videos to You Tube so keep checking back and subscribe to my channel ‘yourfitday’

And thank you everyone for helping me through this. I know I have a long way to go but with all your support I’ll get back to the top of my game and be there for you soon enough with some great workouts to help you get fit, lean and strong.

Have you had similar challenges or experiences? Leave your comments. I’m sure it will help others. I know it will help me…!

Love from India!

Make it Your Fit Day with DebbyK!

 

 

I’m Aching For A Vacation…

Hello Your Fit Day Friends,

I’m off…to India.

Now, the typical response from a friend would go something like this: “Wow! Great!  Have a great trip! Wish I were going! You gonna do some yoga?”

Well, not exactly. You see, it’s not really a ‘vacation’. At least I wouldn’t call it that.

I mean being sliced and diced and then a mechanical device inserted into my hip joint is not my idea of a vacation! But call it what you will, I’m going, it’s for medical reasons and it seems more and more people are resorting to this option when they don’t have the resources- like being able to change your medical coverage due to pre exisiting conditions in order to get get the best surgeons to treat a serious problem.

Now, if you’ve been following me on Facebook or receiving my fitness newsletter most of you already know that I’m headed off to India for my hip resurfacing surgery. If you need a recap on why I’m choosing to go outside of my HMO (well that should say it all right there!) as well as outside of the country as well,  click here.

I’m Not Nuts!

However a few things have changed since that last post and I need to clarify. I have been getting a lot of emails asking why now am I going to India. Some of you actually thought I was nuts going out of the country, let alone to India.  So I wanted to update you on the reasons and how I came to the decision to go around the world, instead of…well… half way, for my new hip.

After writing that post I was finding it still difficult to come up with all of the needed money to see one of the top surgeons, Dr. De Smet, in Belgium. I had known of another great surgeon with an incredible track record, but was reluctant to fly around the world… to India. Why? Because it was, well around the world. It was in India. And India is hotter than hot. In fact there are 2 temperatures in Chennai: extremely hot and dreadfully hot And there  are a lot of bugs in hot weather. And did I already mention how hot it is in India? Those were my main concerns; not that Dr. Bose was one of the best surgeons in the world for anything Hippy!

Having my heart set on seeing Dr. De Smet, but not being able to come up with all the money needed to get the surgery (flight, accommodations, food, lodging, incidentals, recovery, re hab expenses, etc), I emailed him and told him of my plight. Simultaneously I got back on my stability ball chair and did more butt numbing web surfing and Googled ‘grants for hip surgery’.

At this point in my journey I had done about 80 plus hours of butt numbing research and was very familiar with the patient advocate Vicky Marlow from SurfaceHippy website. She has put together a series of informational videos of some of the top hip resurfacing surgeons in the world, and I have watched every one of them, more than twice! I would call Vicky the go-between for many of these top hip resurfacing surgeons.

Only now I found that Vicky had her own more updated website which brought me to her program, DAST, which offers a once a year grant for a hip resurfacing device to those individuals who have NO health insurance but are in need of a hip resurfacing. Wow!

Now, going back to my previous blog you will well recall that Dr. De Smet had told me that the BHR was a device that was not suitable for my mild displasia, and although he was one of the best surgeons in the world and still implanted the BHR, he suggested that the Conserve Plus would be better suited for me.

So I emailed Miss Vicky and sent her over to my blog to read my story, asking her if instead of being a candidate for a BHR grant if she would consider approving the Conserve Plus for a DAST grant.

That same day I also emailed  Dr. De Smet and told him about this program , which he already knew existed.  He said he could work with the manufacturers to give him a Conserve Plus device, as well as cut some hospital costs, but that I would still be responsible for hotels, etc.. and he suggested I email Vicky to get her approval for a DAST grant for the Conserve Plus device that he intended to use in my hip.

So I patiently awaited a response from Vicky.

Boy was Vicky prompt in emailing me back. Within 24 hours there were 2 long responses in my inbox. And they weren’t what I wanted to hear. At first…

I was not a candidate (my heart sunk-at first- but not all was lost). Since I had an HMO heath care provider already I didn’t qualify on that alone.

However, as I said, all was not lost. According to many other great hip resurfacing surgeons she had contacted, I was certainly a candidate for the BHR. However in order to get great results it depended upon the surgeon placing the device. And even though one of the best doctors, Dr. De Smet, seemed biased towards the C+ for my hip, based on the information Vicky provided me and with more butt numbing research-reading patient testimonials, and watching more videos, and reading more research on the importance of placement of the device-I came to my own decision that going to see Dr. Vijay bose in India was the best option for me.

You can read about the procedure and watch an interview of Dr. Bose here ,and the Apollo Hospitals here

Let’s Get To The Bottom

What it always comes down to is the bottom line. It’s about 20K less to go to India. But even if it weren’t, and going to Belgium was the same price as Dr. Bose, I believe I would still opt for India. Why? Because  after reading and talking to patients who have traveled to India for hip surgery, Dr. Bose is a healer, is a meticulous surgeon, and the treatment you get is world class.

So, there you have it. As you read this I’m either in India learning to walk again, or in CA getting on with my new life…

As for medical travel it seems to be the new rage. But cost cutting aside, the quality of treatment alone is good reason for others to peruse this option.

So stay tuned for my blogs and newsletter and in the meantime you can read about other ‘medical vacation’ hippy patients stories HERE.

And I’d love to hear from those of you who have had hip surgery, in the U.S. or abroad, and what your experience was.

Leave your comments here…

Make it Your Fit Day with DebbyK!

Ciao!

 

 

 

 

Getting To Know My TRX With Ed Le Cara

HI Your Fit Day Fans!

First, I want to let you know that there’s a super workout posted at the bottom of this blog and anyone can do it, even if you don’t have a TRX, yet!

I’ve been working away at my TRX training to help strengthen my hip, glutes (butt) and core muscles, before my surgery this fall, and I wanted to update you on my progress. Even if you don’t have a TRX ( I know, it also took me a while to become a convert!) there are variations of all of these exercises you can do using a stability ball, bench, cables at the gym, or a mat. I’ll be sure to update you with some tutorials on variations for those of you who don’t yet have a TRX.

Think Outside The Box (You know…As in Gym)

The beauty of TRX system is that everyone can do the exercises and follow the many routines. However, they can be varied depending on your needs and ability. TRX even has an entire rehab series which, for now, is what my program will mostly be based on. So as I get used to the system and get stronger Ed Le Cara will show me how to increase the load and make the exercise more challenging simply by making micro changes in my body positioning.

I can see how, at times, this can be so much better than a machine at the gym. At the gym you can only increase the load by 5 lbs, unless they have those small weights that you add onto the stack. But they are so inconvenient, since you have to spend an extra few minutes scouting them out.

And then after you find them-if your machine hasn’t been snatched by someone else-and you spend another minute trying to configure them onto the stack while staying put between the pulley system, or you dangle them from the pin in makeshift fashion, they end up bouncing off in the middle of a set. Right? Hasn’t that happened to you?!

With the TRX all you need to do is change your body position just an inch or two while working in any of the three planes, which will either increase or decrease the load.

So for example, if you’re in a position and find it too difficult to make it past a few reps to complete the set then all you have to do is adjust your foot distance from the anchor and…Presto! the movement becomes easier and you can concentrate on your form and breathing and get the work done.

So even in the middle of a set you can make these micro adjustments so the continuity of the exercise, and set programming is not lost.  And as you get stronger you can move farther away from the anchor point which is like putting extra weight on a machine. Only now YOU are the machine!

Now that’s intuitive training to me.

And just as examples you can also add weights, kettle bells, and the Ultimate Sandbag into the mix for even a more intense workout. And remember, you can do all of this at home or in a park, anywhere and everywhere.

As I progress I’ll have more workouts for you too!

Fit For My Hip

Here are the first few exercises that Ed Le Cara, the Master TRX Rehab Guru, gave me that literally kicked my butt.  They had me going in a sweat in a matter of minutes! The breakdown of my workout is below the videos.

 

Before I jump into my workout I like to warm up with what I call Running Man’s (Mountain Climbers) for a few minutes. You can also skip rope or do high knee running in place.

Then I will go through this routine on my leg and glute targeted days, as well as another day in between.

For added intensity  and to keep your metabolism stoked you can add 30 seconds to 1 minute of skipping rope, high knee stepping, running mans, or even marching in place in between each set. Since my hip can’t take much jumping right now, I have gone from skipping rope to doing ‘running man’ instead, and it still kicks my butt.

The plank exercises I try to weave in throughout my workouts on most days, to work on shoulder and scapula (the wings of your back!) stabilization. You can do regular planks on the mat or using a ball or even a bench or chair.

Note: Start with the lower number of reps until you feel comfortable with the movement. You will feel a burn in your hamstrings for sure!

TRX Beginning Glute/Core Workout

Round 1

Bridge: Hold 10 seconds, lower, repeat 10 reps

Hamstring curl with hip extension: 8-12 reps

Hamstring curl single leg: 5-15 reps

Lunge: 10-15 each leg (Watch video where I did 40 on each leg! My butt, legs, and even the muscles in my feet were burning!)

Repeat this sequence 2-3 times

Round 2

Supine Plank with Pushup: Hold 7-10 seconds for 8 reps, (rest at bottom for 3-5 sec between each plank)

TRX Resisted Rotation (eccentric and concentric) 5 plus, til  you fatigue.

Repeat this sequence 2-3 times

This is just the beginning. I have more exercises that I have learned that will get your butt and legs in super shape. And the TRX is ALWAYS working your core, even when you’re not doing the core specific exercises.

OH! Now that the weather is nice I’m toting my TRX to the pool, hooking it up to the lifeguard chair after my swim and deep water pool run, and exploring my core. I just love it that much!

TRX Training
Does your program give you these results?

Get with the program!

And be sure to let me know how I can help you by leaving your comment below.

Make it Your Fit Day!

With DebbyK!

P.S.: Remember, I am not in anyway prescribing these exercises to cure any skeletal or muscle problems you may have. And always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program!

 

Key To Pain Free

Hello Your Fit Day Friends!

I have to admit, this warrior woman had been suffering pain for the past 3 months or so. It started back in June 2010 when I pulled my inner thigh muscles (called adductors in fitness speak) most likely doing dead lifts. After  rolling it out using the foam roller, and taking it easy on the lifting for a couple weeks, I was  soon back to running, as well as training hard for a figure competition I had penciled into my schedule for the June of 2011.

The show must go on you know!

But by the time August 2010 rolled around I was starting to feel tightness in my glutes (called the butt in plain speak) and I noticed that running stairs (a great plyometric and fat burning workout by the way) were becoming a little painful with the high – knee lifts. So, in September I decided to lay off the stair-running for a few weeks.

Trail running, however, didn’t seem to bother me. Thank the universe, since I live for those East Bay trails!

Then, when even long strides started to be uncomfortable, and my butt muscles and Tensor Fasciae Latae ( no, this is not a cup of coffee) were burning when I walked, and Mr. Sandman wasn’t coming at night, I decided that it was time for a visit to my Muscle Activation Technique guru, Paul Ciske to relieve the pain.

Who Is Paul ?

Pain Free
Paul Ciske

I had known Paul back in the 90’s where he worked as a fitness trainer at the now defunct Courthouse Athletic Club, in Oakland CA. Even back then he was very innovative in the fitness movement, designing and teaching fitness classes and certifications.

What makes Paul different from most other practitioners and fitness trainers is that he knows body mechanics down to a ‘T’. Something I find that most fitness trainers and other ‘healers’ in our industry don’t have a good grasp of.

Paul applies his in-depth knowledge of joint and exercise mechanics – which, in a nutshell, is how the system of joints and muscles responds to both internal and external forces- as viewed through the lenses of Resistance Training Specialist (RST) and Muscle Activation Technique (MAT).

How I Discovered ‘Magic’ MAT

My first visit to Paul for some MAT work was in 2007. It was through a suggestion of a mutual friend of ours, the great Ultra Running Man Mike Palmer, who I literally ran into one day on Strawberry Canyon trail in Berkeley, CA. We trotted along for a while, catching up.

Pain Free
Strawberry Canyon Trail

I told Mike of a weird foot ache I was having.  He told me about Paul and this MAT ‘magic’ that got him back to running after a major knee injury.

Now, Mike is an anomaly of his own. I don’t know how old Mike is, and I don’t want to ‘insert running shoe in mouth’, but if I had to guess I’d say that Mike is in his late fifties. And what’s not so normal about Mike is that a normal week of running for Mike is around 100 miles. Did I already mention Mike is an ultra marathon runner?!

Now, I love running as much as Mike. I live for the trails. And for a long time I have been fantasizing about completing an ultra (Note: it is still just a fantasy!).

But to be felled by pain and unable to run can be a hard knock to a runner. However, with MAT, Paul had literally saved Mikes career as an Ultra Runner. Check out his incredible testimonial here. (Scroll down to bottom).

I knew MAT existed as a certification for trainers, and I knew Paul was highly respected in the industry among other trainers and wellness practitioners, so I finally decided to give Paul, and MAT, a try.

What Does MAT Do?

“MAT gets to the root of pain or injury by addressing muscle weakness rather than muscle tightness. This helps to restore normal body alignment, thereby, decreasing pain and reducing the risk of injury.”

I Do Believe… In Magic

Wow! All I can say is that first visit back in 2007 for MAT work with Paul blew my mind.

Pain Free
Deb falling asleep while Paul works his magic_Elton Lobas Photo

One of the best parts about visiting Paul is that you get to lie on this really comfortable, cushioned, heated massage table. In fact, one whiff of the sheets made me nuzzle right into them. (Make note to ask him what he uses on them!) I felt like asking for a down comforter to pull up over my shoulders, and going to bed instead of the session.

But I digress…

Doing His Craft

On that visit Paul identified weaknesses in specific muscles by positioning my legs and feet in all the different planes of the body. In each position he would apply a force, have me resist, and see if that muscle could hold that position.

Pain free
Test for Glute_Elton Lobas Photo

Applying a force in each position allows Paul to identify a muscle, or group of muscles, that may not be firing (working to stabilize, in plain speak). Once he finds a weakness he stimulates those muscles fibers to fire again by applying pressure with his fingertips along the muscle fibers. (That part felt kind of like massage!)

Then came the retests; he would apply force in same positions; have me walk around; then retest once again. It was like this crazy giant loop of testing!

YUP! Paul is very thorough. And he has even created a system which basically double checks his work, making sure the correct muscles are doing their designated job.

And what was amazing is that Paul also found weaknesses in other parts of my body that had everything to do with the ache in my foot. He corrected for those, and I was back on the trail, even faster than before, lighter on my feet, with more pep in my step.

After about an hour and a quarter I left Paul’s office with a few isometrics to do on my own.

Sidebar: I was so impressed with MAT that I signed up for the Jump Start program for fitness trainers and completed the Lower Body portion (which by the way, was instructed by Paul).

Oh! Did I forget to mention that Paul is a Master Trainer for MAT?

Back To The Future

So now it’s September 2010 and I’m having a hard time walking without some pain and tightness in my front thigh, hip flexors and my butt. My thoughts are that it’s got to be from the pulled groin muscles.  My intuition tells me that it’s time for a visit to Paul. So I hopped to it- almost quite literally on my good leg! – and after 1 1/2 hours of working his ‘magic’  I walked out of his office, again pain free, and feeling much better.

Pain free… that was in September. In fact I was feeling so great that I was able to lift heavier and really get into my training for a figure competition. So after about 6 weeks I backed off from doing my MAT isometrics…

And then they dwindled…

To a stop.

I was feeling great, so why continue the exercises?

Wasn’t I healed?

Well, sometimes maintenance is the key.

MAT helps keep the muscles around your joints stable. So, without continuing with the isometrics, by November the discomfort was getting to the point where I could not sleep. I was getting weaker in the gym, and I was feeling more discomfort within a day or two after my Sunday trail runs.

Physical Therapy: Beyond My Better Judgment ?

Apparently so in this instance.  After three visits to PT at Kaiser in October, November, and December, I was actually worse.  He couldn’t figure it out. But he did think the MAT exercises, which I had brought with me from September’s session with Paul, were helping. Yes they were!

So. since PT didn’t help I decided a visit to an Orthopedic surgeon was in order, to rule out anything more serious.  However, with Kaiser I had to continue to suffer a few more weeks before I could get in to see the first doc in January.

Ouch!

But by late December the pain was getting so I couldn’t walk or sleep. My range of motion in my right hip had decreased considerably and I was having a hard time with squatting down evenly, so I decided to see Paul again to see if he could work his ninja magic. Check out Debby in wide squat. NOTE: Videos are sideways, sorry!!

When I revisited Paul that first time in January-the 18th to be exact- I strategically parked my car very close to Paul’s door so I wouldn’t have to walk very far. But even walking across the street was more akin to a hobble.

He spent almost 2 hours with me. I walked out 80% pain free. Six days later, to work more on my hip mobility and to address any lingering pain, I saw him again.

I made sure to capture what Paul does on video so you can see there is no sleight of hand!

Really, check out these videos NOTE: They are sideways, sorry!

The Takeaway

After Paul is all done (and it’s not about the clock, but more about when you are out of pain) the isometric exercises he gives you for the first time seem a bit strange. You will find yourself lying on the floor, rotating your feet and legs in or out; sometimes raised; pulling or pushing, using straps and bolsters; lightly pushing against a barriers for 6 seconds, resting a few, pushing for 6, and repeating 6 times with each exercise he gives you.

Like I said before, it seems crazy but it works.

The Economies of MAT

One of the great benefits of using MAT is that you only have to go once or twice to get to the root of the problem. And typically you should perform the isometrics to keep your body in check.

Some people back off from continuing the isometrics-like I did- once they are feeling less, or no pain at all.  But if you do find yourself feeling tweaks of pain creeping back you can sometimes ‘Jump Start’ your muscles into a pain free state by going back to the isometric exercises.

But you know what?

MAT works. I mean I train hard; and I’ve been known to be called the ‘Super-Human Woman’ at the gym! So I’m bound to get out of whack once in a while. Yet every time I have visited Paul for pain or tightness in my muscles or joints I have walked away just about pain free.

My first orthopedic doctor’s solution was to pump me full of anti inflammatory drugs and stretch, stretch, stretch.  Based on the principles of MAT both were the wrong approach.

Why?

Drugs cost money; are a band-aid approach; and don’t get to the root of the pain. Not to mention the countless times back and forth to PT that can drain your pocket book.

MAT…The New Motrin

MAT is great news for anyone who doesn’t like to take pain killers or spend their hard earned money on prescriptions and insurance co-pays month after month, or give in to the pharmaceutical companies and Western medicine.

With Paul’s help and with some new exercises I now have the pain in my hip at bay. I make sure to do them before I go to bed and sometimes before and even during my workouts. With less pain in my hip, I also sleep much better. And if I’ve been remiss in my isometric duties my body will tell me that I need to get down on the floor again!

The Key To Pain Free

I really urge anyone who is feeling tightness or pain to go see Paul Ciske; or seek out a MAT specialist in your area.  Generally you’re given less than 10 minutes of exercises to do 2-3 X’s a day.

Not too much to ask of if you want to be pain free.

What About You?

Is pain cramping your lifestyle? (No pun intended)

Tell me your story…

Maybe MAT can help you, too.

Oh Ya, Forgot...

BTW: Did I mention I saw a second orthopedic surgeon?

Stay tuned…the story isn’t over just yet.

Make it Your Fit Day with DebbyK!