If you have not experienced a trauma or severe pain, so much is taken for granted with such simple tasks as ‘ getting ready for bed’. Reaching for a sip of water, moving the sheet or pillow just slightly to aid in the comfort of sleep, turning over to stretch our muscles; all of these movements now have to be planned out and calculated. And at this point in my post surgery recover there is hardly anything I can do without assistance, which is constant.
Cinderella Had It Easy
Last night was another rough night. After getting comfortable with my pillows around me and my bed slightly raised at my feet, my memory foam pillow under my butt to ease the pressure, with the head board slightly raised, I tried to settle in around 10:45PM and let sleep overcome me.
I tried to sleep on my side. This took maneuvering a pillow between my leg and rotating on my side. The pain in my thigh and glutes was hard to bear for those first few seconds but I new it would pass.
I’m normally a side sleeper and figured it would ease the pain in my lower back that had started to set in. In order to stay in this position, since I couldn’t cross my right-op leg over my left one, I had to puta pillow behind me against my back-against the bed rail-since I couldn’t hold myself on my side without my hip muscles feeling like they were being stretched on the wrack.
Alas, after what would normally be called ‘settling in’, I tried to dose off and not think about the pain, focus on my breathing, and hope that the next time I was awake it would be time for the morning ritual.
But not all goes as planned and found myself awake at 2:3o AM in pain and in a panic, ringing the bell for a nurse to help relieve the discomfort.
My body had become drenched in a pool of sweat, I felt boxed in, like I was laid in a coffin, unable to move. I’m not one to panic but now I understand what an attack might feel like. Without being able to move, feeling helpless, and without the familiarity of family or close friends around me, brought me to tears. Although they passed quickly, during these moments one can feel quite alone, even with all the support and carting help of the nurses.
I really never thought I would have to give myself over to my body or experience this type of discomfort. Ha! What was I thinking!
With that said, we changed my position to on my back, legs and torso raised slightly, with pillow under knees.
At this point although I had been taken off pain meds since that morning I asked for some Ultracet, which is a cocktail of Tramidol/Tylenol, and finally fell asleep, albeit disrupted, for about four hours.
And then there are the mattresses they use at the Apollo. This tidbit might help other Hippys who are on their way to India who have issues with plastic. The mattresses are covered in a thick green plastic, like the material they use for body bags or toxic hazard bags. Not that I have ever touched either of those. Leave it to Hollywood for my knowledge on that one!
So, imagine lying with only a thin cotton sheet between you and a thick piece of plastic. It’s actually like sleeping in a plastic bag. Now, I’m a warm bodied sleeper anyway. And coupled with so many toxins trying to release themselves from my body and with nothing to absorb them, my body had basically reached it’s boiling point.
Rise and Shine
Every morning at 6AM the sisters come in to make sure you’re still with us, and take BP and give a shot of antibiotics, take temp and I’m not sure what else. I was still under the influence of Tramidol so once she was through I settled back in and dozed off until 10AM
I was given my ‘sponge bath’ and washed my face in bed, and then had breakfast. I opted for same as yesterday. It was working for me so didn’t want to fix what wasn’t broken. However, without proper plumbing , all this food began to build up in my system.
DebbyK Day 3 Post Op Surgical dressing
Dr. Bose’s assistant came in later on to check the wound and change the dressing. He said it was looking good and was very pleased. Although my hip might not look swollen, believe you me if you saw my entire thigh you’d be astounded by how huge it is, filled with fluids. You know the limbs of those balloon animals that clowns make at birthday parties? Well…those are my legs and lower torso…And then imagine 4 days of constant fluids being pumped into me. Check out my incision:
DebbyK Day 3 Post Op Surgical dressing
Next up a trolley ride to Xray. That was quick. But getting in and out of the wheel chair, onto the table, turning both my feet in, lying there not breathing, and getting back into the wheel chair was not my idea of an amusement park ride.
Lifting my knee, and using my hip flexor muscle, sends a tearing sensation throughout my leg.
WE did bed exercises first. Then I walked over to the chair and leaned to sit on a pillow and get up.
Then another stroll down memory lane:
After I returned I did some upper body exercises with my PT Pondian, who is head of Physical Therapy here at the Apollo Hospital. He was impressed that I had already taken the initiative and brought my tubing from home and had started doing some upper body stretches and mini workouts. And I’m so glad I came prepared.
I did some wall pushups, some dips on the walker and a set of chest presses on the walker. All of this felt SO good. Such simple easy basic beginner movements felt like an entire workout. It felt great to stretch my body and feel alive, my body coming back to life.
Then, I got back into bed!
Later that afternoon, around 2:30 I made it to the bathroom by myself for the first time. A great milestone. I was so happy and confident that I took a lap around my room and did a little workout with the walker. I was feeling so good that I attached my green band to the bed and worked some other muscles like back and biceps. I’m weak but it felt so good.
And here’s the view out of my room, while I was doing my routine
View of Rain Tree Hotel outside my hospital window, Apollo, Chennai,IndiaOutside my window at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, India
And here’s what the work out looked like:
2 sets of dips followed by 2 sets of pushups on the walker X 20 reps.
2 sets of bicep curls X 20 reps
2 sets of one arm back rows X 20
2 sets rear delt pulls X 20
I felt warm and felt a slight burn and felt good. My muscles were waking up. Then I got back into bed.
My hip was painful to get back into bed, but I did it alone. Hurrah! for progress…
I had a late lunch and PT came again at 3PM, and it was Rinse and Repeat! What it would be for the next five weeks.
The afternoon was even better than this morning!!
So, that’s Day 3.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
IÂ hope tonight goes better. But I know tomorrow is another day and I will feel much better with less pain.
I’m running a bit behind on my blogs since there is so much to write about and the nurses have me pretty busy all day.
I can’t thank everyone enough, all of my friends, family, at the Yahoo Hippy group, and here at the Apollo. Thank you everyone.
I’m on the other side now. I may be at ground zero. But think of all the possibilities I now have with my new hip. A whole new life. It’s up to me.
And you can do it too. If you’re just starting a new fitness routine or getting back from being away for a long time, or want to do your first race, find your support group and ask for help. I know it may be hard at first. But believe you me, it’s worth it. And I’m here to support you.
Try my little routine above and let me know how you feel. I do it a couple times a day and I feel great. It all adds up.
And please keep your comments coming. It lifts my spirits and connects me to all of you.
And if you know anyone who needs some motivation getting started with fitness or maybe someone who might be having hip pain or getting ready for surgery, please, please forward this blog to them, or have them sign up for my newsletter; maybe it will help them.
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.
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
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.
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…!
Now, the typical response from a friend would go something like this: “Wow! Great! Â 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.
Hey! Do you still want to get that sexy summer bod?
Or, maybe you’re on the rebound from a joint injury…
Or, maybe you’re just looking for that cool piece of equipment that is super fun and will get you fit and lean in a short amount of time…
Or, you just like toys!
OK! So, remember I told you that I would find ways to work out to keep me in super duper shape before my pending hip surgery?
Well, I had this super idea that I could design running shoes with springs on the bottom that would take the impact off my joints and it would be less painful to walk and super fun to use, as well as keep my booty in shape. But then I said, “Hmm! Why invent the wheel when somebody else has done the work for me? Why not ask the Kangoo Jump people to help me?”
So that’s what I did.
And I think these Boots were made for YOU!
Boots Not Just Made For Walking!
My first try with the Kangoo jumps was back in June. It had been raining the last couple weeks in May so I had to put trying the boots out on hold. But finally the clouds separated, and the sun shined through and I got off my ball ( I use a stability ball as my desk chair) and decided to hop down to the Lake. No, I hadn’t put the boots on just yet. That was actually a pun. And since it takes too long to hobble on my hip, I got in my car and headed 4 blocks to Lake Merritt.
Another Lake Merrit July Drama Sunset
But something compelled me to take a detour and instead I drove over to the Piedmont High School track where there wouldn’t be any stray ducks, dogs or pelicans underfoot; I could count on level ground; and there was no chance of bouncing into the lake…with the pelicans.
Pelicans at Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
I’ll tell you this: in retrospect, walking down the steps to the track in my Chaco sandals and getting onto the track was actually the hardest part. Because once I put on the Kangoo Jumps it was shear joy to ‘walk’ and ‘run’ and just be able to amble pain free.
Check These Out
All Kangoos are a cool, ninja, space age ski/roller blade-like boot design with cambered curved springs on the bottom. And they’re reasonably light, and lighter than roller blades-well, at least my roller blades-with just enough weight to give you the right amount of stability and a good workout. I mean, you’re still lifting boots with every hop!
My feet in Kangoo Jumps
Getting into them was pretty quick and easy. Adjusting the cleats no problem. Figuring out the pressure to secure them was hit or miss and I probably will need a few more romps before they feel comfortable around the shin.
The track wasn’t crowed but just carrying the boots in my hand drew attention to me. I wasn’t going to complain about that. I’m a fitness diva, remember!
In fact, I’m hoping that I can get more people involved in using these boots and coming to my bootcamps. (HA! HA! Boot Camps! Kangoo Style!)
Once I had them securely on my feet I was like the Jolly Green Giant. I was amazed at how stable they were. Everyone kept asking me if I felt like I would topple over or twist my ankle. Absolutely NOT. Have you ever felt like you would fall over in ski boots? (assuming the ski is not attached to the boot and you’re not ripping down a mountain). There is absolutely no inclination to fall over. And that is a good thing! seeing that I’m only planning on having ONE surgery.
Giving It a Go On My Kangoo Jumps
Because this was my first adventure out in my Kangoos I didn’t want to over do it. They say to hop around, up and down, break them in. So I tried that, but was pretty tentative, babying my hip. But I soon realized that the boots actually roll you forward and the impact isn’t directly on your hip. So I became more bold, and set off down the track… at a slow run. And behold, I was bouncing with no burn in my joint.
The track is 1/4 mile around. After three times around-running, walking, hopping, and repeating that-I was already working up a sweat and I could feel my running muscles in my legs-the ones I hadn’t worked in that running way since December ’10- start to come alive. I felt alive! And free……..
I spent 15 minutes Kangooing and by the time I stopped I felt like I had instead sprinted up a mountain. It was that good of a workout and my legs and glutes felt pumped. All without any pain in my hip joint. In fact, my hip feels better in these boots running and walking than I do ambling, or more like hobbling right now, on my own two feet, whether in my shoes or Vibram 5 Fingers.
Here’s a video of me in San Francisco bouncing in my boots:
Putting The Spring Back Into Your Life
The Kangoo Jumps are designed to take up to 80% of the impact off your joints. So for those of you who have osteoarthritis in your hips or knees (I’m not sure about back pain but you can check out their website) and have had to give up your favorite sport or activity you may have a second chance. So I highly recommend these Kangoo Jumps for anyone who has had to give up their favorite impact activity, things like hiking, trekking, and even martial arts, due to joint pain in their knees and hips and possibly back. Because you can do all of these sports in Kangoo Boots. Obviously do your research and consult with your doctor first. I certainly did before I started using them.
In fact, I contacted one of the leading hip surgeons in the world, Dr. Koen De Smet, to get his opinion and approval. And after he reviewed the website he said that they were suitable for what I wanted to do, and as long as it I didn’t hurt I was fine.
Boots for your Booty
I have to admit I was getting a bit soft in the inner thigh and butt since I wasn’t able to run in the hills or do any of the sprint training that I love to do for the past several months. But in the past month I have seen a noticeable difference in the tone of my inner thighs, quads and butt and the Kangoo jumps have miraculously toned up my legs in just this short amount of time.
And here’s a bonus for those of you who have some extra weight to lose: They say that you burn twice as many calories using the Kangoo Boots and that 30 minutes in your Kangoos is like an hour in your normal training shoes. That’s not hard to believe. After bouncing around San Francisco and Lake Merritt for just 30 minutes a pop these past few weeks it felt like I had done a six mile trail run in the Berkeley hills.
So, not only are these a great workout, burn calories, tone up your booty, and are a hoot to use, they are a time saver as well. What’s not to like about them!
What’s Next ?
So, my game plan is to Kangoo Jump for the next two months which will take me up to the week that I leave for overseas for my hip surgery. There will be no more Kangoo jumping for at least 10 months after surgery. But I’ll have other exercises that I will be doing to keep our butts in shape, literally!
So be sure to follow my blog, and watch the videos, for more cool stuff that will keep your legs toned, your booty nice and round, and your body fit and lean.
Stay tuned for more Kangoo Jump videos so you can get the ‘JUMP on fitness!’
I wanted to wish everyone a happy 4th and a great weekend. Looking forward to helping you get into shape for the rest of the summer and into the New Year. Only six more months to go!!
DebbyK!’sFit Tip #1
Remember to get in your daily exercise fix, even if it’s just for a few moments. 20 minutes of some vigorous play like combining frisbee with sprinting on the beach or in the park will rev up your metabolism, while your having fun.
Swimming, biking, or lifting some heavy objects will also do the trick and make you feel great when you’re done….! (Hey, that rhymes!)
And remember to drink plenty of fluids like ice tea sweetened with stevia, or water with sliced limes for example, and stay away from any beverages with added sugars.
Here’s a yummy post-workout smoothie drink that is packed with anti oxidants and protein that will help you build muscle and tone up your body.
Note: If drinking 2 hours post your workout, you can add 2 tbsp of Almond butter (Because you don’t want to eat fat immediately after your workout)
DebbyK! Berry Smoothie
Very
BerrySmoothie
Serves 2
Note: Berries can be frozen
1/2 cup Fat Free Organic Greek Yogurt
2 scoop Whey Isolate Powder (no Sugar or carbs added) Use Hemp Protein for Vegetarians
1 cup Blueberries
1 Cup Rasberries ( I like black raspberries)
1 cup water
1 cup Ice
Put in blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour into 2 glasses
Sweeten with Stevia or Lo Han, or cinnamon sprinkled on top is optional
DebbyK’s FitTip #2
Did you know that Greek Yogurt is lower in sugar than regular plain yogurt and other dairy products? Still packed with protein it lowers the index of your meal. So it’s a great choice when substituting in recipes.
Last update I mentioned putting together a team of experts who could help me get prepared for my upcoming hip surgery. I needed to start thinking outside of the box regarding my current routine, and putting in other methods of training that would still keep me in peak physical shape. And Since I didn’t want to compromise my current level of strength and fitness, the workouts would still have to be challenging enough to work my entire body and keep me fit.
In May I visited with Ed Le Cara at Sports Plus in Pleasanton, CA where he assessed my body for weaknesses. After an hour of all sorts of tests where I lunged, squatted, and walked over knee high barriers like I was in the Westminster Dog Show, Ed had enough information to put together a program for me to work on for a few weeks.
Here is quick video of Ed’s TRX training studio. I wish I had a studio like Ed’s!
What is a TRX?
I had a lot of people ask me: what is this TRX you speak of? Well, I’ll let this guy tell you all about it… and I betcha your fingers will skip on over to that link below to get your own. And if you’re not convinced by then, well…just keep re looping the video, and at least you’ll get a good ab workout from laughing so much!
You can also check them out here; and yes, I’m an affiliate because I love them so much!!
In the next few months you will learn more exercises as I progress through my pre hab program with ED. And since TRX is the future of fitness NOW, I intend to get certified in the TRX system.
The Power Of The TRX System
The beauty of using the TRX is that it can help strengthen muscle weaknesses as well as build upon the strength and muscle you already have, creating a fit, stronger and better balanced body. So for my Prehab it is challenging enough for all my needs.
With the TRX you can perform 100’s of exercises that enable you to build strength, power, agility, balance, mobility (definitely something I will be working on pre and post hip surgery); as well as lose weight and get that lean green machine you always dreamed of. You can work at the intensity you choose simply by shifting your body position. It’s that simple.
Fitness In A Bag
The TRX is easy to set up, and packed in it’s own small mesh bag it’s no larger than one of The SAK bags I hauled my junk around in the 90’s! Remember those little bags?
And it only takes a few minutes to set up, using the door anchor, wall mount or slinging it over a tree, for instance. You can have your own gym in your home, office, at the park, or even at the gym.
A gym at the gym?
Trust me, it’s not like taking sand to the beach! Because when it’s cold and wet outside simply stow this in your backpack, take it to the gym, loop it over a high bar, and never wait for equipment again!
Let’s get into shape!
The TRX will be the one of the main pieces of equipment that I’ll be implementing into my current exercise program. And not to worry because all of the equipment that I use and the exercises that I do, whether for Pre-hab or for my daily workout, are exercises and routines that you can do too.
So don’t just think that you have to be injured to do these exercises in my videos coming in the next posts. Because believe you me, they can be very challenging. And if you work on weaving these into your routine, or even if you’re just starting a fitness program, these exercises will be more than enough to get you going.
Remember, all of the equipment that I use and the exercises that I do will get you into the best shape of your life. So follow me on my blog so we can get into and stay in the best shape of our lives.
I can’t wait to learn more exercises with the TRX and pass them along to all of you. In fact, I plan to become a TRXher! Get it?!! Ha! Ha!
I hope you’re all enjoying the spring weather. Here in the Bay Area  we’ve had some pretty picture-perfect days. And the days are still getting longer.
Hey! You know what that means, don’t you? More daylight hours… for… ex-er-cising! So no excuses; at least for the next 6 months, anyway.
Go enjoy the great outdoors and make fitness fun. Grab your kids-or someone else’s-and Go Go Go. Visit your National parks, (hurry, while you still time, since many are set to close in September). Play on the swing-sets. Bike the trails, and run in them thar hills!!
Hey! Speaking of running…that’s something I won’t be able to do for a while, and I wanted to give you an update on your trainer’s life.
My Hippy News
In my Part I of Key to Pain Free I mentioned seeing a second surgeon after I was ‘misdiagnosed’ by the first. Â The first surgeon, let’s call him Dr. Compassion (not!), advised Motrin daily; told me to come back in six months if I was still in pain; and, without even looking at an X ray or MRI, told me I was too young for any type of surgery and to come back when I was closer to age 60, and sent me packing.
Huh? Â I see. Â At my HMO it’s obviously all about patient care!
Let me give you a brief synopsis of our email conversations:
Dr. Compassion: (no x-ray to look at, but moves my leg around, taking all of 1 minute) “Yup, just as I thought, you have arthritis.”
Debby: “Gee doc, everyone my age and even younger has a little bit of arthritis. I’m in a lot of pain. It came on suddenly. I had a weight training injury in June of 2010, I train a lot. I really think we should think about stress fracture of hip and/or possible labral tear, seeing that I have been quite an avid runner all my life, as well as a myriad of other sports.”
Dr. C.: “Nope. Even I have it.(he’s sitting back down at his computer now) It’s arthritis. Do you get pain in here?” Â He says, Â talking to his computer screen and pointing to his lower back. I’m assuming the statement is directed towards me, but with no eye contact it’s kind of hard to tell. He keeps scrolling back and forth, up and down looking for something, obviously not my X-ray. I just keep wondering… ‘what’s so much more important than his live patient in front of him?’
Debby: “Huh? No, I don’t. It’ in my hip, the top of my butt. I can’t squat right”, as I get up off the table and hobble two steps over to the door, the only free space in the room.
“Look, watch me squat; look at my right leg, how it doesn’t rotate out like the left. It’s stuck. This makes it hard to work. And look at my hips. I’m like a tea kettle when poured, off kilter. Something isn’t right. I can feel it, look Dr. _…”, I’m pleading. He turns his head around for a split second as I’m squatting, then quickly turns back to the computer screen. What on earth is on that screen? What is so much more interesting to evaluate than his live deformed patient, standing sqautting right in front of him?
Dr. C.: “Yah, arthritis, like I said. That happens.”
Wha..?
Debby: “Listen, I know my body and something is going on here more than a little arthritis. I need this fixed. I need to be able to do my job, teach my boot camp style class that I just licensed, and build out my new fitness website with  my workout videos for online training. I need to be able to move without pain, be nimble…you know, be in good form for presenting great content to my viewers, who depend on me for their workouts. This is my job.”
Dr. C.: “Well, my advice to you is to change your lifestyle. You can stand on the sidelines like the football coaches who yell at the players, and do just like they do. And I’m not going to give you surgery so you can do some You Tube videos and teach a ‘boot camp’. My suggestion is to start thinking about your lifestyle and change it. Do yoga, swim, walk. Now, Â go home, take Motrin. Â Then, Â stretch it when you don’t feel pain, and keep stretching farther and farther, Â and maybe some of that flexibility will come back.”
Huh? Did he just tell me what I think he did? Stretching is his answer? Stand around and yell? Don’t they have a reality show for that?
Debby: “Listen Dr. C.  I’ve been in the fitness industry my entire life. I’m young, strong and extremely athletic. I have many more years. I’m not here to talk about career changes. I’m here to rule out the possibility of a stress fracture or labral tear that could be casuing this malfunctioning hip. [OK?] I need resolution.  And even if I were to take  Motrin-which I will not-how long am I supposed to take it for? What’s your plan? Do you even have a plan?”
Do HMO’s have a plan for patients anyway, or is all the bottom line for the HMO? This is NOT a trick question.
Dr. C.: “I would say come back in six months. And if it’s still the same or worse then we can do an MRI, maybe. But I want to see the X-ray first. And if it’s arthritis, like I’m sure it is, then we wouldn’t fix a labral tear anyway.”
Debby: “Well, I don’t want to take Motrin indefinitely if you have no game plan, and you won’t give me an MRI. That’s ridiculous. I need to know NOW what this is. And if the X-ray doesn’t show a stress fracture then I want an MRI; I am entitled to one.”
Dr. C.: “Get the X-ray. I’m sure I am right. Oh, and don’t bother making another appointment. You can just email me and we can discuss your options online. Â Save your co-pay . Now, I have to get going I’m late.”
And he slid out the door trying to make a getaway.
Late? I waited for over an hour, he spends 15 minutes with me, max, and he’s late? This is my hip.This is my life. ‘I’m in pain here Doc’, I was screaming inside.(I had just started with M.A.T. again)
I shoved all my stuff into my backpack, slung it over my shoulder, half open, and I rushed after him down the hall.
Debby: “Wait, what do you mean I can just email you? What about patient/doctor relationships? Why are you so concerned with my co-pay?” And he was through.
In the big picture, when you want a resolution, that co-pay is insignificant. And emailing your provider at my HMO only allows 1000 characters per email. Now, assuming you’ve been reading my blogs that’s hardly a conversation for this blogger.
I want one-to-one interaction; I’m entitled to one-to-one interaction with my provider; And, hey! I pay my HMO membership!
Well, I didn’t wait for him to email me, nor did I set up that one to one with him. I high tailed it online to my former shoulder surgeon, and in under 1000 characters she was able to find me a wonderful, compassionate, caring female orthopedic surgeon who happened to be a competitive runner, skier, swimmer herself, and was privy to my pleas for help. Let’s call her Dr. Yours Truly Compassionate.
But I wasn’t going to see Dr. Yours Truly until I made sure I had my MRI. And getting that was like finding water on Mars.
The Expansion Of Black Holes
Sometimes, trying to get through the HMO system is like falling into a black hole. And once you get stuck in their vortex you have to be pretty strong to pull yourself out to get something done, and in a timely manner.
Well, since I was stuck in the HMO vortex, for now, I had to resort to their emailing system. Â And since I could only write 1000 characters at a time, I was usually cut off mid sentence, even half word. So it took me quite a few emails to finally get through to that first doc and get my MRI.
Here’s how that conversation went:
Debby: “O.K. Dr.C., so you say I have moderate arthritis. But I am entitled to an MRI, and I’m entitled to a second opinion. And I’d like to have the MRI first. I need to see exactly what is going on inside my body so I can move forward, make a plan, and visualize the healing and get on with the process.”
Doc: “Like I said, take the Motrin and if that doesn’t work then we can go in a different direction. There is nothing you can do about the arthritis. Change your lifestyle. You may have to give up some things”
Debby: ” I’m telling you, something is wrong with the structure of my body. I can tell. And I can’t move forward if I don’t know what’s wrong. Â I can’t start my group exercise camps. At least if I have an MRI we can rule out what it’s not. I use my body to make my income. People are depending on me to provide workouts on my website. I depend on my body like you do on your hands for surgery. Please, I want my MRI.”
Am I actually begging my HMO?!
Doc: ” I am 100% sure that it is only arthritis as we see it in the X-ray. And it’s moderate arthritis at that. You are not a candidate for surgery with moderate arthritis. There is no reason for an MRI. Â ”
Debby: “Listen, nobody is 100% sure unless they are God!. Just please order the MRI. Look at it this way, if there is nothing in the MRI then you can pat yourself on the back, and you were right. But if something else shows up then we will all be happy, and we can move forward and fix the problem. But I can’t wait 6 months to find out. And you should not make me wait six months. Well, if you don’t order the MRI now, then I might have to hold my HMO accountable for anything that happens to my body from the day that I saw you.”
You’ve Got Mail
Almost as slow as Snail Mail
Well, the next day I had, in my HMO Patient Inbox, a referral to the NMRI department. (The N stands for Nuclear, by the way). I finally got my MRI. Then I had a second opinion from the compassionate female orthopedist. Just for the record I’ll rate her a 10 on the scale of 1-5!.  Well, that was the visit where the  Dr. yours Truly  read the MRI.
And folks, it doesn’t look good. I’d include the actual MRI but it’s a bit too graphic for this G-rated blog. But here’s what the X-ray looked like:
What do YOU see?
Cool, Huh?
Now, if you’re like me you have no idea what you’re looking at.
What’s not so cool is that I don’t have many options, and not a lot of time to decide, given my age and progression of the osteoarthritis. and the pain and lack freedom it causes me.
Options:
Do nothing and become a cripple
Learn how to hop on one leg. Great for training but not very convenient in the real world day to day existence.
Get the top of my femur chopped off and replaced with ceramic total hip replacement, THR, which is great for the avid golfer but not the active multi sport fitness gu-ress and trainer like moi.
Go with the new innovative technology of hip resurfacing,HR, which saves most of your bone, the head of your femur and allows for full activities after a year of rehab (Weight training, running, skiing, martial arts, surfing, splits, and all other sports).I can basically do everything except skydiving. Â Note to self: Set up sky dive session before surgery.
What would you do? This is NOT another trick question.:)
It’s kind of a no brainer, wouldn’t ya think?
Although the HR is a more complicated, it saves most of the bone so there is more to work with in case of a revision down the road (ie. chop off the head of my femur, lots of thigh bone, and replace it with total hip). However, if the HR is done with precision, and by the right surgeon, who has logged 1000’s of procedures, and uses the correct prosthesis best suited for women, especially on small framed women such as your princess of fitness here, the chance for the best possible outcome is optimal.
Just My Luck
Well, not only did my HMO ‘mis diagnose’ me as having just some arthritis, they didn’t even notice in the MRI that I had congenital hip displasia-or they forgot to tell me-which of course changes the playing field when considering what device to place in my hip, not to mention the experience of the surgeon placing it.
So before even consulting with a possible surgeon-who is NO. 3 below-I logged about 60 hours online researching procedures, prostheses, and the top surgeons around the world who had performed thousands of hip resurfacing, with a high percentage of them on female patients like me.
And when I finally talked to a Surgeon No. 3 , I came prepared with a file busting at the seems with documentation on the pros and cons of the two most commonly used devices: the BHR and the Conserve Plus. The research for the Conserve Plus shows that it is better suited for small women with hip displasia cases; it comes in many size increments; and there is less potential for rubbing and leaking ions.
The research shows that the BHR is suited for larger men; or women who are 5ft 8 inches and heavy boned. I am 5ft, 6 inches, if that.
And I am small boned. The BHR is large and bulky and does not have as many of the smaller sized options suited for women my size.
There is also documentation showing a higher number of cases of ions being created when the particular metals that are used in the manufacturing of the BHR ball and socket are rubbed together. These ions would leak into my bloodstream. They can never be cleared.
My life’s work is about keeping the body toxin free and creating a life free of disease for others as well as myself; not creating a potential breeding ground for cancer, or…whatever else. The goal is to create environments that are not potential breeding grounds for issues like cancer and other health concerns. As part of this commitment, mycotoxin testing kits play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of living spaces. These kits are invaluable tools for assessing the presence of mycotoxins, which are harmful substances produced by certain molds. By identifying and addressing these potential hazards, we contribute to the creation of healthier living spaces and a preventive approach to overall well-being
Compared to the Conserve Plus device, the BHR has also been documented to show more groin pain after full recovery from surgery, limiting activities. The point of the hip resurfacing is to restore my lifestyle back to a fully active one… pain free!.
These potential problems, Â as well as ions streaming through my body, is not my idea of fixing the problem.
And based on a report written by Dr. Koen De Smet, who is one of the top-five leading hip resurfacing surgeons in the world, (and speaking with him through extensive emails, where, by the way, I was allowed as many characters as I could possibly write), I am NOT a candidate for the BHR.
Guess what folks?
My HMO only uses the BHR.
Synopsis:
I saw three doctors. The first told me to go home. The second told me I had to have surgery, but did not perform that particular type. The third looked at my X ray, told me I hip resurfacing was difficult on women, that he had not done manywomen out of his 300 surgeries, and after looking at my MRI forgot to mention I had a congenital hip displasia. On top of that, even though I had shown him the report comparing the two devices and the how the Conserve Plus had a better track record for women he could only use the BHR.
It’s quite obvious that it’s not in the best interest of my only right hip, and my future as a fitness professional, to use my HMO’s one option, or even their surgeons.
What would you do?
Make Lemons out of Lemonade
Well, that’s what Dr. Koen De Smet, the surgeon who wrote the comparison report, and the doctor who I have picked to do my surgery, can apparently do. Make the lemons whole again. Kind of like putting Humpty back together again!
Who doesn’t like Lemonade?!
As for me, I’ll stick to making lemonade out of lemons and take this as an opportunity to find a silver lining.
I have spent thirty plus years of honing my body and mind and, well… I was born with my spirit! So now, I must take on another great challenge in this life of mine. (If you know me personally you know the others).
But I think of it like this: I will take it on like any other challenging leg day sat the gym; attack it with a plan and put in max effort.
And while I am still fairly mobile and can control the pain I’ll prepare for the battle and have the best positive experience that I can doing it.
Yup! You heard me right. Stay positive. Look towards the future. Make lemonade. Â And here’s how…
The Plan
Anyone going into battle has to have a plan. And this woman warrior is no different. So from May until September’s surgery I will work on getting into the best PREHAB shape of my life, given the limitations with my hip and the pain, of course.
Since I’m a girl who likes to lift heavy objects with my legs, and since that is no longer an option I am learning new methods of training for my lower body.
(And NOTE to all the ladies out there: lifting weights does help keep body fat off your body).
I am also finding alternatives to running too. Plus, this will be a good time to explore other new ways to keep my body and mind strong and centered.
Eating healthy whole foods and maintaining my 23 years of an unprocessed and sugar free diet to fuel my body is a no brainer!
The Team
Back to the lemonade!
I decided to compile a team of experts who could help me get into the best shape of my life pre surgery, as well as post rehab conditioning.
And here’s where the new experiences come into play!
It’s obvious that I am limited in my mobility now, and I will not be able to go to the gym right after surgery. But it’s paramount that I be able to stay in shape and do progressive athletic prehab and rehab. Â So setting up a system that I can use at home, or even in my backyard, or anywhere for that matter, is really important.
So to date, with the help from sponsorships by TRX,
TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack
Kangoo Jumps
and Kangoojumps, as well as pre and post rehab conditioning programs from Josh Henkin of Ultimate Sandbag Systems, and Ed Le Cara of Sports Plus, I’ll be ready for battle.
What You Get!
Remember, this is a team effort and you are part of it. If I don’t win, you don’t win. So, I will be chronicling my experience through this blog and You Tube channel Your Fit Day , pre and post surgery.  All of the workouts I do with the Ninja equipment will be workouts that YOU, too, can do. Right now. At home. Anywhere. No excuses!!
So I want all of you to workout along with me. I plan to incorporate all of the prehab and post rehab exercises into exciting kick-butt workouts, show you knew techniques, and post periodic updates and videos…all to help you get in and stay in the best shape of your life.
And as I bring you along on my journey I hope to be an inspiration to all of you out there who may have limiting beliefs around getting into the best shape of your life. You can do it. Trust me. Â But you may have to dig down a little deeper this time.
Remember, I’ll be working out as hard as I can to stay in shape. I’m not going to let hip surgery steer me off course. Not for a minute. I’ll just be working smart, and around the pain of my hip.
But I will never give up what I have achieved and I don’t want you to give up on reaching your fitness goals either. We can do this together.
What It’s All About
Although I’m a super fit chick, remember this:Â I still have to work hard at it every day. It doesn’t come easy. I live and breathe health and fitness every day. Every minute!
But know this too: Â being in the best shape of my life every day will make it easier both physically and mentally to get through this challenge and bounce back.
And that is why it is so important for you to get in and stay in the best shape of your life, every day. Nobody has a crystal ball, and you don’t know what curve balls life will bring.
Be prepared. Be Strong. Both physically and mentally. Be ready to play ball.
And that is what this blog is all about: To inspire YOU to stay on a path that will lead you to a lifestyle of health and fitness where you will never give up on yourself in becoming the best YOU.
You Give Me Inspiration
And while I’m rehabbing, I want you to inspire me.
Tell me about your workouts and your accomplishments and how YOU feel. I’ll be here to cheer you on in your quest for your bad ass bod.
Tell me, what is your greatest challenge right now?
Last spring I decided to take my fitness business to a new level. With over 25 years experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer; four years as a wellness coach; my experience in writing, producing and hosting my own fitness segments for ABC7 news in San Francisco; and along with my experience in sales as a life insurance agent (while also helping clients get fit for better rates), I knew it was time.
For what?
Well…to put it all together into my own global brand –YourFit Day withDebbyK!
I needed some help with my vision so I sought out the help some coached, one which was John Spencer Ellis.
Who?
John Spencer Ellis
John Spencer Ellis! He is the owner of a fitness business coaching program called Fitness Fortunes. If you’re a fitness trainer – or maybe you’re super-fit but unfulfilled in your current job and that little voice keeps popping into your head saying: “hmmm, should I make that leap and live the life that I’ve been dreaming of, owning my own fitness business?” – you can check them out at www.fitnessfortunes.com
In order to launch all my innovative ideas and systems that will help the world stay healthy and fit I needed some help from those in the industry who had big brains, who were already successful, and who had made all of the mistakes for me! So I hopped on Google, got on some email lists of movers and shakers in the fitness industry, and started doing my research.
What I found was that there are a ton of fitness marketing kings out there claiming to be expert coaches and gurus who, in the end, don’t live up to their word.
Show me the money, right?
Well, not really. I mean yes, I want abundance and security, and trips to Fiji in my lifetime, don’t you? But not at the expense of selling health and fitness products or concepts that, I hate to admit, are mostly crap.
Who you gonna call?
So I needed someone who was great at shameless self promotion, could teach these subtle skills to me, and was on top of how to market the industry’s most current trends. John Spencer Ellis seemed like the ‘go to’ guy. I mean he has three multi-million dollar companies, so he’s obviously doing something right.
But I also had my laundry list of what I wanted in a coach. I wanted someone who had a down to earth presence; who, through the inflection in their voice, I could tell cared about you and your success;Â someone who was honest; someone who understood your challenges; and frankly someone who had a long history in the fitness industry and was an innovator. (JSE has been in the industry as long as I have, which is a very long time!).
What I liked about John is that after reading his story we had many similar qualities and life experiences. I could relate to him.
There are a lot of newbies in the industry who look great with their ripped abs, sign you up, super-sell their systems, and then leave you hanging, without any options to opt out.
So after my Google-ing and gabbing with others who had used fitness business coaches – some who paid close to $10,000 dollars without the support they expected – I settled on JSE .
1$ Buck signs you up!
Just click on anything remotely related to boot camps or fitness coaching and John Spencer Ellis pops up on the first page of Google. He does a great job of using the internet to promote his empire. I know, because as a certified trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine I was always getting his promotional links in my in-box.
So one day back in the spring of 2010 I decided to click on the link. John was offering a series of free videos that he promised would change my life and bring me to the next level of creating ‘my empire’. I think I must have trashed about six months of these offers before I decided to give him a try. I mean for $1 Buck I could get all this useful ‘free’ information on how to brand and grow my fitness business.
The first month was basically free with no obligation. So I gave up my buck and watched the videos. I had enough good information from that $1 Buck investment to quit the program then. But I didn’t.
You might ask, ‘Gee, if you got so much info from the $1 buck why continue?’
Now that’s a great question.
And here’s my main answer:
In that first month I really received so much useful information and support from John. Even though John new that I had only payed one dollar, and there was a 50% chance that I would take my info and run, he treated me like any other paying monthly Fitness Fortunes member.
In that first month John was able to tap into one of my main challenges. And with a few provoking questions John got down to my core, made me focus, and made me face my fears. All in that first month..for a dollar…that 1$ buck.
Do you find yourself bombarded with so much information out there that you don’t even know where to start?
John has put together a one stop shop of resources for the fitness professional that helps you chart your own path down river without all the debris mucking up your engine.
Aside from the group coaching calls each month, and with webinars and tele-classes added each week, there’s a clear, self paced, step-by-step guide made available to all members. This makes it much easier to chart my path to success.
I want to see how far I can go in building my own fitness empire with the right support; with less flats and the wheels always rolling.
Grab Your Mindset…Ready, Set, Go!
Just like getting into shape and staying fit, at some point if you want to expand and challenge yourself you need to step out of your comfort zone and train your brain. John Spencer Ellis is that coach; that cheerleader; that mentor; and that friend who everyone needs at some point in their lives. In my case it was to learn and acquire the skills needed to grow my business, as well as my mind, and bring abundance into my life as well as yours.
So follow me on my journey to creating my own ‘Fitness Fortune’.
Everything I learn from John and the programs that JSE offers will benefit YOU, my local and global ‘YourFit Day‘ friends.
For now I will stay the course with Coach John Spencer Ellis and continually update you on my progress for the launch of my new Your Fit Day website.
Tell Me,… What Will Be Your Fitness Fortune?
Have you ever worked with a life, business or fitness or wellness coach? Maybe it was to start a fitness program, lose weight, train for an event, or start your own business.
Or maybe you’re a life or wellness coach or a personal trainer, and have some experiences you’d like to share?
I’d love to hear from you. Please leave your comments below.
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
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?
