I have wrestled with myself whether or not to post this due to the appearance of self pity, and I hope no one takes it this way.
Many of you don't know me personally as I have not been a very active person on the national scene due to family and work constraints. I have participated in a few national championships and have been our state LMSC chairman for the past 2 years. I have been somewhat vocal on this board when issues discussed have been brought up where I thought I could post an opinion that made sense. With that being said, let me tell you my story, thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.
I have been swimming Masters now for about 5 years after taking a 10 year hiatus from collegiate swimming. I love working out and feeling better in the water more importantly, out of the water. I think all of us can relate to how great it feels to swim and the friendships we have in the pool. I love the sport and I truly feel my swimming background has contributed so much to my success out of the pool with my family and career. Swimming teaches us you get out of it what you put into it, and that there are no shortcuts to success.
I have been bedridden now for the past 5 weeks because of a chronic back problem in which I can't walk due to a pinched nerve in my lower back. I have had 3 prioir operations for the same issues and since I have been swimming have had very few problems. This is the main reason I got back into swimming and am so anal about working out.
After trying all other methods to avoid a 4th operation, it is obvious that surgery is inevitable. At only 36 years old it scares me a lot as to what the next 50 years of my life will be. Will I be dealing with operations or will this be it? Needless to say, being out of the pool has been one of the hardest aspects of this. (Not being able to play with my kids and do things with my wife has been the worst.)
We are probably travelling to Houston next week (we will know more after I speak to the physiatrist here) for the operation and I hope to be in the pool relatively soon after. Every doctor/health professional we have seen have been dumbfounded as to why I have these problems, however all of them agree that swimming is the best therpy for my condition. I am sad in the fact that I might not be able to compete again, but do hope for the best.
Please understand that this message is not one of self pity, but one af asking for your encouragement, thoughts and prayers. Even though I don't know most of you personally, I consider you friends because we all share the same passion for this sport.
This message is so hard for me to post, and asking for help is not easy, especially from people I don't know. However, it is somewhat therapeutic (sp?) to tell my story with these words and on this board.
Again thank you for your time and I will let you know how everything goes in the next weeks/months. I hope to see y'all in the pool very soon!
Former Member
Sam,
So sorry to hear about how down you are with all this.....I'll be keeping you in my prayers, and looking forward to your return to the pool......my situation was pretty broadly comparable to yours, but there was a time I knew coming back to the pool wasn't an option, and it nearly broke me. Swimming was definitely not good therapy for my knee, and it's pretty much the only thing my surgeon told me I couldn't do. But it really does get better. My grandmother has had back problems all her life, but I'm happy to say that at 80, she is better than she was at 50, because of all the new things they are coming up with every day. There's hope.
You have a lot of support out here, please keep us updated on things.
Sam,
I'm really sorry that you have had to go through all this. I'll be thinking about you next week and hope all goes well. Also know that your family of masters swimmers around the country will be hoping for a speedy recovery. Although some of your backstroke competitors will be hoping for a slower recovery :) Just kidding - I hope the surgery is successful and your recovery is reasonable. I think we all know recoveries are no cake walk but with patience and determination I'm sure you will be fine.
Jeff
Sam,
I read your story over a week ago, but it has taken me this long to respond only because of the chills I got when originally reading your post. The similarities of our circumstances are numerous. But know that I am 10 years your senior, and things will get better! The frustration and anguish you now feel will pass. In my case it was a combination of learing to cope with some lifestyle changes along with some relief due to the various medical procedures I went through. But swimming is somthing I can do and was in fact recommended by my Docs.
Regardless of the path you take to recovery, it will in fact be a recovery - so don't lose hope and try as best you can to stay positive. I know how difficult staying positive can be when you are in pain and truly worried about your current and future health. But hopefully you will find some solace in knowing so many others that have gone through similar circumstances and have come through it. You will too, and being as positive as possible will help you get there quicker. You don't know me from Adam, but know that you are in my thoughts . . .
~Rob
Sam, oddly enough we're in close situations, only I'm 16 years younger. I didn't even see your post and I had basically put up my "sob story" because I'm feeling quite discouraged as well.
Good luck with your surgery, and keep us posted. When I get brave enough to go see a real doctor about my back problems, I can update as well. As it is, I need to go lie down, because my back is killing me...
I have gotten so many great responses and messages, I want to thank you so much. Some people have been asking for an update, so here goes:
We are in Houston now and I am having surgery hopefully in the next couple of days for sure by the 21st. The surgeon here is one of the top rated neurosurgeons in the US so I know I am in great hands. He is somewhat concerned that I may have permanant nerve damage because of the paralysis for 8 weeks but we are hoping for the best. Good news is he told me I could be back to swimming in 6 weeks. I can't wait to get back in, try being out for so long, I am losing my sanity!
I know if I have permanant damage I could have some weakness in the left leg, so I guess I'll have to just work harder to pull. Long course may be the only time anyone sees me so I won't embarrass myself even more than I already do with turns!
This is such a great supportive group here and I thank y'all so much for the well wishes and concern.
Good luck to you!! Today's top doctors are miracle workers and your seems to be optimistic; that's a good thing. Houston seems to be a hub for cutting edge medicine. A friend of mine is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Anderson Hospital in Houston.
Originally posted by swimr4life
Houston is the place to be if you want the best surgeons and doctors.
Of course the next best thing is finding a doctor who trained in Houston.
Good luck Sam! I'm so sorry you are having pain and hope that your surgery and recovery go smoothly. Chronic pain definitely challenges your resolve. Hang in there buddy! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
You definitely are in the medical capital of the USA! Houston is the place to be if you want the best surgeons and doctors. I found a doctor there that helped me after many other doctors here (Atlanta) had failed! Hopefully you will too! TAKE CARE! ;)
You sound great and with no regrets. What a wonderful Holiday present for you and your family. Take it easy and let it heal properly so there won't be any problems. Happy Holidays and a great NEW Year. See ya at the Mission meet.
