ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Cognitive/Emotional Issues => Topic started by: berniejfnp on August 22, 2009, 09:47:12 am
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Just a question for all those who enjoy sport activity. Since I was young, I found great comfort in being active in sports. Most activities were greeted with great enthusiasm. Since 12/07 when I had my AN surgery (retrosig on the left for a 1cm CPA AN) I have been slow to return with the same enthusiasm. THe level of my involvement is only a fraction of what it once was. I do attribute that to the surgical recovery but now I am seeing that some depression was likely involved. Over the last 2 months I have brightened and feel reenergized to the point that the time has come to get back into condition. For many years I fantisized doing a triathalon, low key as I enjoy biking, swimming and running. Have any of you out there been able to successfully achieve a level of sport competition/involvement after AN surgery? I do have days with some balance challenge, thankfully the headaches seemed to have just disappeared (a miracle if you ask me) but overall, I think I am ready. I have been cleared by my docs for over a year now, but my own self doubt of how my body will respond concerns me.... Does anyone out there have any thoughts? :)
bernie
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Bernie -
ANs can be depressing, but getting back to your normal routine and the things you love to do helps immensely.
There are a number of people on the forum who are involved in marathons or triathalons - Jeanlea, Patrick (tex sooner), Laura (allegro), ixta, and LA David come to mind. Bob (stoneaxe) and Joe Bloggs standup paddle board. I'm sure there are even more people here that I'm missing.
I just read a post yesterday by LADavid where he talks about not thinking he could golf, but he can.
It took me a year to get up the courage to ride my bicycle again and I'm sorry I waited so long. My balance was a little off at first, but I soon got the hang of it.
In the beginning things may be different, but give it a try and you'll do fine. Exercise is good for balance issues as well as cognitive issues and eye coordination.
Please keep us updated.
Best,
Jan
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Here is a topic called "Athletics and Post AN Life."
It is a nice example because it has posts from quite a few of our more active members, including those mentioned by Jan, as well as the arm-chair coaches like me.
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8639.0
The short answer is "you can if you want to." :)
Steve
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Thanks Steve for the info from previous posts...and many quite recently, how timely. Jan thanks for the support and encouragement, the leads you gave me for personal resources (other members) a definite encouragement. And as Steve said, you can if you want to, a great mantra.....Thanks :)
bernie
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Bernie
I do believe that one can achieve a level of sport competition/involvement after AN surgery. Although the level won't be as high as before surgery and may be slower going, it definitely can be achieved. Since my surgery 2 1/2 months ago I have cycled, swam, kayaked, bowled, played catch with my 17 year old son (although I won't squat to catch his 90mph fastball any longer,mainly due to vision issues) and ran. I am just about ready to enter a 5K run which I haven't done in about 5 years. I'm not out to win the race and I really don't care how fast or slow I run, I'm just looking to finish.
I realize that everyone's surgery and recovery is different, but it sounds like you are more than ready to give it a go. Your body will let you know when you have had enough (you may not feel it untill the next day, so don't over do it).
As Steve mentioned, "Athletics and Post AN Life" is definitely worth a read. Lot's of people on this site are very active!
Good Luck
Joe B.
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Hi Joe,
You have done quite a bit in the last 3 months! All I can say is, just walking a straight line the first 6 months was a challenge, let alone all that you have accomplished...fantastic. It seems that I have always found comfort in my athletic capacity, and I have let that go over the last 2 years. I have accepted my new limitations, and want desperately to find a new path of challenge. The greatest concern I have had is can my body tolerate the challenges (slow and steady as the rule goes) without relapse into headaches and undue fatigue. Last year just swimming was intimidating, with the buoyancy sensation. Still haven't tried to bike since the surgery, but plan to soon. What I need is a goal to strive for to move into a more active lifestyle, just a little nervous...if you know what I mean.
Bernie
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Bernie -
forgot to mention in my previous post that at one of the sessions I attended at the recent ANA Symposium in Chicago, the doc who was speaking said that exercise is very important to achieving better balance. He felt that the more active you are, the better your balance will become.
Obviously don't overdo it or engage in anything that you aren't ready for balance-wise, but perhaps getting back to your active lifestyle will help improve your current limitations.
Jan
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Jan,
Thanks again, I do notice that if I sit around too much i am more unsteady. although I do maintain some level of activity each day, it's really not where I would like it to be...One step at a time, toward my goal....
bernie
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Hey Bernie...I'm one of those Jan mentioned as being active pre and post AN surgery. I say get out there and go for it. I too was a little shaky a few weeks after surgery, but the more I did it, the better I became. I still find that my balance is better when I'm running or biking rather than slowly walking. If there's some type of mini-triathlon event near you coming up in the next few weeks/months, sign up for it and give it a try. That will give you motivation to get out there and train for it.
Good job as always Steve(finding the earlier thread on this subject)....I re-read it myself and it's got some good info in there.
Jan, I always thought that about what the doc said about balance improving by exercise, but it's nice to hear that confirmation from an expert.
Thanks,
Patrick
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Hi Patrick,
Thanks for the support and the get up and do it vision. For years since my 30's I have wanted to do a triathlon, but with graduate school, kids and job changes, I never got to try. When the AN was first identified I was considering running the BOston Marathon but chose not to due to all the pre surg confusion and planning. It has only been in the last few months that I really feel that I am ready to take the "plunge, cycle and run" role seriously. I have located a few local triathlons so maybe there is time to get going before the snow hits.
Thanks .....
bernie
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The body can achieve what the mind can consieve! I`m W+W and play golf and raquetball competively. It`s vey good for my personal well being. Go for it! Best wishes, Mickey
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Hey, Bernie! Just chiming in...I was quite active pre-surgery and have pretty much picked up where I left off. I am still pretty woozy at times, but my philosophy is that it will not get better by me staying in the house and doing nothing. I play competetive tennis in a recreational league...got back on the courts a couple of months after surgery. I am now training to do a 1/2 marathon in Oct...will be a walk/jog...mainly walk ;) There are many others in addition to the ones you've heard from on this thread who have done some amazing things post-op.
Great to hear that you are getting your enthusiasm for activity back! You can do it!
Cindy
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Hi All,
Just an update...I have successful started a training routine for a triathlon!!! I absolutely can't believe that I have been able to work out again...the weird headaches plagued me for sometime and then when I did feel good, I worked out and got a headache. Well, good news all around, NO HEADACHE 2.5 months, yahoo..I feel transformed. I am looking at 4-6 months training then plan to enter a race in the spring...anyone out there know of a race on the east coast that they have heard of, or have done? Maybe someone out there has competed and can share...
THis site has brought me so much support. I may not visit frequently, but when I do, you are inspirational, thank you all.
Bernie
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Bernie ~
Thanks for your update kind words. I'm pleased to learn that you received inspiration from the folks posting on these forums. Maybe I'm a slacker but I don't compete in triathlons so I can't offer you any information on that subject - but I'm sure others will. I can wish you the best of luck when you compete in the spring and hope your pre-event training is successful.
Jim
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Hi Bernie,
Congratulations on getting back on the horse as the saying goes. I'm sure that by now you've found that instead of staring ahead at the mountain that you need to scale and thinking it all has to be done at once, you most probably started out taking it bite by bite, a little at a time. That is actually where I am at now 5 months post surgery. At some point, you must have overcome the headaches issues and moved on to more normal and aggressive training. The only thing I could add would be to keep it fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself for times etc. I think you already know this, and your attitude sounds fantastic. Keep it going! I'm just starting to spin again, dealing with headaches and hypersensitivity caused probably by all the blood flow and a big fat Irish head that is still healing. Thanks for your great news; it will keep me motivated for the good days to come!
Steve
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Hi Bernie,
Just thinking that you are ready to go back into sports is a great achievement. It means that you can and will do it. Even if it takes you a little longer to get fully into it, it's o.k. The important thing is that you will becasue you can. Sports activities will also help you with the depression. It's always hightly recommended.
Vivian
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haven't been on for awhile, Hi everybody! Well, I guess it depends on how well you body reacts to the sport. Golf shouldn't be a big problem except for stigma and balance. running at a fast pace may be problematic do to the vibration and balance issues if you left with one inner ear? It's been 6 years since my AN/inner ear removal. I have almost made full recover. I am/was above average tennis player and I can tell you Tennis is hard at the level I expect to play. Balance, vision, Stigma, and coordination (effects of one ear and vision) are tuff even after 6 years. the first three were out of the question for me. Even now I have to watch how fast I turn my head or run after the ball. My vision is blurred and balance can be a problem. But, I can still do it and getting better ever passing month. I expect to be able to compete at the tournament level again at the 60 and over in the usta sectioned tournaments. That's my goal, I will be retired by then and have two and half more years to loose 15 lbs (have already lost 18 lbs) and fine tune my game. Yes, it can be done depending on your how your body recovers and how bad you want it!?!, but don't expect it to respond quickly, give it some time and slowing work your way back.
good exercise seems to help my headaches? I feel better since I'm able to be more active now. This year was the first summer I felt like playing again, plus I have a good Friend that has a tennis court and he encouraged me to come out and try it again.
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Bernie,
I'm over one year after surgery, ran a 5K 6 weeks ago, am running a 10K today and a half-marathon on Nov. 1. I'm more fit now (at 50!) than I have ever been. Go for it!!
Marci
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I just wanted to point out that if you go to AN Community, Keri just completed a marathon yesterday and she had a better time than pre-AN surgery and she just had surgery last January. I am truly amazed by all of you active post ANers and hope to follow. Finding lots of inspiration here ;D
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A little late to the dance and it looks like you're back on track but what the heck...my 2 cents.
I was on a long downward spiral until I broke out of it with involvement with sports...particularly standup paddleboarding. Best thing I could do for myself both mentally and physically. Overcoming the physical challenge is great mental therapy and the physical benefits are pretty cool too.
Good luck and have fun!
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Hi All ,
Just an update for all who have been wondering where I am at with the triathlon training. Well.....I can now say that after 6 weeks, I feel so much better, physically and mentally. In the beginning it was interesting to deal with my own self attitude about what I could and could not do. But the most amazing experience of not giving myself permission to sit back and question myself, but move forward toward my goal, became. As of 2 hours ago, I swam 1 mile!!! now just think, until August, I was terrified of the bouyancy effect, it was really scarey. I give great credit to my fellow AN's for my healing. I must admit, the support and sharing from this forum has proven invaluable...we are so unique, although experiencing similar physical challenges, and yet so unknown to each other. This technology, that allows us to share, provides a very powerful healing tool, COMPASSION and CARING. I do believe that what each of us shares, does heal and encourage others....beautiful...an incredible gift....Thanks to all..
Bernie
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Bernie ~
Congratulations on your inspiring personal achievement and thanks for your kind words for the folks that make these forums what they are.
Jim
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Way to go Bernie! Very inspirational for us all. Best Wishes, Mickey
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Bernie -
glad to hear things are going so well for you.
As we always say, there is life after an AN - and you are proof of that!
Best,
Jan
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Go Bernie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bernie,
I do have a question for you now since you are further down the path to fitness than me right now. As you began the workouts, did you have many issues with the headaches? If so, did they subside over time? I've tried spinning my normal stationary bike routine, but I've stopped short of a full work out due to the headaches. Maybe I need to take it in small chunks at the beginning. You are motivating me however to really focus and get back. My riding buddies are all after me too to start into training again. I'm looking forward to feeling (almost) normal again!
Steve
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Hi Steve,
I had my surgery 12/2007. After a medical clearance from Dr. Barker in February 2008, and a commitment to wear a helmet with sports like cycling and downhill skiing, I was supposedly ready to get up and start exercising again. It was definitely one step at a time for me...I also had headaches that would creep into my exercise routines. Of recent, I have not had any headaches, a true relief..Should I do any activity that requires a lift or strain, I get a teaser, but by stopping the activity, I recover in a few minutes, usually less than 10. My first activity post op was downhill skiing, definitely green trails, no black diamonds. I had a season pass that was purchased in August of 2007 so I couldn't bear not getting out a few times. Certainly a challenge, but far easier to do that, than walk! Hard to explain to friends and family, but walking was the hardest at the start. Gradually over the last 2 years I began to get stronger and have a more dependable endurance for nearly all my recreational fun and no headaches. My last bad headache was in May 2009 and only a few teasers since then. What I do notice is that I must maintain my fluids with my sports. If my fluids get low, it is almost a sure way to a headache. I also have to listen to my body and pace myself. Somedays, I just don't have it in me to train hard, so I take it easy. Other days, I have alot of energy and exceed my determined workout.
I guess in the short of it, listening to your body, feeling it communicate with you, it will guide you. I am not totally where I want to be yet with my training, but I will get there by spring for the triathlon. Still haven't decided which one yet, I'll post when I decide.
Keep focused on your goal, if you want it, it will be yours!!!
Bernie
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Great to hear that things are going well. Your comment about hydration is spot on...not just to help prevent headaches but also helps with balance. I notice a BIG difference in my balance when I get dehydrated. In the hours before I go on a long paddle I drink at least a couple litres of water and wear a 2 litre hydration pack while I'm out there.
I'm hoping to be ready for some competitive racing next season. Lots of paddling and healthy eating should have me trim and as fit as I've ever been...well maybe not ever....hard to compare the 20 year old body to the 50+.... ;D...but the 30...that I think I can do.
Good luck....let us know how it continues.
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Bernie,
Thanks for the info. With you and Bob, there is a lot of good feedback here about what to expect, and the hydration issue is one to remember. Its always been important for the biking, and now its even more important. My goals with the biking were already changing from working on speed and power to more of just long distance endurance. We are all just happy to get out there over 50 years old, and I will never get recruited to ride in the Tour de France ( oh really?). So like Bob says, I'll be happy to be competitive with my peers and just get out and enjoy the ride. Hopefully, we can continue to compare notes as the months go by.
Steve
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I'll be happy to be competitive with my peers and just get out and enjoy the ride.
Hehe...I don't want to just be competitive with my peers....I want to kick butt on the young guys.... ;D
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Well, O.K. you've got me there. Yes, it is gratifying to hammer up a hill and completely drop a 30-40 yr old biker who thinks he's hot. On the other hand, I've been on the receiving end of it too unfortunately!!! I'm old, but I'm not dead!!! What I meant by it thoug seriously is to concentrate on distance and endurance training instead of speed work. These days, its all about being able to hang in there for the long haul!!!! :o
With that being said, I did enjoy being at full speed on a fully sheeted in windsurfer, blowing the doors off of the kite board guys in Nantucket this summer. Unfortunatly, I needed to retire to the beach after a few runs to sit with by my three year old and recuperate.............................the mind was willing but the body was weak.