She's Baaack

This past month has been very challenging for me physically. Between the stomach issues from the salsalate, the joint pain and flare-up from going off anti-inflammatories, the stress and exhaustion from trying to fit a few thousand doctors appointments into my full time work schedule, and the general fatigue I always feel, this month was rough. I've been woozy and lightheaded and itchy and headachey and just generally not feeling well for a good month now.

But finally, after 4 weeks off, I went back to aerial last night! My back and SI joints were surprisingly feeling okay despite 4 days of work without my SI belt. (I left it at the PT clinic location I go to less frequently). My knees were manageable, my hands felt okay, and I emotionally needed a workout to feel like less of a blob and to know that I could still do it.

So I did it.

I had to really pace myself, because I was still feeling exhausted and maybe a bit woozy. I climbed up to the top of the silks twice and was proud of myself each time I made it up after so long out of the gym. I learned a new skill that I have been eyeing for a little while, and worked on a basic wrap that has been challenging for me. I felt happy and fulfilled.

And then the class ended and reality hit. The gym was at least 85 degrees, and that's a low estimate. (The temperature outside had reached the mid-90s during the day.) My head was pounding by the end despite drinking 3 full water bottles during practice, and it was all I could do to hang out in front of the fan and try to restore normal breathing. I felt like I could fall asleep right then and there. I had to wait 15-20 minutes to drive home, because I just did not feel safe. When I got home, I felt tired and heavy-headed. I managed to take a cool shower and eat some dinner, and then as I tried to complete a report for work, I became so dizzy that I could not see straight or stand up by myself. My husband had to help me to bed.

I woke up this morning still happy that I (sort of) survived an aerial class, but still feeling a bit woozy. Thankfully not to the extent of last night. Maybe I'll get some wooziness answers from one of the two new doctors I will be seeing today before and after work.

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