I am soooooo sorry for my absence of late, things got so crazy with coursework and inevitably, I cannot ride at the moment. I'm pretty sure I mentioned the back injury I sustained as a result of a car crash last November in a previous blog post, but it just hasn't gone away! So over the Easter holidays I tried doing a normal bout of training, several 50+ milers which I would never have a problem with normally. BUT, with all provoking long-term injuries, mine came back with vengeance.
Maybe I was too soon to expect my body to be able to cope with the demands I put on it pre-accident, but I had the confidence to think my body would be able to withstand the miles. Within 10 miles on one particular ride, my back was aching from my neck down to my lumbar (lower) spine. I felt a dull, continuous pain which would become a sharper pain on every upward stroke of the pedal, making it extremely difficult when climbing hills. Luckily I knew this wasn't a normal 'warming up' or 'settling in' pain as a result of a break off the bike, this was my body urging me to stop.
At this point, I felt defeated and angry at myself for having to turn around, 10 miles into a steady ride. By the time I was several miles from my house, I could barely hold my head up to look forward due to the pain travelling up my neck. I did not know this type of pain or fatigue, I was utterly in shock. Had I lost all my fitness? Would I ever be able to ride again?
The next few days were just as bad- I could not inhale without sharp pains around my rib cage. I was stuck inside due to the pain of moving, twisting and even breathing. I put the pain down to the intercostal (ribs) muscles being worked during the session, leading to the pain.
I knew this wasn't like me and made another appointment with my GP. The Doctor told me that with whiplash, the extent of the injuries can flare up when they are put under strain and that I am likely to suffer for up to 18months. I can honestly say I had to fight back the tears at this point.. how do you sit there and accept that this accident can stop me from doing the one thing that I love?
I got referred to a physiotherapist who was really good, she is currently working with me to get me back on track. She advised that I stop riding (I know, I did well to not cry, unless it is a bike with a supportive back, such as those in a gym. So here I am, I've just bought a swimsuit and am going to start swimming as of this week!
The accident took over my control of my life, which is why I am adamant to get fitter, stronger and healthier than I have been before. I think that swimming will be beneficial for stretching out my back whilst letting me relax and time out. As you can imagine, I am driving myself crazy not being able to ride. I've even doubted whether I will be capable of getting back out there on my own.. which is why I chose to regain my control and do the things that I can to achieve my goal of getting back on my bike.
Even if it takes months or even a year, I am determined to try everything I can to get back on my bike. So I think it would be beneficial for me to share my journey of recovery, with the aim that I will get back on the bike! So look out for weekly updates on my progress (sorry this was a long post- a lot has happened!)
Feel free to comment below if you have been on a recent journey or have any tips :-)
