Now For The Serious Bit

So, no gym or pilates today, but did take little Miss Rosie on a 2 mile very muddy and windy walk this morning. Believe it or not I find walking around here more difficult than going to the gym. Which brings me to the serious side of this whole challenge...

I live on a hill and am surrounded by hills. Every time I step out of my door to walk anywhere it involves walking up at least 2 hills. At the gym things are flat and I can exercise on a pretty even surface. Hills are not easy for people with heart conditions...and not when, like me, you have 5 of them (and counting!). It's always the legs that go on hills.

So, a health kick when your health is somewhat compromised. Not easy. Here's what's going against me:

● 5 said cardiac conditions (would list them but can only spell 2 of them!)
● 1 scarred lung
● Scar tissue which minimises circulation and movement to one arm
● A fractured vertebrae that's never healed properly so causes daily back pain
● A wonky pelvis
● Lots of medication that have the side effects of tiredness, dizziness and an increased appetite
● And not forgetting the partridge in a pear tree!

Hmmm. Not easy at all. However, you see too often people like myself with illness and disabilities who just give up. The easy thing to do would be to say 'I can't do it therefore I shall just sit here and rot'. But where does that get you? When the RSPCA find a sick animal in the street what do they do? They do their best to get that animal as fit and well as possible, they dont just leave it. It's the same with disabilities - you have to work with what you've got.

So, all that aside, here's what I do have going for me:

● I CAN actually get out of the house and do something. I'll never run a marathon but I can walk a muddy dog!
● I have found a great pilates teacher who is helping that wonky pelvis and vertebrae.  I can't touch my toes and never will but I can aim for the shins!
● I have medication side effects, but that same medication means I can get out of bed on a morning
● I might have limitations in my arm, but I can still use my arm for most things, especially things I love like crafting
● It's now January so don't have to worry about the partridge or pear tree for another 11 months! :-P

Seriously, the last few years have shown me just how debilitating living with a 'life limiting' condition can be. The older I've got the more tiring life becomes. That's why it's so important I shift this weight: heart conditions don't really improve with age and I need to get my body fit to cope the best it can. I've noticed how much I've struggled lately and how breathless I've become just by carrying an extra 20lbs or so.

I think reading this blog has really inspired me lately. She has really embraced her recovery and does everything she can to look after the body she's been given. Read some of her posts if you get chance, very inspiring woman.

So, if I start whining about how life's unfair without cake, you can not only give me a charity kick up the bum but a health one too! ;-)