Time flies—it’s already been exactly 20 months since I got hit by that drunk driver on January 3, 2018. Coincidentally, it’s exactly 100 says since I first started writing about my injuries sustained by a drunk driver on this site. Summer flew right by! I was scheduled for a re-evaluation this with my chiropractor this afternoon. I’ve had several “re-evaluations” with my chiropractor over the past 20 months, including my last re-eval back in May. My last re-eval was just days after my orthopedic told me that I had achieved “maximum medical improvement” and my chiropractor would echo that same prognosis.

I’ve had a ridiculous drive for owning my recovery through fitness and rehab since that time. Fast forward to today’s prognosis: I’ve improved. These were the only two words that I wanted to hear. I’ve heard those two words before, but they have not been uttered by a medical professional in a very long time. Too many of these evals showed no improvement at all from the one prior.

I could have gone a few different directions back in May. I could have thrown in the towel and accepted the pain as the new normal. I could have started taking pain pills or had surgery. Forget all that nonsense, I did the only thing I thought could possibly make me feel better—work for it on my own. This started with increasing the intensity and frequency of my rehab work. I’ve complimented the rehab work with DDP Yoga to help re-build my range of motion and flexibility. I am increasing my recovery time and reducing inflammation with cryotherapy and have more core strength right now than at any time in my life. I’m happier now that I have taken control of my recovery as it’s led me back to running! I’ve been averaging over 20 miles a week for the past 2 months and have nine more 5k/10k races scheduled between now and the end of the year.

So how I am I feeling?  Much better than 100 days ago.  I’m still unable to lift more than 25 pounds or pick up awkward shaped/sized objects.  I can easily tweak my back with one physical movement or from sitting too long.  I still have a long way to go, but I am not usually in constant pain, aside morning time.  Rehabbing usually occurs hours before the average person wakes up for work leaving me feeling good for the day unless I do something to aggravate it.  I’m in the best place that I’ve been in since January 3, 2018.  It is uphill from here!

·         Daily rehab work

·         4-5 DDP yoga sessions per week

·         4-5 cryotherapy sessions per week

·         Increased focus on core strength when working out

·         Run and compete in races.

I’ll also continue to see my chiropractor and physical therapist at least once per month.  I’m in the best place that I’ve been in since January 3, 2018.

Inspired Beast

#injuryrecovery #duivictim #ddpy #ddpyoga #runict #igrunners #neverquit #workhardplayhard #ilovewichita #injuredbeast