Are we there yet?
Patience is a virtue.” I was finally allowed to swim so I went for it and signed up with my kids’ Rapids Swim Team at Celebrity Sports Club. Coaches Tan and Ina were kind to me and were careful not to shock my shoulder with too many strenuous drills. Instead, we focused on strengthening my core and legs first while slowly using my arms. It felt great to be back in the water! I missed the feeling and had to remind myself to take it easy lest I get into another injury.
I trained a couple of times while working on several television projects simultaneously and continued to do so even when I felt itchiness in my throat. “Ay,” I eventually ended up with tonsillitis and then sore eyes! Before I knew it, I was back in bed and was forced to rest!
If there is such a thing as rest fatigue, I’m so sure I have it already. I have to admit that these series of setbacks are just so frustrating especially when my big race is just a few weeks ahead. When I allow myself to have my moments of peace and quiet though, I begin to realize the many lessons I continue to learn throughout this waiting process.
Here’s a letter from a reader with a similar experience:
Hi Maricel! I’m Magnolia Dulce Dinu. I’m an avid reader of your column —aside from giving me useful insights, it is equally informative, too.
While reading your July 20 column I can’t help but grin because in a way, I had the same experience.
I am really a hardknock fitness enthusiast and because I want to look good and feel good, I allot 45 minutes to two hours for workouts every morning, Mondays to Fridays. Somehow it pays off, looking physically fit and appealing to the discriminating eyes of my hubby. I’m sometimes mistakenly called as my kids’ older sister and it flatters me somehow.
I started doing Taebo in 2004, but eventually, I shifted to kickboxing a few months ago. I have a one-hour session for this and another hour of hip-hop abs dancing. I’m really stuck on it because I enjoy it.
Once, I felt an odd pain on my lumbar area, but I did not pay attention to it. I even intensified my jolts and jumping jacks just to counteract the pain. But the pain got worse, and I was diagnosed with lumbar strain and torn muscle. I was on steroid medication for one week, and underwent rehabilitation and therapy.
I was too stubborn and I forced myself to do my usual things. My condition worsened and I could not do anything about it but to wait patiently to hasten my healing. Somehow, I learned the value of waiting patiently and it paid off.
Patience is indeed a virtue. Everything is fast-paced these days and it takes a great deal of effort to slow down and yes, smell the coffee. It is through my forced sick leave that I am able to muster enough energy to encourage my son Benjamin to do his homework with gladness when I could have easily given up when he shows dislike for such a tedious task. That’s why it is music to my ears to hear him talk about his homework being correct while he grins from ear to ear. I knew it meant a lot to him that he could come to school with the correct homework.
How can I complain when my son Donny holds my hands while I drive him to a nearby salon to have his haircut? He refuses to go without me, ahhh that is just pure joy!
Another reader, Roselle Sayson, has this to share:
Hi, Ms. Maricel! We have the same doctor, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas. I have herniated disc, both lumbar and cervical. I also have mild scoliosis. Dr. Canlas said there are many factors that could be attributed to my condition — it could be the trauma of the car accident I had a long, long time ago; my lifestyle which includes improper lifting, bending, and even poor posture. All the pain I felt was lessened while the pain in some parts of my body was gone mainly because of going to rehab religiously and obeying all of Dr. Canlas’ and my therapist’s instructions.
I have had this condition for almost 10 years now, but never did I undergo surgery.
I know what you were feeling when you said you wanted to be well right away, especially because you’re very active in sports. I felt the same way, too, not because I am a sports enthusiast but because I was afraid that I might not be able to work again, or the quality of work I would deliver would be less efficient.
After years of religiously and patiently attending the rehab sessions, I was able to see and feel improvement on my condition. I think if I was too in a hurry to go back to my normal self, it would have only worsened my condition or maybe I would have undergone surgery several times because of my stubbornesss. I believe healing really takes time. We just have to be patient and be cooperative with our doctors, therapist, and all the health practitioners. I thank my doctor for being patient with me especially if I don’t do my assignment. (He can tell right away If I’m not going to my PT sessions and not doing my home exercises.) Thank you also to all my therapists for the past 10 years — Bryce, Glyza, Beth, Rheena. Sorry if I forgot some names, but most of all, thank you, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas!
Ok, so it is not so bad to slow down after all, but still, I keep asking when I’m finally getting to that point when my training and work schedule become normal. Maybe tomorrow? I look forward to it! If it comes next week, I will try to enjoy the wait some more. Longer? Argh! Okay, I shall wait, I shall listen, and I will enjoy today because there are just too many blessings to be thankful for.
I want to thank all those who took time out to wish me well and those who have been inspired to write to me their own waiting journey. We’ll get there soon!
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