Setbacks and Comebacks!

Today is exactly ten weeks since I had major spinal surgery. Before the surgery, I had terrible pain running down my legs that hindered me from doing many of the things I love to do, including my regular workout routines. After the surgery, the pain down my legs was gone almost immediately. Since the surgery, I’ve needed to allow the back muscles to heal and the fusion in the spine to form. Today, however, I’m moving so much better than before—moving  without pain. And as of this week I’ve have had all restrictions lifted by the doctor. I’m making my comeback!!  

This is not the first time I’ve experienced a physical setback. Especially over the past five years, it seems there’s been one setback after another. Through each one, however, I’ve learned what it takes to go from the setback to the comeback. And this is not mere theory, this is real life—at least it has been for me.  So, here are nine keys that I have found helpful to get me from my setback to my comeback: 

    1. Maintain the right perspective. After all, whatever you are facing is most likely temporary. 

    2. Give your body time to heal. As antsy as I can become to get moving and lifting and running, I constantly remind myself, the healing and recovery process cannot be rushed; it takes time. 

    3. Nourish your body with healthy foods. Diet is important all the time, but especially when your body is in the healing and recovery process. At a time like this, it needs good protein and fiber and vitamins and the right carbs, etc. 

    4. Do what you can to get your body moving again, as soon as you can. Even in the hospital they had me up and out of bed as quickly as possible Why? Because mobility and strength are regained only as we put our bodies to use. 

    5. Expect that some things may not be the same. After each physical setback, I have had to accept certain limitations I did not have before—e.g. no more jumping 30” boxes!

    6. Don’t use your setback as an excuse. This is not the time to give up, but the time to dig in. This is the time to plan an exercise schedule, to commit to a healthy diet, to decide that you will do all you can for your health and well-being. 

    7. Find other things to fill your time while you recover. During my recent recovery I couldn’t do all the physical things I like to do, but I did more reading than I would have done otherwise. This may be your time to discover a new hobby, read a new book, or make some phone calls you’ve been wanting to make. 

    8. Follow your doctor’s orders. Get the physical therapy. Follow instructions. Don’t play around with your health. Allow the professionals to lead you back to full health. 

    9. Keep looking ahead. There is light at the end of the tunnel. You will get better. Your body will heal. Before you know it, you’ll be in the midst of your comeback, looking back at your setback!

As someone said to me recently, “Your comeback will be greater than your setback!” With God’s help, I believe that to be true for me. May it be true for you. 

Tim Harris - CPT, SFS, PN1 Nutrition Coach