Fitness Check In Day 50: Putting One Foot in Front of The Other

Two Saturday’s ago I attempted to go outside and take a walk and that sparked a panic and fear in me as I was left with shaky, unstable, heavy legs that felt like jello, a worrying dizziness with every step I took as well as a feeling that I my body was just going to collapse on the floor. Since then I have been taking vitamin D3 supplements (3000 IU’s) and since then, the pain in my calves starting to disappear. The dizziness and heaviness in my arms and legs however has been off and on. After retracing my steps, and at first dismissing that it may be the pillow, I do believe now that another cause of my dizzy spells, muscle weakness is subluxation due to the horrible neck killer pillows I have had over the past few months. I have changed up from a bamboo pillow which is when my dizziness issues got really bad, then threw that one away and went back to the old pillow that was giving me a pain in the neck. I then switched to a new pillow I purchased and the first night was great. I slept well and woke up with no dizziness, no need for the walker and enough energy to actually get on the glider for the first time since July. I did so for 10 minutes and while afterward, my legs felt like jello, the feeling subsided after some rest. The day after, I had dizziness soo bad I had to use the walker again and was in a fog like state for the majority of the day. A horrible feeling I wish on no one.

I have been very careful in not overdoing things since then, using the walker when my legs are shaky and heavy and/or the dizziness sets in. Yesterday, with the goal of still going to Comic Con on my mind, I decided initially to go outside to at least go to the supermarket across the street. Armed with my cane and with my mother by my side, I went outside, feeling the breeze hit my face, and instead of looking across the street, I looked ahead and told my mama, lets at least walk one block and then cross over. 1 block became two, then three, walking slowly, and stopping a few times to catch my breath and give my legs a breather since they felt a bit heavy. I will be honest, panic started to set in hard after each block, and I tried not to move my head soo much since that made me more dizzy, but I kept going. Putting one foot in front of the other. We made our way to a fruit/veggie stand 5 blocks from where I live, got some items and then made our way to a different supermarket, walked around to get some more veggies on sale and then walked 5 blocks back to the supermarket across from where we live to get some other items we needed.

All in all I walked 10 blocks and a few extra steps roaming the isles in the supermarkets. My calves were tight and my body was tense and achy, but I did it. I got over that fear that was plaguing me since the 13th of this month when a simple few blocks turned into a fight to breath and stay upright. Comic Con is October 9 through the 12th so I still have a week and a few days to get enough strength to be able to take the train and spend at least a few hours. Maybe going to more panels that I normally do so I can sit down and rest a bit. I have a plan and have been more active, but also resting a lot when needed so I don’t wipe myself out. My brother and mom are hopeful and keep saying “Oh I know you will be able to go”, I’m positive and I have faith.”

Seeing the improvement over the past week despite certain setbacks, I have faith too. It won’t be easy, but I have to at least try. I mean I owe it to myself to try so I can enjoy the one thing in my life that makes me feel like a kid and a euphoria that washes over me once a year which is New York City Comic Con. Will I get dressed this year? I’m not sure, I have put my costume together in case it have the energy to do so, but I am also trying to focus on gaining enough energy to last 4 days and if that means I don’t have enough to spare to wear a costume, then so be it. I will be happy to have my cane in hand for stability if needed and enjoy what I can in the happiest place on earth for me and many con lovers.

Until tomorrow my phoenixes, don’t give up hope, no matter how dark or bleak it may seem. Take time for yourself, listen to your gut and keep that body moving!!!