Sometime ago way back in my military career (Royal Air Force baby) I was injured. It doesn’t matter how but needless to say it was pretty bad and I ended up with severe and long lasting damage to my back. Another incident resulted in me being hospitalised and put in a medical coma of sorts to try and recover. I spent a few months on crutches etc and in rehab attempting to learn to walk/run and deal with the intense pain my back gave me.
Whilst the military tried everything to help me I was destined to have the infamous ‘bad back’ syndrome forever. I tried all sorts of treatment and even had surgery to correct it. With the constant problem of sciatica and nerve damage I was in agony at times. Pain killers were never going to be a long term thing with me especially as they started to affect my stomach and digestive system
In time I learnt to deal with the limitations my back gave me and delved into pilates and yoga as well as other exercises. With the added benefits of acupuncture, regular massages and physiotherapy I improved dramatically but alas the damage was always there and flare ups were intense.
Along with other sustained injuries and other reasons I left the military with a sad heart but lots of memories and friends.
I have and continue to spend a vast amount of money on treatment to improve my back as you only have one. I work hard and push my body hard. Over time my back has improved dramatically…I still have intense flare ups where I cant move my legs much and sometimes I scream in pain but nothing will ever stop me as I refuse to go back to crutches and needing support.
So when a photographer at a show (the wonderful Sarah Askaroff) sent me an image of mid-performance of Dark Before The Dawn I knew that all the pain was worth it. Considering nearly 4 years a go I could barely stand for more than 20 mins here I am bent over backwards.
I still have those flare ups and yes they hurt but I can put my hand on my heart this move never hurt me once. However walking upstairs proves oddly hard and at times so does standing. One day this move will hurt me so I only do it when I feel good.
Without the wonderful treatment from the military and my doctors/teachers and physiotherapists I couldn’t have done it. This image shows me how far I have come.
LOVE IT!
