[chickybird]

I've always had a bad back but I really screwed it up last weekend. As in, had to go the hospital by ambulance and am on bed rest. The MRI says my bottom two discs are bulging and there is no fluid--basically I have no shock absorbers. I have some other back issues too and I'm kind of bummed. I've gotten 2nd and 3rd opinions and they all agree that weightlifting and spin classes are out, atleast for the next several months. In a few weeks I'm allowed to do yoga, pilates, and water aerobics.
I love going to my YMCA, but I'm dropping my membership because it's 70 bucks a month for a gym I can't even use for the next several weeks. I am going to join the 24 hour fitness near me in a few weeks. It has an indoor pool, which the Y doesn't have, so I can take water aerobics year round. They have evening yoga and pilates classes and will only cost me 30 bucks a month.
My favorite spin instructor at the Y is moving out of state in two weeks, which really clinched the deal for me--she is awesome!
I know I shouldn't feel guilty, but I just love the family-friendly atmosphere at the Y. I also cried like a great big girl when they told me spin was out!
Surgery isn't an option--my bulge isn't big enough to remove, and you can't just put in more fluid in the discs. My husband and I have always wanted to adopt an older child (if we even decide to have kids) so I am not too bummed about not being able to have a baby biologically.
They also want me to lose weight (duh!) and I started Fat Smash and love it! I've lost 7 pounds in a week, which is impressive because I've been pretty sedentary this week.
I swear I'm not trying to have a pity party--I know I am so blessed! But does anyone have some words of encouragement for me? You guys are always so good at cheering me up!

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

CHICKY ~ I think your plan sounds good; sometimes we have to make changes, but sometimes they turn out to be better for us in the long run. With your food plan in place and some new kind of physical activities, you should be able to see some continued success despite that obstacle ... that is really a blessing too!

[chickybird]

Thanks! I think I'm just worried about how toned I will get doing only water aerobics and yoga. But any activity is better than nothing

[chickybird]

ugh, woke up feeling exhausted from the the pain meds and lack of sleep. Today would have been day 10 of Phase 1 of FS, but I went a little off plan today. I'll be adding a few extra days of Phase 1, and I get to sign up at my new gym tomorrow!
Edit--I wanted to add that while eating meat was nice, it didn't taste as good as I thought it would. And I had a cookie and did not enjoy much at all. That was nice to know that I don't really crave that stuff anymore!