Back on my bike in the morning...

[.stu]

Last summer I got diagnosed with a very rare auto-inflammatory condition, with symptoms which are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis.I was at a point where I could barely lift my leg high enough to get it over the saddle and get on my bike. It would take me 2 attempts most days. I could ride the 13 miles to work ok with only a few twinges in my left knee, but going up and down the stairs at work was agony, and if I ever had to get down on the floor to pick something up or plug something in then I would really struggle to get up again

Needless to say I found myself driving to work more and more often, until I found I wasn't even thinking about cycling anymore. I've had several courses of steroids over the last few months, and a few extended breaks from work, and finally I feel it is time to get back on the bike! I was all ready to go a few weeks ago, but I didn't fancy the cold mornings and on a recent trip to South America i managed to pick up the zika virus which knocked me off my feet for a few weeks. However, I am over that for the most part, the weather is a bit warmer, and my bike is all ready to go, so it's now or never. I think I'm gonna give the lycra a miss for the first few months, and I've managed to put on about 12 kilos over the winter and it isn't a pretty sight believe me!

Anyway, wish me luck and give me a wave (or a nod, or even an almost imperceptible raised finger if that's your thing) if you see me cycling between worcester and malvern tomorrow! I'm sure a few car drivers will be glad to see me back on the road and will be shouting words of encouragement as they pass, along with a few salutes!

 

[ianrauk]

You don't need luck. All the best, good to hear you're back on the bike.

 

[.stu]

Well the acid test will be when the alarm goes off at 5:45 am...

 

[.stu]

Well I did it

Just got to get home later...

 

[Twizit]

Nice one.

 

[ianrauk]

Well done

 

[.stu]

Thanks for all the encouragement! When I got home my legs felt like lead weights, literally. I could barely lift them to get up the stairs. I would like to cycle again tomorrow, but although the mind is willing, the rest of me isn't! I had a few twinges in my bad knee and I feel wiped out, like when I first got the zika virus... Gonna have to ease myself back into it I think, or go a bit slower...

 

[Milkfloat]

Glad to hear that you made it back. There is no point in rushing back and making yourself ill, just make sure that you are not waiting for great weather before you ride again.

 

[Katherine]

That's great. Build up the miles slowly!

 

[biggs682]

well done Rome wasnt built in a day so no rush

 

[Vickivix]

Well done!

 

[DEFENDER01]

Well done.
13 miles to work is no mean feat i couldn't manage that with my knees and i think like me your brain says you can do it but your body has different ideas.
You have my full admiration and i hope you keep at it but if you do get a lot of pain its best to do shorter runs.
Cycling is the best exercise you can get so try not to make it a chore but an enjoyment.

 

[.stu]

Thanks for all the encouragement! I went to see the rheumatologist last week and had a big shock when they weighed me to find I am heavier than I have ever been. This has spurred me on and this week I managed to ride three days in a row.

My legs were heavy going home on the third day, but I still did it in a good time. I've had no problems with my knees so I've decided to ride every day I can, come rain or shine.

I'm also getting a pedelec bike at a bargain price. I'll post up a review when I've had a chance to try it out.