Day 157: Bench Pressing Brady

The road to recovery isn’t an easy one but it’s definitely possible to overcome the rough spots. I’ve been working on my comeback little by little and I have to admit that it has been more frustrating than I anticipated it would be. I knew it would be difficult, but it’s been hard for different reasons than I anticipated.

Physically my recovery is right on track and I haven’t had any setbacks to date (knocking on wood). In fact, my recovery after this surgery has been much faster than recovery from operations that I’ve had in the past. It’s amazing how much good health has contributed to my speedy comeback.

Surprisingly the part that has been the most difficult for me has been overcoming the mental obstacles. It’s almost like I’m afraid to start exercising again. There is progress every day but I get frustrated with myself. I have been exercising but I think I’m afraid of re-injuring myself. Last week I felt a hard spot in my abdomen and I started to get scared. I thought I had another hernia forming. I stopped exercising completely and waited for my doctor’s appointment. I asked the doctor about it and he said it’s just where they sewed everything together internally; nothing to worry about. I was extremely relieved. Since my appointment I’ve been more determined to get things back to normal.

One of the normal activities that I’ve missed the most has been wrestling with my boys. I love to get down on the floor and throw them around which really isn’t an option considering my 25 pound lifting restriction. Last night however I did get back to it a little bit (as much as I could anyway). I lifted Brady up over my head and did about 20 bench press reps. He loved it, I love it, it felt great.

I decided to put together a list of things I can do today that I couldn’t do 3 weeks ago:

• Jog
• Laugh (without wanting to cry)
• Touch my toes
• Sneeze
• Bench Press Brady
• Dress my kids
• Dress myself
• Stay awake for more than 8 hours in a row
• Avoid watching daytime television — Another day in the hospital watching Judge Judy would have resulted in admission into a mental health facility
• Eat without throwing up
• Eat. Period.

Looking back at this list makes me realize I’ve come a long way in the last three weeks. I just need to be patient and keep working and I’ll be back at it soon.



3 Responses to “Day 157: Bench Pressing Brady”

1. localshred says:

   December 18, 2009 at 10:51 am

   I think it’s really really great how you are keeping positive through a recovery process. It’s a great idea you’ve presented to list things that you can do today you couldn’t previously.

   You are my hero ryan, keep going man!

   Reply
   • Ryan Sullivan says:

     December 18, 2009 at 11:12 am

     Thanks man. The positive attitude is easier to keep when I’ve got great people helping me out. Thanks for being part of the support system man!

     Reply
2. Cassidy M says:

   December 18, 2009 at 5:40 pm

   I’m so glad things are progressing! Sky sure misses ya!

   Reply