Getting my Heart Going Again

Working out has been difficult for me the past few months - not the typical excuses around this time of year - like cold Minnesota weather, holiday season, etc. Instead, I have been dealing with some eye problems that make me cringe. I am incredibly near-sighted, -11.50 in contacts to be exact, and with near-sightedness comes the increased risk for retinal detachment and vitreal detachments. I have been actively aware of these things since this past summer. I had been traveling for work, and one day noticed I had a big, black string-like thing darting across my eye. Turns out, it was a vitreal detachment - which run the risk of pulling at your retina. Thankfully, I have not had a retinal detachment, but I have been really upset about the whole thing. I have struggled with my eyesight since I was 6. It seems unfair that I have to struggle with it even more, now that I am down to a healthier place. My retinal surgeon keeps telling me that I can workout, lift weights, and nothing will prevent these things from happening, as long as I don't take up boxing. I have avoided those activities, including the exercise for the last few months, hoping my eyes would just mend. After all, since my surgery, I had been getting into a great workout routine, and actually using my gym membership. Last Friday, after my earlier in the week trip to the eye doctor for another vitreal detachment and diagnosis of ocular migraines, I decided that enough was enough. I have to start exercising again. Immediately. Despite my eye fears, despite my wishing things were different, exercise will help me more than the anxiety and emotional eating ever will. I upgraded my gym membership, allowing me to be literally one building away from the gym (downtown Minneapolis). And, drum roll please, I went today at lunch. It was scary and awkward, my legs felt like wobbly noodles afterwards, I was panicking about my eyes, but overall it felt good. Today is the first day of many good ones to come.