Started from the bottom, now we're here.

I can't believe I'm actually writing these words...

I had my second back surgery within 4 years on February 19th, 2021 - 12 days ago.

I still feel like I'm waiting to wake up from a dream, well, more of a nightmare, but that hasn't happened yet. What has happened most recently is remarkably different than my experience almost 4 years ago to the day. You could say I wear my scar and injury as a badge of honor, but also one of shame, sadness, embarrassment, inability, and most of all a reminder of the lowest point in my life thus far. And 12 days ago, that scar was opened back up physically and mentally.

Since my first surgery in 2017, I have been hungry to learn how to prevent and treat spinal injuries through movement and all sorts of other non-invasive therapies. I even changed my career to dedicate myself to helping others figure this out. I became a certified Pilates instructor, I taught Pilates, and then I took the plunge to take over ownership of the studio I was once a client of and now the owner.

The injury that got me to this second surgery happened in June of 2020. The past 8 months have been a mixture of disbelief, hope, only to be shot down by reality, regret, panic attacks, chronic pain, being physically and mentally overwhelmed, but most of all - I feel an immense sense of humility. Humbled by how delicate, yet resilient, the system of the body can work, as well as not work with such a slim margin of error. Humbled by how the mind is so powerful to encourage or discourage the functions of the body. Humbled by the kindness of family, friends, clients, medical professionals, strangers, and of course, dogs.

My goal here is to be a resource for others to learn from my personal experience with back injuries, surgeries, and recovery. The reason I call it Back to Life is because at the center of it all is dealing with chronic pain doesn't feel like living. It's draining mentally and physically - it interrupts every aspect of life. So now that I am on the side of recovery, my goal is to get back to living an active, impactful life. It's possible, I've done it before and I'll fucking do it again. Just this time, you get to be along for the ride. So, buckle up buttercup! Or as I tell my niece and nephew when we come in hot to tight turn... 'Hold on to your butts!'

Until next time,

Petrie