Six months ago I got 155,000 steps in a fitbit workweek hustle competition. This feat awarded me the electronic fitbit trophy, the Fluidmaster corporate record (which I still hold), and an extremely painful neck that lingers to this day. To address this pain, I tried chiropractics, physical therapy, doctor visits, inactivity, and eventually an MRI. The MRI revealed that I have Congenital Cervical Spinal Stenosis. In other words, I was born with two narrow spinal canals that lead to increased risk of spinal cord injury and pinched nerves. In progressed cases this can lead to paralysis. In more mild cases, like mine, it can lead to numbness, tingling, stiffness, and soreness of the cervical spine. It is very rare to be born with this condition so I guess that makes me special :). It mostly shows up in older people that are 60+ years of age. My next steps are to meet with a Neurosurgeon to see if surgery is necessary (let’s hope not).
I was glad to get the diagnosis (simply to understand the cause of the relentless pain and headaches for the last six months) but also bummed because of the potential long term effects of this condition. When unfortunate events come my way I try to glean life lessons and increased perspective.
Here are three insights my Stenosis Diagnosis provided me:
- It could be worse – I was quarterback for my high school football team. I got tackled a lot and tackled others in my earlier years. With this condition, I was at risk of having serious spinal damage…and I didn’t. Also, compared to many others, my condition is insignificant. It is not life threatening. I consider myself very blessed.
- Life is short, so live it! – Again, this is not life threatening but it does remind me how quickly things CAN change. We are all susceptible to receiving life altering news that force paradigm-shifts and re-prioritization. Why wait for these events to do those things of most importance? I am reminded to live the life I want to live now and not put it off until all my good, productive years pass me by.
- Physical Activity is a Gift – I am so glad that I ran my half and full marathons in my early 30’s. I put it off for years because of my busy schedule with work, family, school, etc. BYU quarterback Riley Nelson visited Orange County and gave a speech on goals. My former wife was inspired. Upon her return from his speech, she pledged her support to allow me to train for the Irvine Half Marathon. I took 2.5 months to prepare and did better than I could have imagined….1:30.46 (6:56/mile)…that is 8.6 on a treadmill for an hour and half! That experience reminded me that I can do great things and perform beyond my own expectations…if I am willing to work for it. Breaking physical barriers is a great contributor to character, mental strength, and confidence. It is a gift that keeps giving in so many ways if we use it regularly and wisely.
Life happens. Events like these are part of our mortal journey. The key is to make the most of what we have now and enjoy the sweet fruits of these labors for the many days, months, years, and decades to come.
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