Taking Charge Of Our Health

DAY THREE OF THE YEAR

So first to the health issues. I'm finding that dealing with the health and insurance industry is not really helping me fix my ailments - I've got to take a more active/ongoing role. The problem is, I'm expecting miracles from doctors - but it's really down to me to sort this out. Insurance only covers for traditional forms of treatment like physiotherapy but I've had better results from my Chinese massage/acupuncture sessions and through doing yoga and pilates. So I've taken it upon myself to look more into the causes and find my own ways to monitor/manage and ultimately fix this. I've found a way to look on my MacBook at the MRI scan from 2-3 years ago - this was when I first noticed an ongoing issue with my right shoulder that wasn't going away. Three specialists looked into the problem over a 3 month period and all three appeared to come up with different answer for where the issue stemmed from... I had nerve damage but they couldn't offer any solutions how to fix it. There was a level of healing that occurred through resting over those 3 months, so the specialists left it at that - but really, the issue remained and now the symptoms are back again.

Reading up on the issue, I believe my particular problem can be helped through doing more stretching & yoga plus having regular massages. Sat at a computer every day, my posture and work stress need to be monitored. Then to get strength back in my arms, it's exercises for stability of the shoulder joints as shown in Paul Chek's videos from yesterday's post.

Here's the info I found on C5 damage. This fits perfectly with my symptoms - a weak right bicep. I'm possibly weak in both biceps as a result of a neck trauma, not properly sorted from years ago - and the right shoulder being the last one I injured, possibly why it's the weaker of the two.

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/musculocutaneous-nerve-lesion-c5-c6

I've attached a couple of pictures of the original MRI scan showing what I make out to be a slight curve in the neck, chipped vertebrae and what appears to be a herniated 3rd disc pushing on the nerve(?). I reckon I can sort out the curve and possibly release the pressure on the central nerve from the blown out disc by massage, stretching and yoga, rather than going through with an operation - but time will tell...

I'll go through everything with the health professionals again but at the same time, have a program to better manage my own road to recovery and track the results. I've booked an appointment with my GP for Monday - to get a second MRI scan in for later this month and I've lined up an osteopath too. I've also got yoga classes booked in 3 times a week and start my yoga, massage and training program today. Let's see if I can make improvements enough to show a better MRI scan next time around. I'll update when I start to feel the benefits.

Now to the film watched last night...

The Power of The Heart
What can I say - it's clear I'm following what my heart is telling me! The message I got from this film is that I need to be more grateful and forgiving and keep myself calm in order to be in a more positively receptive and reflective state of mind which will allow me the mind state to pursue what it is that makes me happy. The early starts are definitely a way to keep this going and making this journal is helping me to be more aware!

For the potential benefits of being an early riser, check out Robin Sharma and the 5am club.