I have always been a super active person! I played club soccer for the majority of my life, and when I reached high school I was on the Redhawks cheer team. While I was undergoing my diagnosis, and losing most of my ability to move, I had to give up all physical activity. However, as I have been on medication for a while now, I have regained my mobility, but it looks a little different.

First, I have a terrible mental block. Living with knowing my legs can give out regularly, and they have, I sometimes find it scary to workout. I think about how I could just be running and splat, I’m on the ground. 

Second, my fatigue. I plan to touch on this more next week and go in depth, but I get tired way faster than other people because of my condition.

Third, yes my disease gives me fatigue, but it also doesn’t help that I am out of shape. Since I was out of activity for so long, I am nowhere near as active as I used to be. 

This year I have tried to change that! I am working on getting over my fear as I have signed up for cycling and pilates classes. I occasionally go on runs, like I used to love to do, but will do intervals of running and walking. My disease is a barrier to my physical health, but I am working my hardest to push past it. 

Next week I will touch on strategies for regaining energy on days when it’s hard. I can’t wait to continue to share my story with you! Remember our struggles don’t define us.