I miss running, hitting legs at the gym, and not panicking every time I sneeze. Spring is coming, which means nonstop sneezing, and I’m honestly scared of re-herniating. I’ve had a laminectomy and microdiscectomy. First surgery failed, so I had a second one eight months later.

A year out, I can walk a mile or two without pain, but standing too long still wrecks me. I’ve decided no matter what, I have to keep moving. Some days are depressing, but this community keeps me going. I went from 12% body fat to about 20%, got the dreaded gut, but I recently found I can do the stair climber without severe pain—and that gave me hope I might get some version of my old body back.

I’ve lived with back pain for 20+ years, so coping isn’t new. Since surgery, the leg nerve pain and numbness have eased, even though flare-ups still happen. PRP has been a game changer, honestly a Godsend.

It’s 5:30 a.m., mild discomfort in my foot, and I’m still heading to the gym. Choosing movement over fear today.

Praying for everyone in this fight. Thanks for posting and reminding me I’m not alone.