It took me days, weeks and even months to figure out if I wanted to write a post about regarding this situation. As a blogger I think there is a fine line between sharing TOO much information with your readers, to really wanting to connect with your readers and have them continue to follow, understand, respect and moreover-get to you the person behind the words on the computer screen. This is me. You take it or leave it. I want to keep my readers in the loop especially when it comes to my competition prep. I know I would throw up one picture, some would see a scar and the questions would start coming in (that scar was not there last year) Besides that, I think it is important to share this story because I do not want to let one single event define who I am and where I will go. It happened, It was awful but its in the past.
I chose to not ‘ignore it’ but I also chose not to speak openly about it at the time. It was my life, I was dealing with some serious health issues and I didn’t need anymore questions, attention (both positive and negative) or worry warts.
It is now 5 months past and I am just starting to accept what happened to me. After I was out of the hospital I even ignored it. I wanted to pretend like it never happened. I would get bills and letters in the mail from the hospital and my doctors and just throw them aside. My mom and dad would see them and wonder why I hadn’t responded to something. I figured if I threw the mail aside everything would go away and I wouldn’t have to ‘follow up’ Sadly, this is not how life works. It happened and I had to deal with it and GROW from it.
Back in Early March I began getting severe abdominal pains one day. I mean SEVERE. Not ‘time of the month’ cramps or “I drank to much water and ran” cramps, but I am talking I couldn’t walk up stairs or walk up straight without having to bend over because it hurt so bad. I figured it would go away so I just tried to go on with my day. It didn’t. I went home that night and had my dad take me to the ER because it was just getting worse. I sat there and waited for hours and finally got called in. I was told to drink this ‘pina colada’ tasting fluid (hardly) over the course of 2 hours. What the solution did was basically light up my colon so that when I went in for a cat scan they could see any abnormalities. I did the drink, did the cat scan and what they reported was that I was constipated. “Ok” I said to myself. Great, so I was sent home on a regimen of stool softeners, BRAT diet etc. Nothing crazy, but it would take a few days to feel 100%
Days went by on this regimen that I was following and I was actually feeling worse. It got to the point where it was painful to walk (even bent over) I went to the hospital for the initial assessment on a Wednesday and by that Sunday I KNEW something was not right. I knew my body and tried to ignore it (as we all do) but I just couldn’t do that any longer. Something was wrong. I went back to the hospital on Sunday and got taken in right away. They did some tests and within about 15 minutes I had a surgeon above my hospital bed telling me I needed to have emergency surgery NOW.
They saw right away that I had a perforated peptic ulcer. What is this you ask?
“A very serious condition where an untreated ulcer can burn through the wall of the stomach (or other areas of the gastrointestinal tract allowing digestive juices and food to leech into the abdominal cavity. Treatment generally requires immediate surgery. A diagnosis is made by taking an erect abdominal/chest Xray (seeking air under the diaphragm). This is in fact one of the very few occasions in modern times where surgery is undertaken to treat an ulcer. Many of the perforated ulcers have been attributed to the bacterium H-Pylori”
Basically, when I went to the hospital they took an xray and cat scan of my colon, and the perforation happens up by the chest and abdominal cavity so they didn’t ‘catch’ it then. They took more in depth xrays when I went back and saw what had happened right away. Simply put, I had an ulcer, it burst through the walls of my intestine and free air was floating around my abdomen. Painful, awful and scary. Tears immediately started uncontrollably going down my face.
My first thought is HOW and WHY. WHY is this happening to ME?!?! I am the healthiest person on this planet. I workout, eat right, treat my body with respect…I am a personal trainer for crying out loud! I am 26 years old, this should not be happening to me. I was very hard on myself. I was blaming myself for lying on a hospital bed about to have extremely serious surgery. Now, I knew this wouldn’t stop me from getting surgery so I sucked it up, took some deep breaths and listened to the Surgeon and Doctors. I would figure everything out after my surgery, but for now, I needed it to get DONE. The scariest part is when I asked “am I going to be ok” and they looked back at me and said “Well anytime you go under the knife there is never a 100% chance given what we will find and if you will be OK…but I have no reason to think otherwise” Oh that’s real calming and just what I wanted to hear. I blocked it out and tried to relax.
Hours later, I woke up from my surgery. Lying with IV’s in my arm, bandages on my stomach, groggy, crying and still wondering ‘what brought me to this place’ Why was I lying on a hospital bed at 26 years old, in great health. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I eat well. What is going on?! After a few days of having my family and nurses assist me in the simplest tasks such as walking, getting up from my bed to the bathroom, eating, laughing…I began to really think about ME. I started thinking about my past and what it is that could have brought me to this place. During recovery, while in the hospital, I was encouraged to take daily walks around my floor. The floor in totality would take any seemingly healthy person about 2 minutes to walk around it once. It took me about 20 minutes, and was using my IV for balance the whole way. I would peek inside each room and see all sorts of people in for different reasons. It made me realize that what happened to me could happen to anyone. Anyone at anytime can experience a scare that shakes up their entire life. It made me appreciate my health and immediately forced me to become so in-tune with my body-even more than I was prior.
I should mention that now, I am 100% HEALTHY. I do not have a lingering ulcer in my body. This is not the type of thing where I can get stressed and ‘my ulcer will come back’ It was removed out of my body and this situation can NEVER happen again. I followed up (and still am) following up with a GI Doctor, my surgeon and my primary care physician. I am in 100% perfect health and was about 2 months post surgery as well.
I have a history of anxiety. I know this about myself. I can cause myself to stress very easily. When I was in college, I dealt with anxiety attacks and getting more in tune with my body. You could say there was a time in my life that I would always be on edge. The littlest events or things could trigger my responses and it took me a while to figure out the perfect way for ME to deal with stress. Anxiety aside, I will say that any diet changes or excessive exercise is stress to the body. Anytime you are restricting yourself with food, overdoing it with workouts, you are creating an unhealthy environment in your body.
At the time that this happened to me, I was dabbling with the Paleo diet. Now, I know that there are hundreds and thousands of people on the Paleo diet and by all means I think if they like it, works for them–that’s so great and I am so thrilled that they have found a way of eating that works for them. I went from a well rounded, healthy diet of beautiful fruits, veggies, grains, dairy, healthy fats, meat, fish-you name it to extreme strict Paleo. I was following the Paleo diet about 10 days prior to my surgery. I am not saying AT ALL that this caused me be in the hospital, however, I do think that I was putting my body under extreme stress by restricting foods that otherwise always sat fine with me. I am not intolerant to gluten, I do well with carbs, I eat grains, I love dairy and my body in no way had to cut these foods out. I CHOSE to cut these foods out for no reason other than because I was curious. I also have a somewhat acidic environment in my body which is more prone to ulcers. I have always had history of acid reflux and was taking some meds for it several months before the surgery. The combination of my ‘acidic enviornment’, acid reflux, Paleo, (crazy strict diet) was providing my body with a lack of nutrients that it was used to getting for 26 years. It went into shock mode. Yes, I was still exercising throughout this “Paleo experiment” not anything out of the norm. Just my normal workouts. But I do think that a combination of things that put my body over the edge.
So what really caused this? We don’t know. They ran every test under the sun for cancerous tumors, bacteria, H-Pylori (which is a bacterial virus that they figured was the root cause) Every single test came back negative. What it comes down to is “sometimes these things happen and we have no explanation” For both my Doctors and my family, this is the most frustrating answer of all. It is much easier to say “A caused B” but in this case, there was no cause and effect.
What I do know is that moment when the Doctor came in to say I was ready to be released home, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I couldn’t believe I was going to able to be in my own bed, without being woken up 3 times in the middle of the night to take blood. I was going to be able slowly get my life back. It was a scary but thrilling feeling.
Shortly after I was released home, while I was sitting in my house, not able to do much but walk, not able to eat because I had no appetite, I got thinking about my health. It was when I wrote this post “Improving your health and well-being” which I encourage you all to read. In a nutshell, I talk about how it sometimes takes a striking event or situation to make us realize how precious our bodies are. So many times we can take small things for granted until one day, something stops working or goes wrong. Within a matter of 24 hours, we can completely re-evaluate our health and it can cause us to look at food, health, stress, life and our bodies in a different way.
So here I am, 2 weeks out from my show. I didn’t even know if I was going to compete this season because of what happened. I knew that if I chose a show toward the end of the summer, this would give my body the perfect amount of recovery time. I have to say I worked my butt off in the weight room as soon as I got the green light to do so. I experienced some muscular imbalances that I am still working on due to the body position that I was in post surgery. I was basically hunched over because I couldn’t fully extend my abdominals. This caused my shoulders and upper back to slouch in a kyphotic nature. I have been working through some corrective exercises and laying off of any overhead or intense shoulder workouts because my rotator cuff is still recovering. Just because I wasn’t able to lift crazy heavy in my upper body, that didn’t mean that I couldn’t hit the heavy weights with my lower body. I am so proud of my lower body and how hard I worked. I am still working on building up the strength I had but I have to say that I am damn close.
What helped even more? I layed OFF of the cardio. Wow what a difference I have seen. This close to show, when most increase their cardio…I have (and was told) to decrease it. 3x a week for 30 minutes. THAT’S IT. I am focusing more on maintaining the muscle I worked hard to get and keeping my diet spot on. Excess cardio will cause overtraining and stress to the adrenal system-simply put. This is something I certainly do not need. Not only this, but cardio is NOT what will change your body. It is the weight training. Keeping it simple and effective. There is no need to get crazy with it. Stick to the basics. Lift Heavy and FEEL each movement.
Raw, unedited picture taken last week (3 weeks out)
This is a comparrison of me in September 2010 (when I first joined Cathy Savage Fitness) and then the 3 week out picture. When I look at this side by side shot, I realized everything that I have been through in the past two years. Ups and downs and now, with a new scar on my body that I have not had to look at for 26 years, I realize that this scar does not define who I am. I define who I am. Never let a situation, event or other person define you. That means you are simply not living your life. Be your own leader. Be unique, embrace your beauty and above all RESPECT YOURSELF AND YOUR BODY
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| Love this!! |
- Exercise: whatever form that makes you happy
- Express yourself: If you are in an argument with someone, express how you feel and do not let it stay bottled up. This will create stress in itself
- Practice relaxation: yoga, meditation, reading, podcasts. Anything that relaxes your body will teach it to create an overall sense of ‘calm’
- Be Positive: Smile more and try to look at situations with more of an optimistic view
- Stop Striving for Perfection: Be realistic-you are human! Stop trying to go above and beyond on every little thing in your life. Work at it, do your best and reward yourself.
- SLEEP! Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep a night. Get into a routine and stick with it! You will feel refreshed and energized.
- Get Rid of Toxic People: A few years ago I made a pledge to myself to get rid of all negativity in my life. If there is someone who always seems to bring you down, they are not worth having around. You deserve to smile. All of the time.
- Be Happy: Make it a point to smile. Everyday. Appreciate your life and be grateful for all that you have
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I’m so glad you’re ok!!! Soooo scary. You look amazing and your post brings up an important point – cherish everyday! <3
that you so much for sharing this. I’m so so happy you’re okay and are reminding us all not to take our health for granted.
Naomi, thankyou so very much for sharing this. I am glad to hear that you are ok and so proud/impressed that you are still entering the competition and how amazing you look 🙂
This post was exactly what I needed to read today. I teach group fitness classes (Pump, Attack and CXworx) and in the last few months have been taking on way too much than I should have – and in the process letting myself get rundown, overtrained and neglecting my own training outside of my classes. In the last week I injured my foot and have had to get my classes covered for the next week. I’ve spent the last few days grumping about it, but with some help from a few friends and through reading your post, I have come to realise that I need to use this down time as time for reflection.
I don’t want to be instructing so many classes each week that I hardly enjoy them and get injured. I need to ensure I have time in my week for my own weight training and I need to look after myself.
Reading how you are so in tune with your body and have learnt how to look after yourself even more gently has caused me to begin to do the same for myself. Time for a few changes to happen in my world…
Best of luck and please keep being such an inspiration!
Ally
Thank you so much for sharing this with us all…I’m sure it was hard to think back on too but your response to it and how you’re growing stronger because of it is truly inspiring. We’re all continuing to learn each and every day…enjoy this time leading up to your first (of the season) competition! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Thank you so much for that post. its my first time commenting but this really got me. Sitting here eating breakfast and fighting with myself to try a new diet to get rid of the very last amout of not so healthy food. but i am doing great with this type and amout of food and my body is chaning due to heavy training and almost no cardio. and still i think of doing cardio more and eating less carbs but hey i should be happy. thank you. thats so what i needed this morning. I wish you all the best for your comepetition and health.
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and this may be one of the only times I’ve commented but I wanted to thank you for coming forward with your health scare. I am also training for a fitness competition and I’ve always looked to your website for inspiration and this right here, this post about your new body and treating it right, is what it’s all about. Good luck on your show!
Oh my gosh, Naomi! This is so scary but I’m so glad you’re okay now. What an amazing story and you are so inspirational for still competing, but in a healthy way without harming your body. You look incredible! Thanks for sharing your story <3
Girlfriend I am so happy that you are ok. You know that I know exactly how it feels to be angry at the world for getting so sick when you have always taken such great effort to take care of yourself. There is definitely a period of denial and then acceptance, but still a bit of anger- like WTF?!! I am so proud of you for getting back on your feet and competing- you are a rockstar! Kudos to backing off and listening to your body- tough when you truly LOVE exercising, but such a valuable lesson. I’m here any time to talk. xoxo
girl you’re amazing! you’ve had such a great journey and you’re a great role model for others who are looking to go down the same path and others who battle with listening to your body! keep doing you and you’ll go far! thanks for sharing your story 🙂 xo
How scary! I’m glad you’re okay. I’m glad you could somehow benefit from this by seeing the silver lining. 🙂
Naomi, you are SUCH an inspiration in my eyes. What I like about you is that you NEVER sugar coat anything. You’re blunt and you take what you post up here seriously. LOVE that. I am so glad to hear that you are okay. I can’t imagine the emotions you must have felt. I think you are beautiful, scar or not, and that scar just shows how tough you really are. You are awesome. 🙂
I’m glad that you’re all better now. All I’ve got to say is that you look amazing and don’t even look like you went through a health scare!;)
I especially love this post, because it reminded me of how too much cardio and overtraining really does affect your body. It’s hard to remember that when you see people post about their fitness regimens as they prepare for a competition.. These people always look amazing, but you always forget that you don’t NEED to put yourself through all of that to get the body you want. Just treat your body right, and it’ll take care of everything!
Thanks for always being so honest, Naomi!
That is so crazy! I am so glad you’re better now. Honestly I think your blog is great and I always think your posts are positive and motivating. I think you are 100% on point whenever you talk about limiting stress and it’s something I always come back to reminding myself through your blog.
<3
holy shit, naomi! i am so glad you are healing. you are so strong, inside and out, and i love you to pieces. thank you for sharing this with all of us, i know it must not have been easy!
Naomi,
Thank you so much for sharing this post with everyone. I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned from your experience. I too was thinking of trying paleo (manipulating my macro’s, taking out certain foods, etc.) but after reading your post – I no longer have the intentions to. I figure…if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. My body is happy with how I’m currently feeding it, exercising it and taking care of it, so why change a damn thing? Thanks for making me step back and analyze my plans. Take care of yourself! I look forward to many more of your posts.
– Jenn
Chicago, IL
Naomi, I read your blog but hardly comment. I find your blog to be informative and inspirational! This was a great post – thank you for sharing with everyone. It is SO easy to let one aspect of your being define who you are and taht shouldn’t be the case…as you said YOU define who you are! Thanks again! And best of luck to you in your upcoming show — you look GREAT! Jessica
Thank you so much. I’m a recovering cardio addict and got internal ulcers from prescription NSAID for a running injury two years ago. It took six weeks of iron infusions and nearly a year of recovery to get me back to normal ( I had severe anemia–they wanted to transfuse me! I was close to death!) Ever since, I appreciate the face I can run, lift weights and dance or swim or even just walk without extreme pain. Kudos to you for keeping it in perspective and competing!
Honestly, thank you for sharing this. We all have scars, I am glad you can be proud of yours! It’s made you stronger.
Amazing. Keep on keepin’ on.
I’m so glad everything is going well with your health now, it must have been a scary period in your life but you clearly learned lots about yourself and now you are stronger than ever! You are beautiful inside and out and I love this post, we need to be healthy on the inside with our mindsets as well! Over stress on our bodies is never a good thing!
Thank you for sharing Naomi! I’m glad everything is going great for you now. Talking about your scar reminds me of a campaign that my business is working with called “Scars R Sexy” — you should check it out on Facebook, Twitter, and their website to share your story. Glad you’re embracing your new scar 🙂 Good luck with the show!
Thank you for sharing this! As my trainer I look up to you in many ways and it helps to know that you have struggles too! People like myself always feel alone even though we know we are not! I too suffer from anxiety attacks and am medicated for them but have learned to beat them in other ways. Having a baby brought them back and I’ve battled them again but now my body has shifted and is taking me longer than I ever thought to get it back! Anyway, you know my story! I know you will overcome this and do great in your show! By the way, your dress is fantastic for the modeling portion! Love it!!
I almost cried reading this! I can relate to everything in your post. Your words and your faith are encouraging. Just keep living! Life can knock you down, but it is how you stand back up that really matters.
I’m sorry you went through that. I’m glad everything worked out and you’re okay. I think you set such a good example with your healthy lifestyle. A lot of bloggers think they’re leading a healthy lifestyle when they just ARE NOT. You’re refreshing and that’s why I’ve always loved your blog.
not sure how i missed this post, but i just wanted to say that i went through something very similar. that diet in combination with TONS of stress and overdoing it just to make extra coin. Life is too short, amen?! I loved your recent post about unhealthy living bloggers. I try not to focus on food that much these days with my posts, sure i post recipes, but i never stress a certain diet. Life’s about balance, about laughing, and enjoying a glass of wine, a piece of cake, and not running your ass off to justify it. Health is living life stress free and eating real foods. last time i checked, butter was real food too.
😉
Wow I didn’t know you competed, which division do you do?
Congrats on a full successful recovery and good luck with the upcoming competition! I would like to do figure one day, and if I do I know I will try and do as little cardio as possible and use my diet to change my body!
This was really nice to read, I am glad you decided to share. I am 32 and just found out that the back pain I have been having for the past year is because of slight scoliosis in my lower back and degenerative disk disease. My mom has DDS also, but she’s also had a back surgery because of a ruptured disk. I think I also have anterior pelvic tilt, but that’s a different story. 🙂
I started going to the gym in my mid-20’s and love it. I am scared that my pain and my condition means becoming less active to avoid pain, and thus becoming inactive and unhappy with how I feel and look.
I have to go back to the doctor in September for a follow up and probably see a physical therapist who I plan to tell that avoiding lifting is not an option. They are going to have to teach me things that I can do to avoid aggravating my lower back, because just doing nothing or only doing very light exercise is just not going to keep me happy.
I just found your site today, and am so glad you did. This hit close to home. My husband is doing paleo and loves it, but I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 40 years, and just can’t bring myself to switch. I was stressing about that, but no more. So sorry you had to go through everything that you did. You are very wise at just 26! 🙂