When there is something big going on in your life, it is sometimes tough to think about anything else. We’ve all been through something like it; a serious health issue, business challenges, relationship drama etc., where you wake up thinking about it, it weighs heavy on you all day, and if you are like me, you lay in bed and try to not think about it. And this is just in your own head. Depending on the nature of the situation, public or private, sometimes you end up talking about it all day.
As a lot of you know, I had some pretty serious shoulder problems at the tail end of my competitive CrossFit career. To make a really long story short, 2012 was my last year competing, and by that time, I had already accumulated 2 torn biceps (long head on each side) and a full thickness tear in the supraspinatus in my left shoulder. As I prepped for each of my 3 shows that year, my shoulders became a regular topic of conversation, and I was able to string together probably my best year competing in spite of the pain and lack of function the injuries provided. I entered the following offseason with great optimism, and in late November learned that the masters divisions would now include ages 40-45. Even though I was going to be turning 43 that coming year, I still liked my chances. During open prep, I blew my left shoulder completely to smithereens, rupturing 3 of the 4 muscles in the rotator cuff, including the previously torn supra. It was about that time that the slings started appearing. I was in and out of them for the next 6 months, and in early summer, I did in the right shoulder as well with a heavy low bar back squat, tearing the same 3 on the right side; supraspinatus, teres minor and infraspinatus.
For the next 2 years my life, almost every conversation started with “how are the shoulders doing?”, followed by the inevitable head tilt and some encouraging cliché because unless you’ve been through it, you really have no idea what to say to someone who has. However, I do consider myself a very fortunate guy to 1. Have amazing medical facilities and world class surgeons like Dr. Wilson and Dr. Puskas in my hometown to help put humpty dumptys like me back together 2. Have anyone close to me that is actually concerned about my health and well-being, and that they take the time to ask 3. To have people around me that loved and supported me when I was making podiums, and were also there for me through this whole process and 4. To have a wife that “gets” me. I wasn’t super easy to be around during that time, I’m told I’m much better now, but the shit I put that woman through, wowsers! Ill never forget how she was the perfect person for me to be around through a really tough time, I love you baby xo! All right, back to the story….
After wearing a sling on my recently injured right shoulder for the early part of summer of 2013, I had the left one rebuilt in late august, which came with 8 weeks in a sling for lefty and some passive rehab and physio. When the sling came off, it was time for direct rehab and strengthening so my left arm and shoulder would be prepared to be my “good” arm, as I went in for surgery on my right shoulder at the end of January 2014. I then repeated the entire process for the right one. Yes, another 8 weeks in the sling, and the beginning of the yearlong process of building them both up to a point where they looked balanced and I could perform the basic duties we expect of our shoulders.
During this time, everywhere I went, from work, to the gym, the mall, the grocery store, people asked about my shoulders. Just about every conversation I had for a 3 solid years started with a shoulder question. But if there’s one thing we know, time rolls on and trust me, that’s a good thing in situations like this! As my frame filled back out and my strength returned, I was able to move and function, not just as a regular person, but as an athlete again. And I gotta tell you, it felt pretty good. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the process, but I have certainly learned a lot about my own body, and a ton about keeping other peoples shoulders healthy and out of the OR.
Fast forward to today. Thanks to a couple years of consistent training, disciplined lifestyle and solid nutritional plan, the only time they really come up in conversation is when I get compliments on them, and it’s normally from a person that knows the background and is that much more impressed. Now here’s a little tip from funbobby, when you appear to be clear of whatever nightmare storm you were going through, don’t go back for your car keys! Keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and share your battle-tested knowledge to save others from going through the same thing.
We’ve all heard the saying “tough times don’t last, tough people do”, and it’s so true. Whatever is overpowering your thoughts and dominating the conversations around you, it won’t last forever. Stay positive, or at least more positive than you feel like being, and the storm will pass. I know this to be true. Life is a series of dress rehearsals. We are here to learn and improve, and every little set back or challenge that comes up is a chance to practice getting over it. Confidence, discipline, consistency etc. are all things that get better with practice. Don’t beat yourself up too bad when you are getting beaten down by life, and know that all the skills you strengthened and sharpened during adversity are yours to use again and again. Keep the faith, be strong, smile, and move relentlessly forward.