Elaine says:

I took my life back at the end of December 2002 and went on to complete three NYC Marathons one in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

As an African American athlete I am very passionate about exercise and have been working out for over 20 years two and a half hours to four hours, four to five times a week.

How quickly life can change. On Friday, August 30, 2002 at 10:30 AM I had surgery for a herniated disc. The surgeon performed a lumbar discectomy where he removed the damage part of the disc. On a scale of one to ten with one being the worse my rupture was around a three.

Exercise and stretching played a major role in my recovery both mentally and physically. Stretching is the core and foundation to staying strong.

I intend to include in my article what I experienced prior to surgery as well as the steps taken through recovery, the set backs, the accomplishments and more importantly talk about what it takes to survive such a traumatic ordeal. Healing is a journey that requires commitment, consistency, dedication, discipline and endurance in getting back to life and feeling good. Even though I am not a celebrity I do what is necessary for quality of life. So many people have multiple back surgeries when it is not always necessary. This is a true story that African Americans need to hear.

Everything that I have learned in physical therapy is now included in my workout routine. We have to be proactive and take control of our own lives.

For me surgery was a blessing. I am stronger now than I’ve ever been.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please write or call me if you have questions.