Day 26 of the challenge is here, and I truly hope everyone is still with me and realizing by now that this isnāt just about movement. Itās about building a habit. At this point, it shouldnāt feel like something you have to ārememberā to do. It should feel like part of your rhythm, your day. Any kind of movement is better than none.
I did get movement in today, but it wasnāt traditional. And honestly, it wonāt be for the rest of the challenge unless I start feeling better.
Last night, I ended up in the ER with chest pain that had been building since 9am. I tried everything stretching, resting, distracting myself but the pain started radiating into my shoulder and back. So I finally gave in and went in. Better safe than sorry, right?
They even called a code heart on me when I arrived, which was terrifying. But thankfully, after hours of tests, blood work, a CT scan, X-rays, EKGs you name it they determined it wasnāt heart-related. Everything looked great.
Turns out, I have something called Costochondritis an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, specifically the costosternal joint. It causes sharp, alarming chest pain (on the left side, for me), and it gets worse with deep breathing, movement, pressure, or even coughing. It's not dangerous, but it feels scary.
The pain is still very real, and healing can take days to even weeks. I was told to rest and I mean real rest, which is hard for me. Iām not great at slowing down. But this is actually the second injury in this area recently, and now they want me to follow up with my primary care doctor to see whatās going on. I wasnāt even doing anything intense when it happened. Itās confusing, and frustrating.
To be honest, these past couple of weeks have been a lot. Ever since Fatherās Day, Iāve felt like Iāve been getting knocked down over and over again. Iām trying to stay positive, to keep my chin up, but sometimes life just gets heavy. And I have to admit that I havenāt been showing up as much lately because Iāve needed space to rest and deal with some very personal things I wonāt be sharing here.
But I am showing up for myself in the ways that matter. Iām trying to give myself grace. Trying to let healing happen, instead of forcing myself to power through like always.
If youāre in a hard place right now too, please know this: youāre not alone. Things can and do get better. Let yourself rest. Give yourself the same grace you would give a friend. I'm trying to do the same.
Iām thankful, Iām grateful and Iām also human. Things are tough right now, but Iām still here.
Hope you all had a gentle Thursday. Sending love and hugs. š