Victory over pain - Professional Edge

Victory Over Pain

My story is not melodramatic or earth-shattering. I simply decide pain, and the limitations it produced, was so debilitating and constricting I would rather be dead than suffer the anguish of being physically and emotionally crippled. My personal descent into "hell" occurred in 1971 when I was diagnosed with pulled back ligaments. The doctor suggested I contact a specialist.

For several months I saw a variety of specialists who gave me an assortment of heat treatments, muscle vibrators, hydro-therapy and cortisone injections. They all prescribed potent pain-killing drugs. Soon, I became physiologically and psychologically addicted to them.

If a physician would not renew a prescription for me, I simply found another doctor who would. I became argumentative, edgy and watched the clock to await the time to take my next pill. Soon, I began taking the pills at random to numb the pain. They also dulled my senses. On some days I was unable to do even routine tasks, like putting on my pants. It was demeaning and embarrassing.

I decide I couldn't go on like that anymore. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and told him about all the medicines and treatments I had been taking. I told him if the quality of my life was dependent on how many pills I took, I'd rather not live at all. Sensing the desperation in my voice, he recommended detoxification from all medications and fitness classes at a local gym.

The class was entitled, "Building a Better Back." After a few weeks, my abdominal muscles strengthened and provided a strong skeletal framework for my back. The doctor took more X-rays and determined the original injury I suffered almost two years earlier had forced my hips out of alignment. He suggested I try weight training to eliminate the pain and counteract the hip problem.

I started out with light weights and always preceded my program with warm-ups to stretch my back muscles. I did leg extensions and leg reverse curls. Later I worked my upper body, as well as legs and torso. If my back was sore, I skipped a more strenuous workout and opted for gentel stretching. But the more I worked my back the stronger it became, and the less pain I felt!

In 1976, I competed in weightlifting on an amateur level. Soon, I traveled over the entire midwest, winning trophies and awards. Twice, I was Wisconsin State Champion in the junior and senior divisions. Not a bad accomplishment for someone who, a few short years ago, felt his life was over.

It is said some people die before they ever live. I'm glad I had a second chance at life.

AN ALTERNATIVE When SUPERCLASS, the fitness fundraiser promoted by AFFA was launched at APEX '86 in Atlanta, the event was endorsed by the Department of Education. The program has since won national attention from many drug prevention groups for its continued commitment to spreading the message that kids don't need chemicals to be happy.

AFFA is looking for committed individuals, parents, students and teachers to bring the SUPERCLASS event and message into schools nationwide. Interested students who would like to learn how to teach a 45-minute aerobics class should contact AFFA at (818) 905-0040, (800) 445-5950 or (800) 343-2584 (California only). AFFA certified instructors are encouraged to work with their local communities and schools in bringing SUPERCLASS events to children. Not only will you be spreading the word on fitness and drugs, you will be providing a much needed supplement to underfunded physical education programs.

A continuing series from the Aerobics and Fitness Foundation of America (AFFA), SUPERCLASS is uniquely devoted to creating a drugfree future for America's youth.

Lee Jaimes ives with his wife in Racine Wisconsin.

COPYRIGHT 1990 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group