Can You Believe It?

WOW, Can you believe it? I'm posting again so soon! Sorry to say it's not good news...

Tuesday May 1, I was training legs.. I had been suffering from increasing bouts of sciatica and back pain, but that's been going on for around 15 years--far before I started bodybuilding. Anyhow, that day I had warmed up with 20 minutes of cardio, light stretching, then proceeded to do squats.. the plan being not to lift too heavy that day due to my increasing back/sciatic pain. First set only 70lbs+bar, second set 90lbs+bar, third set 80lbs+bar---on the second rep I felt a twinge in my quadricep & a failure of power to my legs to get back up... I thought perhaps my form was off or I had gotten sloppy & my old issues were flaring up acutely. I carefully assessed & lightly stretched everything again and returned to the rack with only 60lbs+bar, and didn't it happen again! 

I really didn't think this was a serious injury at this point, I proceeded to take some naproxen and went grocery shopping.. I often suffer inflammation/pain/sciatica after a leg or back workout, especially if I go to heavy. After grocery shopping I came home and felt my leg swelling up, heating up.. I put ice on it and elevated it.

A few hours later my quad all the way down to my knee was horribly swollen and so sore from the pressure of the swelling that I felt sick. I decided to go to ER so that I could get some answers & action happening right away to save compounding any injury. A referral through my GP would take atleast 6 months due to long waiting lists.. I need it imaged & seen right away, I'M SUPPOSED TO COMPETE IN A MONTH!!

It was a 7 hour wait at ER but the doc told me I either badly tore my quad or/and I had a massive bleed. She got me and emergency referral to an orthopedic surgeon & an appointment for diagnostic imaging Monday May 7th.. I'm instructed to keep it elevated and use crutches to keep from putting weight on it when I walk. I haven't mastered crutches, I kinda hobble instead. It IS painful enough that I'm lying with it elevated most of the time. Pain has a way of getting your attention! I'm not allowed to take any NSAIDs as it might re-bleed & make the situation worse.

The picture below was taken May 2nd.. May 3 it was the worst of all... The swelling is so bad you wouldn't know that I am super shredded.. it looks like a fat lady leg. lol

So it's uncertain if I'll be able to compete at the Toronto Pro Supershow. It's too early to tell how bad the damage is so I'm continuing to diet just in case. The limited range of motion I'm suffering from is obviously due to swelling & I am hopeful that if I'm prudent to rest & rehab properly I might be able to pull it off. My legs are genetically advantaged so I'm not to worried about muscular atrophy. I'm worried about bruising and swelling & whether I'll have full flexibility so soon after injury. 

I'll keep you posted. Even if I'm not able to compete I'm going to follow through with my whole prep.. I'm hopeful that I'll be working on projects in the next couple months--projects I'm very excited about. Well, that's another entry..

Goodnight Friends xo

5 Weeks Out AGAIN

Well, here I am 5 weeks out from my next show The Provincials at the "Toronto Pro Supershow".. I've gained a considerable amount of mass since the last show. Last November my stage weight was 139.7lbs. At 5 weeks out I'm weighing 161.5lbs. I'm on target, but holding water naturally... hoping my stage weight will be atleast 155lbs.

I need to take some updated progress pics, but here is a photo from 9 days ago (April 19, 2012 - 44 days out - 160lbs)

I'm excited about the Toronto Pro Supershow. I attended last year to work the "Muscle Insider Magazine" booth at the Expo. This year I'll be taking this stage for the first time.. It will be a big show & the expo will be worth checking out.. The Organizers & Promoters have gone out of their way to make this an exciting attraction. Many Pro Athletes (not just bodybuilders), Sports Demos, Articles/Products for sale (and samples!).

This year I am attending with my best friend & my stylist, Sheri of "Hair by Sher". Sheri was key to my winning look last November. I am grateful for their help, love & support. I couldn't consider doing this show without them. The amount of work it takes to prepare for stage is unbelievable.. I have to say I'd also be lost without the friendship, love, support & help from my sister Karen also.

My diet has been going well, but I really need to buckle down these next 4 weeks.. I want to exceed my conditioning last season & that means lower bodyfat stores. Training has been going well with only occasional setbacks (minor injuries). I am training 5-6 days a week & 2-4 hours a day depending on which bodyparts I'm training. That includes atleast an hour of cardio per workout. I've tried hard to make big improvements this season. Dieting is like opening a "present".. I can't really see the extent of the improvements made through my training all season until I lose the bodyfat. LOL I am still working with Noel Fuller as my coach.. he promises he can bring me in tighter & drier this season. :)

Pretty boring life but I like it--it keeps me out of trouble LOL. I will try to post more often--but there's really not anything new & exciting happening most of the time. Usually it's the same old routine, just a different day. Well that's the scoop for now.. Peace, OUT! xo