Viewpoint

Wellness and Medicine

As healthy as I am, sometimes even the Iron Guru needs the help of our high tech, high cost medical professionals.  So was the case these last few months as I was trying my best to avoid surgery for Ulnar nerve entrapment.

As it turns out, arthritic built up around the nerve was the cause of the entrapment, and there were no holistic alternatives to surgery.  The doctors and staff that was needed to have this surgical procedure go as planned, all did a fine job.  I won’t be back to heavy training for another four weeks, but I’ll utilize the layoff for a little R and R.

There is however, a gap between professional medicine and a holistic lifestyle.  Prior to this surgery, I would eat a small meal every hour; I regularly consume a large array of vitamins and minerals; I also consume low levels of caffeine in the form of a pre workout drink, seven days a week.  Nor do I use any anti-inflammatories or medicines of any kind. And that’s where the problem is.

When I was given my pre-op instructions, I was told to eliminate all my supplements and caffeine drinks five days prior to surgery.  And as the surgery schedule turned out, I didn’t drink water or eat for thirteen hours!  Needless to say by time I got to the OR, I had a headache, nausea, and my blood pressure was far from normal!  I understand the medical reasons behind it all, but for those of us who follow a healthy lifestyle, it’s a dramatic change.  I felt very fatigued for two days after the surgery. They also had me pick up some serious pain medication, which I have no intention of using.

So if possible, avoid surgery at all costs, but if it’s necessary, start backing off on supplements and caffeine a week prior so it won’t be such a dramatic change.