Trying to be Comfortable in My Own Skin

I’d probably call this a coffee chat. Since it might be a second before you get to the part about my recent journey.

In 2020, we all went through something

We can’t deny it and we know you’re lying if you say otherwise. Between the worldwide pandemic, staying at home for what felt like eternity, serving your community as a front line worker, ending your school term virtually, doing some self care or even learning new skills- YOU NAME IT! We all did something. 

Now, I’m not here to talk about 2020’s struggles, more so how it relates to me. 

AS YOU ALL PROBABLY KNOW or have heard me talk about a trillion and one times, I started my fitness journey when I moved for my masters. I wanted to do research on workout studios and gyms to see exactly what I could do in the other state. 

It came down to Orange Theory

My first day was August 2, 2019. My uncle and aunt inspired me and spoke highly of this workout style and I was just SO excited to be a part of this community. Shout out to my studio. It felt like waking up every morning with the best feeling ever, looking forward to the day and ending it with Orange Theory. PS: I love night classes, usually preferred over morning because I prefer beauty sleep before work. PSS: Working out with fun corgi butt socks always gave me a little more motivation too. Maybe it’s just me?

I’m about to get personal. I lost 31 pounds with Orange Theory and FINALLY felt comfortable enough to wear a bikini. 

For someone who has lived their whole life in Miami, it’s kind of hard to say no to the beach or the pool in your backyard EVERY TIME you were invited to go in. I had enough bathing suits to get by and never wanted to post a swimsuit photo anywhere but leave it in my camera roll. 

Before I completed a year as a part of Orange Theory, my goal was to lose 40 pounds. The pandemic hit and I flew home mid-March, 2020. My last class was in February. So I started working out on my own and continued with my marathon training. 

The change wasn’t easy but doable. I would run four days a week and cross train the fifth day. They cancelled the Chicago Marathon on July 13th and I was going to virtually run the half marathon on July 18th. It was POURING ALL DAY! So my running buddy and I agreed to run on a week day to complete the half marathon. 

Sunday, July 19th hit me hard

To give some personal insight, Saturday, July 18th- I felt some pain in my shoulder and rib cage of my right side. I thought I slept wrong so I just took a Tylenol. No big deal, right? Sunday, July 19th, I woke up at 5:00am crying, with excruciating pain. I’ve never felt like this before. I took some ibuprofen, used a heating pad and felt better. At 8:30am, I was in the emergency room.

*Getting Personal* The last time I was in an emergency room was 5th grade for my last asthma attack. I didn’t think I would be back in the hospital this soon.

I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism

Choosing to write about my recent diagnosis isn’t easy, but I want to bring awareness. I’m an information over-loader, basically someone who asks a lot of questions, does extensive research, and tries to figure out everything. I like to know what I’m getting myself into and all the side effects that will occur in my life. 

If you want to have a conversation about my in-depth experience, feel free to message me. I wouldn’t want to make this post longer than it already is just for my research. 

In the positive light, I had my guardian angel watching over me. I was 100% healthy after all my exams, procedures, bloodwork, doctor visits, diets, you name it- in the hospital. The only aspect “wrong” was that small blood clot and my pain. So no doctor, nurse, or physician assistant understood WHY I was in the hospital because I was 100% healthy. I did everything right- had a workout routine, watched everything I ate, etc. Why me?

*Shout Out* For those who texted or called me at every hour and every day since, I want to thank you. I‘ve felt so grateful to know that so many people care and just want to know about my well being. I am blessed to have such an amazing community around me at home. 

My life changed drastically

I had to temporarily suspend my regular workout routine. I have to moderate the foods rich in Vitamin K (basically veggies, aka a large portion of my daily diet). I cannot be in an airplane, and I have to visit doctors every month for the next six months, hoping to get better.

Me?! Not be in an airplane?! My boyfriend offered to drive me up to Naperville, Illinois from Miami, Florida before school started. I didn’t mind the road trip but I had to stop about every two hours to get up and walk around the car to get the blood flowing. 

What’s next?

I’m still working on my weight loss journey but taking a short break. I have reached a point in my life where I was starting to be confident and happy with my body, wearing a two-piece bikini. I have yet to feel comfortable in working out with only a sports bra and leggings, but that’s the next level! The cool socks have remained as my consistent motivation.

I always look at life with a positive outlook. No matter where life takes me, I’m grateful for those around me and the opportunities I’ve been given. I look forward to continue my weight loss journey and feeling comfortable in my own skin. 

I’m now looking for other ways to stay fit and healthy without contact related sports and lifting. If you know of anything, please let me know. 

Note from Mel: There is an affiliate link, which means I’ll get paid a small commission (at no cost to you), if you click on the link and purchase the vendor’s service. Thanks!