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Disability Awareness Week 2008
Follow Sue's Fitness Quest at TRAC
Sue Stewart-Reynolds
Fitness Quest
Hello, I’m Sue the Graduate Assistant at the Office of Disability Services at UIS. I am a 41 year old non-traditional student, a mother of three beautiful daughters and a student with disabilities. I will be participating in the commencement ceremony on May 10, 2008 in honor of my first degree, a BA in psychology from summer 2007. I am currently enrolled in the Human Services Graduate program and my concentration is children and family. Recently I have begun going to the TRAC, and I would like to share that with you but first I would like to tell you a little about myself and my health concerns.
In 1994, I was diagnosed with Lupus which is an autoimmune disorder. Portions of the adverse effects of this disorder are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic shut-down, depression and reoccurring bouts of symptoms for the rest of one’s life. Many parts of the body can be involved in the symptomatic portion of Lupus. In my case specifically my body can no longer operate without the use of synthetic hormones for my thyroid functioning. In addition, I have been diagnosed with long term depression due to chronic illness, Sjögren's Syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, fractures to my spine and I have lost my ability to have more children.
Because I have more difficulty than others when healing, I required surgery to repair the injuries to my vertebrae. In 2001, I began a series of surgeries to my spine which has left me with four spinal fusions, six 3 inch bolts, six 2 inch screws, four titanium plates, and three cages placed between the discs in my lumbar region. For quite some time after the surgeries my mobility was limited. I graduated from using a wheelchair to using a walker and then to crutches. Eventually, I got to where I could get around fairly well with the use of a cane. But during those three years I got very little exercise. In 2004 I began college and haven’t used assistive devices to walk since that time.
During my recovery I gained over 120 lbs. With my other health issues my current weight of 270 lbs. on a 5’4 frame is just not acceptable if I want to continue living. In addition, I also have to worry about how my weight affects the placement of the instrumentation in my spine. I have overcome many obstacles in my life, and this unhealthy weight is another I must conquer, but I cannot do it safely without the assistance of a trainer and dietician. Improper use of exercise equipment, lifting too much weight and sudden falls can cause the instrumentation in my spine to snap! I have arranged to work with Amanda Jillson at TRAC so I do not injure myself while working out. Many of the exercises I will be doing must be adapted to accommodate my specific needs.
Please join me in my quest for fitness. You may log into the Office of Disability Services at UIS website and follow my progress or you can find me on the bulletin boards located in the PAC by the Bursar’s office, in the tunnel outside of Brooken’s Auditorium or right outside the ODS offices in HRB 80.
Update!!! July 17, 2008
Well, no one said this was going to be easy!
My workouts have been erratic instead of scheduled; oh you know…kids, work, stress and a couple of funeralsL. I have moved up to three sessions a week for 30 minutes with my trainer and I peddle for 20 minutes on a bike after that. Soon I will be on my own without the help of my trainer and I’m thinking of finding a workout buddy.
If I could just lay off the glazed doughnuts I’d be better, and maybe the white bread too. At home we eat whole grain bread, but when I am dining out I can’t seem to pass up the warm bread or rolls and butter. I’ve cut down on my coffee intake; 4 cups less everyday. I have increased my water intake; which is great since I never was a water drinker in the first placeJ!
Because I haven’t been at TRAC regularly I haven’t lost that much weight. But I haven’t gained any at all…not one pound! I am stabilizing; I have lost 5 lbs. and not put it back on; even when I missed my workouts! One of the best things about this project is that I am more flexible, I can climb stairs without thinking I’m going to die after the fourth step, I can sit on the floor with my kids and not groan and complain when I get up and I feel better about myself for just hanging in there!
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