This is my AS story--Very long, but I think it's worth it.

[heavy only]

I worked out religiously from the age 18 to 24. I got married at 24 and the workouts slowed then stopped. I tried off and on for the next 10 or so years but it was never the same. About 2 years ago I suffered a back injury from lifting a Harley engine. Guess my mind was still in shape or something. I ended up with a ruptured disk and it suked. I found myself on a beer and buffalo wing diet, the beer for pain and the wings....cause they go with beer. I was in terrible pain 24/7, nothing helped. It was really messing with my mind too.


On Nov. 20 of last year I was back in the emergency room from another flare up. At that time I was told by my regular doc. that it was time for the surgery. I got a second from the hospitals doc. as well. Call me chicken, but the thought back surgery just scares the hell out of me. That night I sat with my new pile of meds, totally depressed. I didn't know what to do, I knew the pain had to stop or I would just loose it all together. Now, this is gona sound stupid but, that night I dreamed of the good ole days in the gym. All the weights I used to lift, the feeling I would get after heavy squats or military presses. Man, to go back in time....

The next day I was at the docs office setting up a time for surgery and I was talking about my dream. He said "never again big boy". Now, I just hate a challenge, don't you? I asked if working out would help in the situation I was in and was told that I was insane for even thinking it. All it would do is destroy the vertebrae around the bad disk. Acting macho (but actually scared shitless of the operation) I said "Fuck it, I'm going to give it a shot anyway, can't get much worse". I postponed the operation.

On Dec. 1 I started my first day at the gym. I was 6'1" and 180lbs of buffalo wing eatin fury I'll tell you. I was way outa shape. I did suffer for a while, but my depression seemed to fade every time I worked out. Within a few weeks I was feeling like a new man, I was cutting the pain meds way back. After two months I had stopped all meds and was actually feeling like I was getting better. My attitude was WAY better.

By the time Feb came around I was on top of the world. Never being one to do things half way I was into a full BB routine again. That's when I started using gear. I had some experience but was never able to get information like I can today via the net. I started reading about it probably in Dec. , just wishful thinking then cause I figured I'd crash and burn like the doc said. Since Feb. I have done four cycles, mostly combos of test/eq/dbol/deca.

I now weigh 225lbs. Man, I look great compared to last year. I have had zero back pain for months. My squats are at 310 for reps, I can do deads, bent rows, whatever I want. I can do 110lb dumbbells for reps on the incline bench and bench 265 for reps. Depression is a thing of the past, I'm ready to take over the world again.

I owe it to;

1. The Lord of course, for making me so hard headed and persistent.

2. These boards, for helping me make informed decisions concerning AS.

3. My wife, for putting up with me and appreciating what I'm doing.

4. My local gym rats, for helping me push myself all the way.

Sorry if I bored anyone with this. I guess I'm just proud of where I am today

 

[Nimrod25]

Now thats determination. Way to go bro.

 

[Lift or Die]

Good story bro. I can relate to what you went through being there myself at more than once in my life.

It all depends on how bad you want it. Mind over matter.

 

[Zyglamail]

On Dec. 1 I started my first day at the gym. I was 6'1" and 180lbs of buffalo wing eatin fury I'll tell you. I was way outa shape. I did suffer for a while, but my depression seemed to fade every time I worked out. Within a few weeks I was feeling like a new man, I was cutting the pain meds way back. After two months I had stopped all meds and was actually feeling like I was getting better. My attitude was WAY better.

Great post! Im glad you worked your way through it. Exercise is a number one cure for depression.

Like you, I have had my probs, being diagnosed with rhuemetoid arthritis at 16 months old, the docs said I would never walk. It was bad in my left knee and right elbow as well as my eyes. I have had catarac surgery on both eyes by the time I was 22 and had 2 trebeculectomies since then for preasure control. Well, you just can tell a child that they cant be a kid and as all kids do I didnt listen to the docs. I remember hopping around the house on one leg every morning at the age of 6 cause I could not straighten my left leg or right arm. It often took hours of painfull work before I regained mobility for the day, but it was short lived, since the next morning I would have to do it all over again.

By the time I was 10 much of the stiffness was gone and I was a pretty normal child but lacking the years of physical activity that my peers had I was never the first one picked for sports.

Now days my life is pretty normal but I have bad vision, I squat 400lbs for 3 sets of 8-10 and the doctors now know better than to tell me what I cant do.

 

[lifter64]

WOW! You guys are the kinda inspiration I've been looking for. My dad killed himself when I was 18, a few years after I found myself severely depressed. I'd come home from work & drink heavy all night (alone in front of the t.v.). On a mission to slowly try & kill myself. I was sure that suicide was the answer. After therapy & anti-depressants I made a gradual turn around. Now I'm back to training & feel pretty damn good. 2 weeks ago I had an MRI & found out that I have arthritis in my right shoulder. That was a kick in the pants. I'm really bummed 'cause lifting is a bitch, it's really hard to train with an F'd up shoulder. I thought I was all alone in having problems (why me, whaa ) but reading what you guys are saying puts shit in perspective. I could have it so much worse. This board has been an absolute asset to my life. Even though I don't post alot (I suck at writing), and communicate with you guys/girls I still can't help but feel like part of a family with you. A special group of Elite.
Thanks to all of you that have these great stories and to those that want to or have worked their asses off to better their lives.
saint808
Jen, BFL chick
Ninja X's friend
-Just a few ( of my fav's) that I could think of right now.

Thanks el_cubano for being a cool ass mofo.

 

[Bulldog_10]

Awesome story bro! Good read! Just be careful!

 

[Zyglamail]

Lifter, dont let the arthritis get ya down. Im currently trying to get some PENTOSAN (PEN-toe-san) POLYSULFATE(pol-i-SUL-fate) SODIUM (SOE-dee-um) which goes by the name elmiron for human use. Its used a lot in animals for oesteoarthritis but in humans its mostly used for interstitial cystitis. I have tendonitis in my elbows which is starting to piss me off and I have heard it working wonders for both arthritis and tendonitis. If I can get my hands on some I will post results to the board. It may be worth asking your doc about.

 

[big4rt]

My story is very similar. I'll let you know sometime about it.

 

[lifter64]

I'll check into that. I'm just working around the pain now. Not lifting as heavy as normal, but I really enjoy weight training so it's hard to not lift.
Thanks again Zyg.

 

[PLMUSCLE]

INSPIRING!!!

You guys have good stories. Very inspiring. I too was sedatary and being just plain lazy for about 8 years also. I finally got my butt back into the gym and now I feel great about myself. I have the feeling like I used to have of doing something for myself. I missed this feeling, It's a brotherhood like it's called. Stay Up My Brother's and Sister's. PL