Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums
Getbig Bodybuilding Boards => Positive Bodybuilding Discussion & Talk => Topic started by: GreenRhino on February 04, 2014, 11:44:42 AM
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Hi guys, Great to be on here. New to the board, but far from a noob. Thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 39, and I've been passionate about bodybuilding since 1988. My teen heroes were Haney, Strydom, DeMay etc. I used to be on this board a long time ago-met Big Ron personally back in 2005 etc.
18 months ago, my wife diagnosed with uncommon, super-aggressive cancer, which quickly developed into late stage. Her naturally low immune system combined with a brutal lengthy regimen of Chemo & Radiation sent her to hell: 76 hospital/ER stays & 4 surgeries, Concurrent to this, a lot of other horrendous life experiences took place, she lost her career, 3 businesses we ran closed down, we were robbed, multiple serious property insurance claims, defrauded, inability to receive medical leave/sick pay, over $500K in bills for Cancer treatment... & the list could go on for several more lines. For two pretty laid back ppl, it felt like the universe was seriously aligned against us.
As sole caregiver, and wage earner, my stress levels shot to another dimension. (gee, you think?) I got really sick myself. Cortisol levels went haywire & I dealt with 2 bouts of Pneumonia, stomach ulcers, daily nausea, getting flu 3-4 times a month, severe tendonitis, inability to heal etc while dealing with all the above. A few months ago after my wife completed Cancer treatments, we could start focusing on my health.
Went to Dr, did labs. Came back pretty bad. Cortisol levels were 350% higher than her typical patients. Immune system destroyed. She said I had the immune system of an advancing HIV patient. Was informed my T-levels should have been around 350-400, mine was at 85. for someone that carried decent size & strength, I was a shell, out of shape, overweight, stressed & depressed. She prescribed a TRT regimen & said get back into your 1st love, working out. So... here I am on GB!
Looking forward to being an active participant here. My wife & I have worked out regularly, but with our serious health scares, we decided to set ourselves a goal that when we turn 40 this summer we would be in the best shape of our lives... & celebrate by returning back to the Mr Olympia this September looking like we belong there! Getting involved here on GB is a way to re-immerse myself in the community & keep motivated. Cheers
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Clearly both you and your wife have been through hell and back. I admire your positive attitude for the future. Without a doubt, you both will be at the Mr. Olympia looking like you fit right in.
I have some understanding about the stresses of dealing with a loved ones poor health. A few weeks ago, I took my wife up to the ER. It turned out she suffered acute kidney failure. She was in the hospital for 10 days and is currently at a skilled nursing facility where she has been for the last week and a half. I take her to dialysis three days a week and visit her every day. Fortunately, my health is fine. I even made time to hit the gym today for about an hour. It's not much, but it is better than not working out at all.
BTW, welcome to Getbig.
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Thanks Primemuscle. I feel for you. Seeing your significant other in seriously ill health is almost surreal, so, thoughts are with you too. It's good to be on here, looking forward to increasing levels of motivation!
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Thanks Primemuscle. I feel for you. Seeing your significant other in seriously ill health is almost surreal, so, thoughts are with you too. It's good to be on here, looking forward to increasing levels of motivation!
Check out this thread. There is lots of good training advice here. http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=447319.0 (http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=447319.0)