Migraine

I used to be an excellent unicyclist.

I used to do conventions, parties, etc... but my skills are RUSTY.

Yesterday, I took my unicycle out for a ride. I had done so about 5 months ago, while still on muscle relaxers, and fallen quite badly, so I was mildly apprehensive about yesterday. Well, I rode for a while.

Then, I pushed my luck and started trying some of the tricks that I could do easily- starting easy, going to harder ones as my confidence built. It was really amazing how much the body rembembered- even though it was tough to make it remember it. (if that makes sense.) Like once I got it once, it was mine again- instead of when you're first learning, the first time you get it right- you can't say you know it, but you can say you did it... 'cause 9 times out of 10, you wouldn't be able to reproduce your results while learning the trick.

But, no, I got things back- got to the point where I was feeling SO happy, and I had an audience. (If I had a hat, I could have made money!) About 10 minutes later, I didn't "fall" per se, as with a unicycle, if you have muscle control, you don't really fall like you would if you were riding a two-wheeler and the bike went over with you on it... You just step off.

Well, as I was stepping off, I forgot that my neck was a problem, and remembered years of work to just let my body react- less likely to get hurt, and muscles will just go to their limits and spring back. (anyone see a problem here)

My neck did so. Back and forwards. I didn't yelp, as there were kids around- and I didn't want to scare them. However, I did stiffen up, and back down from what I had been trying. I did some basic moves to close the "show" and then went home to nurse my neck.

Tried ice- hurt like anything, and made it stiff. So, I said "okay, heat." and it was like "AHHHHHH"

This afternoon I had some energy. I looked at the unicycle, and said that I wasn't going to be scared to ride it just because of yesterday. I took a soft cervical collar out with me and rode. What I didn't realize is how much I sweat while riding, and my neck can't be blocked by a thick foam pad- or else I get overheated FAST. Especially in 90+ degree heat!

So, I did one lap around my apt. complex. Not what I had intended. But, still... I'm feeling great! Riding was easier than yesterday- I could feel the muscle structure remembering posture and making the ride more fun and easier.

Now. I need for it to be fall. Or have another alternative to the soft c-collar. I could use the hard collar, but then I'd have bad peripheral vision. And that's bad when you're crossing streets. Or trying to turn curves- you need to visualize where you're going- or you just may not make it.

So. My options as far as I can see 'em right now...


• Ride w/o a collar at all- just take the chance.
  
• Ride w/o a collar when just using it for transportation (no tricks/showing off/practicing)
  
• Find a different collar
  
• Alter a hard collar- I have 2- so it doesn't block my vision
  
• Wait until fall to ride
  

Any thoughts? Suggestions? It's really great exercise, I love the adrenaline, and feast on the ability to make kids all excited when they see a "Mommy that bike has only one wheel" go by. Oh... AND IT DOESN'T hurt my head- unlike other cardio things (weird though that is!)

But, I'm proud of myself for not getting spooked by yesterday's fall. I'm glad I went back out- I feel less brainfoggy too... Nifty!

Wow, I don't really have any great advice for you, but I just wanted to praise you for being able to work a unicycle! That is just awesome.
And good for you for not letting your health issues get in the way of something you enjoy. I say just keep at it!

I do sort of understand, as I just got back into running today, after taking several months off due to all these med side effects. I'll probably suffer from an extra severe migraine for a few days because of it, but I'm sooo determined to get "myself" back!!

Take care

Well first off all Jamie: Hats Off to You

I have never tried unicycling (though I bike like crazy) so I can't give you an educated advice. But maybe just try to unicycle around without any tricks for a while, to get the exercise out of it, and then, after a while, try to incorporate some of the easy ones (low risk of neck troubles). After some time you will see.

Most important of all: don;t stop and have fun

Thanks for the advice, y'all.

I think that's JUST what I'm going to do, Neu(t)rino. I'm still a little afraid of my neck... even riding. But,I don't think I really can't be if I want to ride. I should be working on just getting the exercise. I'm just a big dork... and I want it ALL back. But I need to remember what I've learned with migraines- take it one step at a time.

Oh, and I can't ride a bike to save my life. I fall everywhere. It's embarassing.

Jamie, that's awesome that you're back on the cycle! I know exactly what you mean about wanting it all back at once. I felt the same way at the gym the other day. It just takes a long time, I think. The head sets the pace. Or in your case, the neck, I suppose. I would vote for just riding to feel good, get used to it, get exercise. The rest will probably come. At least that's what I'm hoping

Jamie!

Robin