I have been able to play a tiiiiiiny bit of volleyball!
If you know me (or have been following along with this blog), you'll know that Volleyball and Music were my first loves. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more genuine connection to an activity. When I was young, my life-long goal was to play professional volleyball - and I was offered multiple opportunities to pursue that dream, but my health complications had other plans.
As an adult I joined more than a few volleyball leagues - some recreational, some very competitive. From 2004-2012 I would play on various teams. At the height of my playing, I would be on 2 or 3 teams full-time and then subbing for up to 10 different teams - I would spend approximately 15-20 hours per week on the court.
Then, in 2012, everything changed. It's when I developed Ankylosing Spondylitis. I tried simply reducing the amount of volleyball I was playing, but it was no use. Within the first year of that diagnosis, volleyball was virtually impossible. That's when I focused more on light stretching and yoga: less impact and much slower. Over the next years I would be using a cane, then a wheelchair, on various pain medications, and severely struggling to even walk.
But then I was weaned off of pain medication and my physician sent me to get Radio-Frequency Ablation in 2020. Essentially, the nerves in my SI joints and lower spine are burned so that I can't feel as much pain. Suddenly, I found myself being able to walk a bit better. I wasn't limping from the pain because I couldn't feel it where I normally felt it! (I should mention here that the disease is still there and active, but I simply can't feel the damage). What this has allowed me to do is increase my levels of activity - slowly.
The ablation procedure was a success, so I got it redone in 2021 and 2022. During those years (before the nerves grew back), I was able to do some joint and muscle strengthening. I built up some strength, a little bit of stamina, and kept my body moving as much as possible.
Now, after a volleyball hiatus of ten years, including two years of re-building a bit of strength, I wanted to see how my body would respond to getting back out on that court. I have only substituted twice so far, and I am extremely rusty, but I was able to hold my own for the most part. I am pleased to note that all of my instincts are still there - the muscle memory is real. Everything else needs a bit of work, and after the first night I was extremely ill and in a lot of pain everywhere, but the second time I took it more easily and conserved a lot of energy for a better outcome.
At this point, it's looking like I might be able to play now and then - as long as the ablation continues to work. It may not be as competitive, and I have definitely lost a ton of strength and stamina, but I can play a little bit!!
I truly thought that part of my life was over and done with - especially the years I was having to use the wheelchair for the most basic outings. Being able to dust off my ankle braces, court shoes, and volleyball shorts is a happiness I can't really describe. I feel as though I have gotten some of my identity back! I feel a little more like myself - and damn does it feel good!
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