#26 - Adjusting to keep going
In my last post, I seem to have made some people worry a little. Quite a few people contacted me to make sure I was ok, or to make sure I would see a medical professional about what happened. So let me start this post by telling you I am under close supervision by medical professionals. From the days after my diagnosis, I wanted to do something. In my case, something, more often then not, means I go all in. That’s my neurodivergent side taking over. That also comes with the risk I go to far, I burn out and I have to live with the consequences. Knowing that, and realizing this was no small thing to do, I surrounded myself with the right people for the job. Most recently, I added a dietician to the group of professionals. I chose her, for her experience with diabetics, and her willingness to think outside of the box. I’m not seeing her to loose weight. I’m seeking her assistance to make sure I get everything I need, on my way to get healthy. That my diet provides me with everything my body requires while I keep throwing challenges at it.
Sometimes, and I was expecting this to happen, I just cross the line. I demand more of what my body can take. Today isn’t the same as yesterday or tomorrow. Circumstances differ. My energy levels may too. And all things combined, I may not notice my limits while working out, before I cross them.
More and more, after so long without decent physical exercise, I’m discovering where my limits are. The last time I did any sports, I was a young man. Now not so much any more. So I have to learn what that older body communicates, and how. Usually, that means I feel I could have done more one day, and I should have done a little less the other. But in general, I know pretty well what’s happening and why. Still, it feels really good to have people around me, even strangers online, who feel close enough to me to talk with me about any possible health issues. Thank you all for those messages. They felt as a support to me.
One of four 620 ml bottles I carry on a ride
Now the issue at hand, was actually pretty simple. I sweat. Everybody does. I just loose more salt and probably minerals then the average person. Even while drinking 1,5 L of water during Tuesdays 28 km ride, It seems I had an imbalance between the Natrium and Kalium in my body. This can be the result of dehydration, malnutrition and probably plenty of other reasons. I believe I don’t really have to look far. It was a warm day. I had quite an intense workout. I may have drank too late. maybe even too little. Combine those things with sitting in the car for two hours on my way home, airconditioning on, and you may expect a serious dip in bloodpressure, as soon as you get out of the car.
After talking with the professionals surrounding me, I believe that’s what it was. I also believe I have found solutions that are available. From now on, on hot days, I use supplements to help me maintain the Natrium - Kalium balance. After all, they provide the energy in our cells. When the imbalance is to big, you simply loose energy. In the body as a whole, and for specific functions of the body.
I also make sure I drink sooner, more often and just more.
During the ride, I never felt I was close to any trouble. And actually, it took my body two more hours to give any signals. So the lesson I take away from this experience, is one of precaution. The old saying: “Better to prevent then to repair” was very much applicable in this case. In that spirit, I’ll continue to work on my body. I’ll keep challenging it, but even more careful than before.
