I apologize for being way behind on my log again.
I have been competitively powerlifting for over 20 years. Within that time I have competed raw, single ply and multi ply. I hold the highest all time total of 1930 at 148, the third highest total of 2045 at 165 and have broken over 35 world records, over 25 of which I still hold. Through the years in this sport I have learned a great deal from various training methods, met and formed long lasting friends, as well as learned the importance of balancing life, work, and training.
Elitefts accepted me as a team member over ten years ago and I am currently the longest standing still competing powerlifter on the site. I appreciate Dave Tate and Elitefts for giving me the opportunity to learn from and teach others through the Q&A and my training log.
In 2005 I opened Orlando Barbell – a 24 hour powerlifting friendly gym. As well as running Orlando Barbell I designed and sell the Home GHR and Doorway Home Gym, wrote the 12 Weeks to a Bigger Bench EBook, and produced the 12Weeks to a Bigger Bench DVD.
My latest contribution was writing the M2 Method EBook, designed to be the quintessential Raw Powerlifting training manual for beginners to advanced lifters looking to get stronger and prevent injury while incorporating the powerlifts.
A couple laps around the building for a warm up
Prehab
PVC rolled on:
Lower back, shifted to right and left
Upper back, shifted to right and left scapula w/hips up
Armpits
Hamstrings
Glutes
Adductors
Swiss Bar 3 Board-
95x5
135x5
185x5
205x5
Standing Rope Cable Curls-
45x12
60x10
75x8
Lying Rope Cable Tricep Pressdowns-
45x12
60x10x2
Cybex Curls-
70x12
80x12
Cybex Tricep Extensions-
80x12
90x12
I had my first drug infusion of Entyvio (a biologic recommended for patients who have failed with other meds) last Friday morning. I'll give some quick background info. If you haven’t already read it here on my training log, I was diagnosed with UC about three years ago. I failed with numerous other meds. Asacol and Imuran both gave me horrible stomach cramps, I failed in a clinical trial with another biologic (my liver enzymes became too elevated), then failed with Humira (it made me anemic and actually gave me drug induced lupus). I'm on Lialda and have now been on Prednisone once again for months (which makes me feel horrible and more prone to muscle tears) while in-between meds and my symptoms are all returning. Although digestive issues are usually the biggest issue for UC sufferers, the biggest issue for me has become severe joint swelling and pain. This whole diagnosis has completely changed my life and has basically put what I would consider my normal life on hold.
I'm not sure how my life got to this point, but I'm damn sure going to do everything that I can to get back as close to "normal" as I can. This has gone on for too long. I’ve also started a very restrictive diet and supplement plan through the advice of a functional doctor. Between all of this something has to work.
I’m not looking for sympathy and realize things could always be much much worse, but I feel that I have no choice but to share what I’m dealing with since it obviously has had a very negative effect on my training. I also hope that I may be able to help other going through similar situations as well as to learn from the experience of others.
Thanks for reading.
The M2 Equipped Training Ebook
The M2 Method Raw Training Ebook
The Affordable and Effective Floor Based Home GHR
Buy your own Doorway Home Gym and never miss out on your accessory work again
Thanks for sharing your journey. I was recently
(4 months ago) diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis and I am still trying to figure out how to fit powerlifting back into my life. I look forward to future articles and any gems that might help me out as well. Stay strong, and thank you!
Matt- Rather than just treating symptoms like our western medicine does, a functional doctor uses a form of alternative medicine opting to get to the source of the issue by modifying diet, incorporating supplementation, and trying to get you off the meds. They're usually chiropractors who have done additional research to incorporate functional medicine. I'm working with Dr. Rofrano in Palm Beach who has put me on a restrictive diet to help heal my gut. At this point I'm improving, so it definitely seems to be working.
That's great to hear Daniel! Thank you for your feedback. That's great that you've found a combo that works for you. So far the Entyvio seems to be working so I'm hoping that between it, and the diet modifications, I'll be back to close to normal soon.