Monday, June 23, 2014

V and Co: That one time Zumba almost killed me

current state of my sewing room= very messy (you can't see the real mess, I'm just showing you the sort of messy part


Im still in the middle of crazy over here. 
With the kids out of school for the summer, and me still in the middle of a large deadline…I find that I wanted to distract myself for a minute and talk about that one time that Zumba just about killed me. 
This is a story about the last time I EVER SET FOOT IN A GYM TO DO ZUMBA. Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to hit all CAPS...but I was yelling, so I guess CAPS were in order. As I've mentioned before on the blog I go walking most mornings (except the mornings that feel -20 or colder) I feel like it's been a good way to moderately work out.
So when a friend asked me to go to Zumba, I was like "Nah, that's okay." But then a couple of my friends were going to the same Zumba class and they were having a blast.  All talking how awesome it was and when a song would come on the radio they would all squeal and start doing some of the moves. I must admit I felt like I wanted to be part of the I'm a mom who goes to the cool Zumba class club for a second. And well, the next time they were going I asked to join in on the fun…just to prove that I don't need anything other than my walking in the mornings to keep this body in pristine…well, not in complete and utter crash and burn mode.
I went in skeptical of the hype.
The music started.
And the feet started a moving.
I.
FREAKING.
LOVED.
IT.

Oh yes I did. At the beginning I was nervous, and would shyly laugh off the fact that I didn't know all the moves that clearly the rest of the class knew due to past class experience... but I quickly caught on and then the next song came on and I learned the steps, the teacher combined all the steps, added the moves, and then we were able to add the extra turns and "hippage"and I was in HEAVEN.




Yes, the Latin in me was in full swing and I just could not be stopped. I was smoking' and I had a blast.
Quickly I was accepted into the Mother's going to Zumba Tribe and  I was part of the club of friends that would hear a song on the car radio and envision the moves that go with that said song, maybe throw in a one handed swing in the air and shoulder and upper body action, not too much that would be considered dangerous while driving, but just enough to look like you are a 38 year old mother thumping to some shakira song.  Yep, I felt super cool for like a millisecond. (not really but shut up)

I believe it was the 3rd time going to class that I walked  with a "I've got this" look in my eye…and pretty sure I owned the place.

cause lets face it...I was good, and the 65 year olds in the class just could not add the extra hippage and latin sass I had flowing through me.

I bet it was my cockiness that did me in. Whatever the case, my glory days of Zumba was about to be cut short.

That day started off just like the rest (or rather the last two times):
Wind in my hair, music pumping in the background, and the hips, shoulders, arms and feet ready to go. I warmed up  doing a little moving of the body


And away we went.
Oh Yes...
I was on fire.
I was doing extra turns and it was around the last song that it happened…at the height of my dancing at the 10 am Zumba class career, that I had to kiss my beloved class goodbye.

It wasn't apparent at first, but every time I turned there was a slight slowing down that my brain would do and it would throw me off for a second. I shook it off and I didn't let it deter me…I didn't think too much about it.  We ended the class all glistening of perspiration…that's classier and sweat in case you didn't know, and we set off to our separate ways till next time. eh, well not for me.

As I drove home I felt a little like it was too hot in the car, and I felt like I was getting car sick. Shook that off and kept thinking of the fun class…but I got home, got a hot shower, and as the day went on, I started to feel like I was on a docked boat. AND I felt like I was still car sick.
By the next morning I tried to get out of bed aaaaaaand...
On the floor I went.
WHAT IN THE? WHY IS THE ROOM SPINNING? AND WHY IS EVERYTHING MOVING IN SLOOOOOOOOWMOOOOOOOOOTION?

I tried to walk but I was pretty much dizzy and felt sick to my stomach and every time I tried to move my head. The "spinny-dizzy-foggy" feeling wasn't going away. And it wasn't getting better as the day went on.
Pretty much, I had to hold on to things as I tried to move from one place to another…otherwise:
In the next few days I had to cancel going to Zumba, and any other things I was planning on doing.  Walking and moving my head was annoying. I just wanted to sleep the sick feeling away. And driving? Forget it! I wouldn't be able to look over my shoulder or look from side to side without feeling like I was stirring my brain around. I just kept telling my friends and husband: "It's like when I turn my head everything stays put then slowly moves back into place." and the nausea…no fun. My friends snickered, but I assured them "I have a Condition." The husband just smiled and nodded, and kept trying to give helpful hints like "Vanessa, seriously, just go to the doctor if it's that bad." 

I contemplated calling the doctor, but I'm pretty sure I knew what was happening. 
I had had an ear infection a few months prior (like 5 months!) and I am not the betting type, but I bet my equilibrium off-ness was due to said fluid in ear, and all the awesomeness I did in the twirling sass department in the Zumba class had just set the already sensitive fluid in my ears on spin cycle like in the washing machine. 
So Instead of having someone who has a medical degree and who could probably give me antibiotics for what was probably still the effect of extra fluid in my ears...
I decided to suck it up, and not go to the doctor.
because most likely he'd probably look in there and be like "Nah, it ain't THAT bad." and be all "Well that sucks for you, don't do Zumba again, here's a bill for visiting me. Just see the receptionist to pay it. Thank you come again."

No, instead I looked like I was constantly trying to walk the tight rope and not fall off for about a month. As the month went on I would have more and more time between feeling sick and dizzy…randomly yelling out as I was falling "I'M GOING DOWN!" 

And well, that was it. I was never to go back to my hip swinging awesome twirling 10 am Zumba class ever again. Because even though my hips could handle it…my equilibrium couldn't. 
Sigh. Oh well, walking is still better for me, and I probably would've gotten too good and everyone else would've felt bad.  So really its a good thing I can't go anymore. 
You're welcome Zumba class.


If you are going to be in Shipshewana Quilt festival please say hello! I'll try to be somewhat normal and  act not scared out of my brains. But I can't promise anything.
We'll talk soon. :) 

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24 comments:

Three Birds Inspired said...

Thank goodness I never did a head swinging move! I love Zumba and as one of those elderly dancers, I figured out my limitations. I can still get the hip action and when I Zumba, I DO feel like I am a sexy, hot (albeit old) woman! Do a little Zumba in the family room when the kids are not around (to avoid the pointing and laughing!) Walking is great but nothing gets your heart rate zipping along like Zumba!

Cindy said...

Omg- I'm sorry but I can't help laughing at your funny videos!!:) So glad you're feeling better and nothing worse than being dizzy and sick to your stomach! Shipshewana is a great place to shop! My Mom used to live a half hour from there and was always a must when I went to visit! Lolly's Fabrics and Yoders Dept Store are both a must and if you like garlic, you have to make a stop at JoJo's Pretzels for their homemade pretzels- they have all kinds! Just delicious! Have fun at the festival!:)

PegD said...

Thank goodness I've never tried Zumba. I have had that inner ear dizzy stuff without it and I'm telling you...it was NO fun. I had to take anti-nausea medicine and it mad me so tired I slept and slept so really not sure how long I was actually dizzy. Driving was not so bad after day 3 but walking....fuh-get-abow-did. My sympathies. But I do love your sense of humor.

good4life said...

BAHAHAHA! Thanks for the morning laugh! You're hilarious... waiting now to see what you're creating in the first picture there!

Unknown said...

Hahaha!! I have only went to Zumba a couple times and the last time I went I watched a person totally wipe out and it scared me to death that I would do the same......at least that's my story. I'm sticking to walking too :)

Melody said...

I went to Zumba once...and I was so bad at it I moved to the far end of the room so I couldn't see my reflection in the mirror...and I've had inner ear issues and totally know the feeling of turning your head and everything slowly catching up with you...horrible, horrible feeling - ever since then, no more roller coasters, spinny rides or shaky home movies...

Lee Ann L. said...

That is worrisome. My mother had dizziness/vertigo and it wasn't due to fluid in ears. Crystals in her ear detached and went into the inner ear fluid. For her, it was not curable. She got dizzy and lost conscious and ended up falling fracturing a vertebrae.

Please, if this dizziness continues, get it checked out and treated. Most can be resolved/cured.

SarahZ said...

:D So funny!!! Really really sorry your head couldn't keep up with your awesomeness! Loved the "illustrations"..and the caps (I'M GOING DOWN!!!) *okay, still laughing* :D

Just Ducky said...

I had a similar experience although it was not caused by Zumba. I could not get out of bed one morning I was so dizzy. The doctor said it was this http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vertigo/basics/definition/con-20028216

and I finally found an exercise online that completely cured it.

(linesmary1@gmail.com)

Tennjenny said...

i have vertigo too, haven't been to the doctor either. Mine is okay except during the times of the year when I have major sinus problems, and then I feel like I have to hold onto the wall when I'm in the shower -- not fun!

mascanlon said...

Having suffered from awful ear problems most of my childhood when they started to come back a few years ago I was surprised by the vertigo that came with them. As a kid either it didn't happen or I was to busy running in a mad circle anyway to notice. Now I am like you...hang on as I walk the hall.

Rachel said...

I got vertigo a few months ago, and it wasn't caused by a fluid in my ears. The nurse practitioner told me it's just something that affects some people, and it can crop up again. There isn't much they can give you for it, except you might get some relief from Benadril. But I'm pregnant, so there might be other things that you can take as well for it.

Unknown said...

I developed vertigo last year after a dental visit. My doctor sent me to Physical Therapy and after 2 visits I was as good as new. It's amazing what PT can do!

Karen said...

Hilarious! Here's where you goofed--you need to join a Zumba Gold class for those--ahem--more mature dancers--even if you aren't "gold" yet. Actually, the class I go to has students from their early 40's up to the mid 70's. I've been to those spin/kick/dance till you drop Zumba classes and my knees protested mightily. Zumba Gold isn't so frenetic AND you get a terrific workout! Maybe your ears would like it better!

Sara said...

Lee Ann and Lisa are right, it's crystals in your inner ear, and there is no reason you should stop Zumba. If it happens again, and there's a chance it will whether you go to Zumba or not, you need to go to a physical therapist (you find them through ENT's) that specializes in how to place your head in positions that make the crystals go back where they are supposed to, and you won't have days or weeks waiting to feel better. Then they can teach you how to do it yourself. I know that sounds nuts but it's not crazy voodoo medicine, it's just standard treatment.

Kari V. said...

You make this seem almost hilarious. I know it is not though. I had vertigo at the end of last summer and it was horrible! Glad you don't have that anymore. The others are right that there is some crazy move to get the crystals in the right place. I didn't have a lot of luck with it, but my Dr. did tell me about it.

shelley said...

Oh Vanessa, you are too funny. But I'm with some of the other commenters. You don't have to wait it out and walk around for a month like you just got off the tilt-a-whirl! This happened to me a few years ago out of the blue. Next time (and sadly once it happens, there's usually a next time) look up the Epley Maneuver on YouTube and you'll find videos on how to get those inner ear crystals back where they belong and have instantaneous - yes instantaneous - relief. It's crazy, but true. xo

Gina S said...

OMG! I love you're stories and the pictures up put up with them! Sorry about your ears. My mom has that problem all the time. Love those pandas! Hahaha, still laughing ;)

MalinisQuilts said...

Sorry to hear about your Zumba experience. I have a similar biking experience from which I sprained by ankle and haven't done any exercise in a month now!Good that you didn't go to the doctor. I made 2 visits to my PCP and they can't figure out anything and now I have to go to the Specialist.

Despite of your sad experience with Zumba your post was pretty hilarious with all that animation. You make us laugh even when you're in pain ;). You go Gal! For walking you have a pretty amazing body!

VickiT said...

Vanessa you had me laughing hysterically when I got to those Pandas rolling over that way. Of course, what you've dealt with is not funny. If it's been awhile and you still feel that way, you might consider going to see someone and if I could recall the actual 'specialist' I had to go to for much the same thing, I'd tell you. Sadly though, I can't recall exactly what she was called.

I had vertigo for awhile and no one was finding a reason, three different doctors, including the ER which is where I started. They did a CAT scan, chest xray and tons of blood tests. Nothing. Then my GP sent me to have an MRI done. Nothing. Then she referred me to eye, ear, nose/throat doc; of course, he was an ass because I pointed to an area just below my ear and jawbone that when pushed sent me into a spin and he said that had nothing to do at all with my ear. Then I asked my GP doc again for another referral and not to that ass again. She finally sent me to this 'specialist' who diagnosed me within about two minutes. There are crystals in your ear area and they can get dried out and can also move around. When they do, this wonderful spinning started. I could not even sit up in my chair and when I layed down at night and just turned my head even an inch the entire world was spinning. I kept telling my husband it would be more fun had it been the results of some really wild partying, but those days are way behind me. LOL

This specialist had me lay on her table with my head over the edge kind of hanging down. I turned my head right and held it there for a short time, then rolled my neck again, still head down off the table, held it there, then again turned my neck/head to where I was looking off in the opposite direction as the first time and held it there. Then she had me slowly sit up and sit while she explained the condition I was experiencing a bit more. She said this one treatment could cure me, or it could return and be an ongoing problem, but I have not had that again since and it's been about 2 yrs now.
I just looked at my medical notes on my computer and found the diagnosis she finally gave me; BPPV is the abbreviation. Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic website which will explain it more. I would not be surprised with all that jiggling you did that you may have created this problem. And it took two minutes to diagnose and about five to fix it for me. Ask your GP about this and hopefully you will bypass the thousands of dollars of medical tests they did on me.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vertigo/basics/causes/con-20028216

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I don't do zumba because of my vertigo/inner ear thing (it is not that I am so totally uncoordinated it would be like a $10,000 winning video of some idiot dancing.

I do pilates but still have to hold on to the wall, ignoring the instructor's rolling eyes every class, but I will fall over if I stood on one leg. really.

KnapkeH said...

Oh Vanessa! I have the same issues with vertigo and dizziness. I cringed hearing your story because I know exactly what you are talking about. I do Zumba and Zumba Hip Hop at a fitness place all the time. You just have to limit yourself. They do turn around often in songs but I just skip that part and I do fine. I do the same moves, I just don't turn around or go in circles. It works. I see quite a few women doing the same. Maybe you could try that.

Anonymous said...

Love Love the humor - you are really funny.
Sorry about the malady. Have no good advice to offer, but it seems you have plenty.
Keep up your spirits and keep sharing.

Your fan,
Neame

Unknown said...

I had the same experience with her had zumba for one day and ended up with ambulance bill,medical expenses and lost 28hrs off work.Was diagnosed as having vertigo. I definitely agree that Zumba causes my vertigo. Never again doing #zumba :-)

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