Reva's Story

Several months ago Reva walked into my office with low back pain and knee pain. When I walked into the exam room and started to sit down, Reva said "Dr.Smith I have three things I want to say before we start. My low back hurts and my knee hurts, they are injured. It is not because of my weight, YES, I need to lose weight, but I am hurt. Do not tell me I am not hurt and that my weight is the cause of all my problems." After listening to Reva for several minutes we began the exam. We figured out what was wrong with her, discussed the treatment plan and agreed that we would add the recumbent bike into her rehab. I distinctly remember Reva's response to riding the bike. Dr.Smith I don't think I will ever enjoy riding the bike or exercise, but if I have to then I will if it helps me feel better.

Fast forward 4 weeks into her treatment Reva had gone from barely being able to ride 1/2 mile to riding 12 plus miles everyday. Her spirit and attitude had changed. We watched Reva go from doubting herself to walking in each visit with a huge smile on her face and eagerness to jump on the bike. The pain subsided, her function increased and Reva asked when we were going to go for a real bike ride on the WO&D trail. I told Reva that when she was able to ride 20 miles on the recumbent bike we would do 5 miles on the WO&D trail. We agree upon a day and a distance, then waited for the day to come.

The day is upon us. I arrive at our schedule meeting point to find Reva patiently waiting. As I get closer to Reva I notice the tears and fear in her face. She stands, wipes her eyes and says she isn't sure that she can do this today. The nervousness and fear is almost over-whelming for Reva. We chat for a minute, discuss what she should expect on the trail then head to our destination. Two minutes into the ride I look over to my right and see Reva with this huge SMILE. As we approach our turn around point, Reva looks past it and wants to continue forward. We continue on our path and at the 3.66 mile point we stop, chat, then turn around to head back to our starting point. All along the way Reva is peppering me with questions about the best way for her to continue this new found excitement.

Half-a-mile to go and we hear "POP", I look over and see Reva's rear-tire has blown. We stop, assess the situation and Reva starts to push her bike back to her car. Today I had the pleasure of watching Reva go from no desire and little expectation to exercise, to ride 7.0 miles on her first outing, blow a tire and just jump down off her bike and begin to push. Not once did I hear her complain or get frustrated about the tire, she continued the ride pushing her bike, smiling and talking about getting to the bike shop to get the tire fixed. The achievement isn't just in the distance that Reva covered, but in rising to the challenge, and rising with an amazing "Can-Do-Attitude". I encourage those that are finding it hard to get started on their journey of health, to look to Reva. Use her as your inspiration, then once you have put the first foot forward...enjoy the journey.

Congratulations Reva!

Your friend in Health and Fitness,

Dr. Jonathan Smith