I served briefly in the Navy.  While I was in the Navy I was diagnosed with a DVT and Pulmonary Embolism. The damage to my leg was bad enough that I could not remain in the Navy.  A few years after my military service I found out I was pregnant and was diagnosed with Lupus and Kidney disease which is the reason for my blood clots. Since serving in the Navy I have been married to a wonderful man and have a fabulous 21 year old daughter.  About five years ago I had a kidney transplant.  It was a difficult recovery because of some complications.  I also hurt my back.  At this point in my life I was inactive because of pain and a sedentary lifestyle.

 

I finally reached a point where I couldn’t deal with pain anymore.  I hate pain pills and chose not to go down that path.  My husband and I decided to purchase a swim spa so I would be able to exercise in water.  At that point my doctor referred me to Rec Therapy to start to get active.  This was a life changer for me I lost over 25 pounds and started to be active.  At a cross country ski trip Sandy Thomas told me about TRR and told me to check it out.  I was scared to death to be in a kayak even though I was a good swimmer at this point.  I decided to try it out and loved it.  

I was definitely afraid of whitewater kayaking and never thought I would do it .  After doing a couple pool sessions and pond sessions.  I felt a little better but still nervous about being on a river.  Sandy Thomas and I were chosen to go on a leadership kayaking trip on the San Juan River and had a great time.  

 

Through TRR I have been able to overcome my fears and built confidence in myself. I also found that even though I might live with constant pain if I’m on the river and nervous about going through rapids I am not thinking about my pain.