Janette's story:

It has been a phenomenal six months since I walked into the studio and met Brian! I arrived discouraged, in horrible back pain and desperately wanting yoga to be the answer to all of my problems.

My back pain began two years ago when I was diagnosed with one herniated disk and one degenerated disk in my lower back. I was told that I would need surgery to alleviate the herniation and also, I would need a space to replace the degenerated disk. I was scared and devastated to think that at the age of 37 I would have to undergo an invasive and serious surgery. I would be in recovery for about 3 months!! I was an avid runner, cycler and gym rat so the thought of not being able to do anything that I enjoyed was very hard for me to accept. I was against the surgery so my doctor advised me to begin physical therapy and gave me a prescription for Vicodin and Flexiril. After 6 months my back was hurting me worse then ever and I was taking the pain pills daily to help me get through days at work and the most basic activities. The long walks and hikes I once enjoyed with my dog were not existent. I hired a dog walker and could only take her to the park 5 minutes away for little breaks on the weekend. I was miserable!!

After a year in misery I went for a second opinion. The second doctor told me that I REALLY needed the surgery but that if I did not want to go that route he would suggest getting cortisone shots every 3 months to help with the pain. I then started getting cortisone shots every 3 months for $150 a pop. Since I had lots of cortisone and prescription drugs in my body I felt lethargic, depressed and thought that I would live the rest of my life in pain. Within the first year I put on 20 pounds because the physical therapy and little walking that I was doing did not do much to burn any calories. Also, my diet quickly went from a healthy one to a diet filled with comfort foods like donuts, burgers and ice cream. Eating was my little piece of heaven!

In January of this year a friend suggested I try yoga. I was not very excited at the prospect. I thought it would be useless but I was in need of a breakthrough so I chose a studio that was closest to me – right across the street. I was in need of a breakthrough but I was lazy…lol! Thank goodness the studio across the street was Yogic Motion! I emailed Brian two days before I walked in with about 20 questions. He was patient and answered all of my questions honestly and told me he could accommodate my injuries and would modify poses for me. I came in and I was shocked at the heat in the studio. The first month was brutal but promising. All of the poses were modified for me and the first 3 months the bar and wall were my best friends in class. The classes were difficult but I could see my progress week to week. I was inspired because I had never worked so hard for anything in my life. Something in me just kept pushing through those first few months and I felt better – both psychologically and physically. I could think clearer in the morning and my body wasn’t craving all the sugar that I had been in need of for months.

So, here we are six months later and I am so glad I decided to make a crucial change in my life by attending yoga 3-4 times a week. Yoga has lead to a life changing experience for me. I no longer take Vicodin or Flexiril and I have not had a shot of cortisone since May 1st. Also, I have met amazing friends and people in class that give me that extra push I need. My yoga buddies have become close friends and I can’t imagine not going to yoga class. I love it! I have lost 10 pounds and sleep better then I ever have in my life. I now have a full and wonderful life – I swim, hike, take my dog on long walks and spend as much time outside as possible. I am no longer depressed or in pain! I have my poses to look forward to and as you can see from my picture I have come a long way. Thank you, Brian, for all of your support and help!