I start yoga next week.

[MerryBlooms]

It's a class that specializes in physical trauma patients. So it's limited, therefore, my doc gave his OK. It should be perfect for me. I'm really excited! My gosh, what a great week this has been!!

[bettyellen]

1. Get yourself a set of blocks and a cushion- so you can practice a bit at home.

They help ease you into certain positions. Enjoy!

[MerryBlooms]

3. Noted. Thanks for the tip!

[bettyellen]

17. You're welcome.

[Phoenix61]

2. That sounds great!

Yoga is wonderful when you have a good instructor and it sounds like you will.

[MerryBlooms]

6. My doc checked into the instructor and gave her two thumbs up.

[Lars39]

4. Hatha?

I participated in a Hatha yoga study that was one on one. Wonderful learning experience. The instructor had me do certain exercises until I was strong enough to do the corresponding asanas.

[MerryBlooms]

7. I have no idea, this will be a totally new experience for me.

I will update next week.

[Lars39]

9. Hope you have fun! If it's Hatha you'll be hearing a lot about breathing.

I'd love to hear how your class goes. I just ordered an extra thick yoga mat to continue my routine at home.

[MerryBlooms]

12. I do a lot of breathing exercises to control pain and for relaxation,

so Hatha would totally be in my wheelhouse. I will update how it goes. I'm very optimistic for the first time in a very long time. It's so nice to finally have professionals in my corner that actually specialize in my particular issues. It's been years of docs not knowing how or willing to really help me. I have grown weary of the solution to my problems must be to throw more pain meds at it.

[Lars39]

13. Sounds like a good program.

I hope it works out well for you.
The instructor I had also teaches a class for cancer survivors and also has trauma patients referred to her by doctors. The benefits of yoga are really being studied and accepted now.

[MerryBlooms]

14. Yes, yoga is encouraged and my insurance is covering the class.

[Coventina]

15. That's wonderful!

[Lars39]

16. That's great! :-)

[Coventina]

5. A yoga strap is also a great prop to have as well.

Congrats on beginning your practice!

I've been doing yoga for years now and it's helped me tremendously.
(severe arthritis)

[MerryBlooms]

8. I think it's the perfect venue to help control my pain level.

I was severely injured in a car accident in 2006. I have plates and rods in my spine and am fused from my L2 into my pelvis. I healed poorly from all the surgeries and now am dealing with scoliosis too. I'm a full 3 inches shorter than before the accident. I had bone grafts taken from my left hip, and there's a lot of pain there as well.

[Coventina]

10. So sorry to hear that.

So glad you survived and are with us, though.

Yoga isn't a miracle cure, but it will help.
Listen to your body, and if anything causes pain, back out of it.

Discomfort is OK, and part of the process, but if a pose causes pain, it's not for you (at least at that time).

My situation is not nearly as serious as yours, but my problems are also in my back and hips.

Your teacher will be able to show you how to modify poses as your particular needs require.

Please keep us updated on how you are doing!!

[MerryBlooms]

11. I have confidence in the teacher since I fit their specialty.

I had no idea there were yoga classes out there for people like me... I walk with a cane full time these days and man, it would be so great if this works out and I could lose the cane.

My best to you, and I will definitely update - the good and bad.

[Lucinda]

18. I'm hoping to do the same in the future...have a couple of surgeries ahead to get through first!

I hope it is a wonderful experience for you!

[MerryBlooms]

19. Wishing you all the best.