I'd rather die than ever give up (long)(inspirational)(pics)

[MrSilverback]

Having a tough time bro's. It's a bit long but those who have taken the time to read, thank you.

When I was younger kids picked on me a lot. Wasn't always the most popular kid. Never was the type of kid who hung out at the mall, went to dances, parties, etc. I always did well in school. The bullying in grammar school and into high school was pretty bad. I remember just thinking god, I hope college isn't like this. Never been to a high school prom. Because of the bullying, I almost didn't go to college. I was 5'8" 220 lbs. of pure lard. At that point in my life, I blamed everything/everyone else for my problems. I haphazardly applied to a couple colleges. Didn't really care. Then one day, right there in the mail, there was a letter. It was a letter saying I had been accepted with a scholarship for academic excellence. So on I went to college. It was the first time I had been around girls in 5 years (went to an all male private HS). There i began to find myself. I went from being 5'10" 240 lbs. of fat, down to being 5'10" 170 lbs. of just "normal". Somehow I started become somewhat "cool".

I bought a sportbike. Loved riding it. Two weeks after my 18th birthday, I suffered my first setback. While riding through an intersection, I was struck by an elderly woman driving a massive cadillac who ran the red light. She hit me so hard my shoes flew off. My bike looked like someone set a bomb off under it. I suffered 2 broken ribs, road rash, and worst of all...a torn labrum in my shoulder. As a result, I had to undergo 2 surgeries to repair my left shoulder. Still, I pushed on. One of the most vivid memories was lying on my parents couch looking outside on a beautiful summer day thinking "Thank God I'm a live". Took time, but I rehabbed it. PT lasted for about 6 months. Pain was bad at times but I pushed through.

During college I dated my first GF. She treated me pretty bad. Still not respecting myself, I let it continue. Finally, one day, another girl came along. She seemed to appreciate me for all that I was as a person. I thought "Wow, this is better than what I have now". Ship...I jumped it. It was all good for about a week. Then she dumped me. So now I had dumped my nasty/mean ex...and the new girl dumped me. So there I was, all alone, left to pick up the pieces. This is where i turned to bodybuilding. It started in the basement gym of my apartment complex. Rather than sit and mope, I decided "Let me get in shape and show her what she's missing" I lived in the ghetto so some pretty rough characters went there. One day I ventured down and met two large gentlemen named Ryan & Quincy. Two monstrous Jamaican guys. They took me under their wing. They pushed the f**k out of me. Never let me quit. I remember one day Quincy said to me "Man you're going to be a bodybuilder one day, I can see it now".

My goal was to be 200 lbs. 200 lbs. came and went, then 210, 220, 230, 240, and finally 250. 250 lbs. in the offseason. I had gone from being 5'10" 170 lbs. up to 250 lbs. in the offseason.



Bodybuilding is where I found my drive. I finally competed as a lightheavy. 198 lbs. It was tough because to be competitive at 5'10" I needed to be in the heavyweight class. I pushed...HARD. I was consuming massive amounts of food. 12 eggs per day, over 1 lb of meat, etc. Trying to get into the 210 onstage range. Life wasn't bad. I had focus. Started dating lots of REALLY hot women. Models, athletes, etc. All I wanted to do was win a high level NPC show as a heavyweight.

But with more drive, came more set backs.

In 2008 while shoulder pressing 120's, my left shoulder had a sharp pain and went numb. Went back to the doctor. He suspected I slightly re-tore my labrum. 4 more months of rehab. Determined to not be set back, I pushed on

Later in 2008 I suffered a partial tear of a tendon in my elbow. More rehab.

Then in 2009, while deadlifting 500 lbs. for reps, I blew out my L5/S1. Pain was so bad and nerve damage so severe...I had problems with bladder control. Alone, depressed, in pain...I vowed I'd never give up. Never did. 3 months later I was back in the gym. Working out light.

Around 2010 I began to ask myself "What do I want to do with my life?" Working as a Financial Advisor wasn't for me. I wanted to feel like I was doing something with my life. At age 26 I made the choice to pursue a career in law enforcement. This came with a whole new set of tasks. Now it wasn't about being a monster. I had to be an athlete. 1.5 mile runs, push ups, sit ups, pull ups, 300m runs, etc. Bodybuilding just wouldn't work. Everyone looked at me and thought "No way this guy can do it". It was hard at first. 26 years old running for the first time in my life. I remember those long dark nights...running. Thinking how the hell I am going to do this. Slowly I began to get into the best shape of my life.



I was ready. I started testing. Slowly I made my way through tests. Life is always ready to throw you a curve...

One day while doing pull ups in the gym, i felt and heard a snap in my right shoulder (my "good shoulder"). Excruciating pain went down the back of my shoulder. I rushed to the doctor. Doctor said "You've torn your rotator cuff". So back to more PT. I pushed and trained. Determined not quit. Slowly I made my way back. Tested and tested I did. Right along side 300 applicants for 3 spots. I was determined. Everyone told me it was bound to happen for me. With that hope in mind, I pushed on. This is my passion. Something I could focus on and feel like I am doing some good for the world. Finally, things started coming together. I placed favorably on one departments list, then I tested well in others.

Then 5 weeks ago. I suffered another set back. While testing for another department, I suffered a pain inside of my hip on my left side. Right after the 1.5 mile, something didn't feel right. Adrenaline flowing, i pushed on. Sit ups, push ups, and reach test. Afterwards, the pain became bad. I couldn't so much as jog without a pulling sensation in my lower abs/hip/groin. Just finished my 4 weeks of PT. Doctor still can't figure out what the pain is from. Heading to a hernia specialist in another week and a half. Right now it doesn't look good. If it's a sports hernia i will 100% need surgery.

So here I am sitting once again with an old friend...pain. He reminds me that I'm alive. Reminds me that I don't quit and that nothing in life comes without sacrifice.

I guess I wrote this story as an inspiration to you guys and a reminder of what I have pushed through.

[Melonz]

Now this is great motivation! Thanks pal

[MrSilverback]

Now this is great motivation! Thanks pal

No prob man.

Having a crappy day today. Groin is bothering me. The agony of waiting to find out wtf is wrong with it is killing me.

Still, I rest easy on the notion that I've never given up before and won't do so now.

[Pr0nstarx]

Hang in there man. I really look up to your determination. Although I didn't have as much problems as you did, I understand what you went through. And going through.
Last year I was diagnosed with an infection in my stomach, worst pain I had ever felt. Been in the hospital for a week, luckely no surgery was needed.
Had to eat few calories a day that consisted of restricted choices. No fiber food or high fat foods. Had to eat like that for 2 months. Goodbye sweet gains.

When I finally recovered, I had a feeling nothing could ever stop me again. Well, 6 months ago I torn my ab muscles. I disregarded the pain and just didn't do any situps for a while.
Bad thing was that I kept squatting. Because of the fact that my abs couldn't hold any pressure, all pressure came on my lower back. Again an awful pain I had, barely being able to walk.
I was diagnosed with Ischias. Which is a damaged nerve in the lower back, all the way through the leg. I was out for 3 months, which caused me to gain 9kg of fat. The past 3 months I have trained with pain.
Only since last week the pain has started to disappear. I just keep my head up and keep going strong. I've lost 8 of the 9kg's of fat already. Going to cut down till 8% bodyfat now.

Obstacles don't have to stop you. You just gotta find a way to get through them.
Stay strong, was really inspirational reading your post.

[MrSilverback]

Hang in there man. I really look up to your determination. Although I didn't have as much problems as you did, I understand what you went through. And going through.
Last year I was diagnosed with an infection in my stomach, worst pain I had ever felt. Been in the hospital for a week, luckely no surgery was needed.
Had to eat few calories a day that consisted of restricted choices. No fiber food or high fat foods. Had to eat like that for 2 months. Goodbye sweet gains.

When I finally recovered, I had a feeling nothing could ever stop me again. Well, 6 months ago I torn my ab muscles. I disregarded the pain and just didn't do any situps for a while.
Bad thing was that I kept squatting. Because of the fact that my abs couldn't hold any pressure, all pressure came on my lower back. Again an awful pain I had, barely being able to walk.
I was diagnosed with Ischias. Which is a damaged nerve in the lower back, all the way through the leg. I was out for 3 months, which caused me to gain 9kg of fat. The past 3 months I have trained with pain.
Only since last week the pain has started to disappear. I just keep my head up and keep going strong. I've lost 8 of the 9kg's of fat already. Going to cut down till 8% bodyfat now.

Obstacles don't have to stop you. You just gotta find a way to get through them.
Stay strong, was really inspirational reading your post.

My chiro/ART guy said it best:

"I don't regret my injuries. They made me who I am today."

Glad to hear you're feeling better man. Makes me feel like there's hope.

[Rhylin15]

Man I feel like a wuss after reading everything you've gone through man! The pain I have is just started happening and I think its tennis elbow! Although I do have the condition called Spondyliothesis in my L-5 S-1 as well so I feel you on the sharp pain in the lower back that shoots down your legs. I got this shot from a Radiologist where he used some kind of injection (and a horse needle) to punch thorough my spine and cartilage to get to the nerve sack and it hurt literally for about a tenth of a second, and then instant pain free feeling! Doctors said I will have this condition for the rest of my life. When I got that injection they said it would last about six months if I was lucky...IT’S BEEN SIX YEARS! Don’t get me wrong, I know I have back problems so I’m babying the dead lifts (185lbs) so far, but I’m really hoping I don’t ever go through that pain again! Thanks for the inspiration to keep on working! REPPED!

[outofmyhead]

Can only wish to look as good as you do, one day

[Tomster18]

Very good read. Truly inspirational, great motivation.

Good job sir.

[1234rewq]

Having a tough time bro's. It's a bit long but those who have taken the time to read, thank you.

When I was younger kids picked on me a lot. Wasn't always the most popular kid. Never was the type of kid who hung out at the mall, went to dances, parties, etc. I always did well in school. The bullying in grammar school and into high school was pretty bad. I remember just thinking god, I hope college isn't like this. Never been to a high school prom. Because of the bullying, I almost didn't go to college. I was 5'8" 220 lbs. of pure lard. At that point in my life, I blamed everything/everyone else for my problems. I haphazardly applied to a couple colleges. Didn't really care. Then one day, right there in the mail, there was a letter. It was a letter saying I had been accepted with a scholarship for academic excellence. So on I went to college. It was the first time I had been around girls in 5 years (went to an all male private HS). There i began to find myself. I went from being 5'10" 240 lbs. of fat, down to being 5'10" 170 lbs. of just "normal". Somehow I started become somewhat "cool".

I bought a sportbike. Loved riding it. Two weeks after my 18th birthday, I suffered my first setback. While riding through an intersection, I was struck by an elderly woman driving a massive cadillac who ran the red light. She hit me so hard my shoes flew off. My bike looked like someone set a bomb off under it. I suffered 2 broken ribs, road rash, and worst of all...a torn labrum in my shoulder. As a result, I had to undergo 2 surgeries to repair my left shoulder. Still, I pushed on. One of the most vivid memories was lying on my parents couch looking outside on a beautiful summer day thinking "Thank God I'm a live". Took time, but I rehabbed it. PT lasted for about 6 months. Pain was bad at times but I pushed through.

During college I dated my first GF. She treated me pretty bad. Still not respecting myself, I let it continue. Finally, one day, another girl came along. She seemed to appreciate me for all that I was as a person. I thought "Wow, this is better than what I have now". Ship...I jumped it. It was all good for about a week. Then she dumped me. So now I had dumped my nasty/mean ex...and the new girl dumped me. So there I was, all alone, left to pick up the pieces. This is where i turned to bodybuilding. It started in the basement gym of my apartment complex. Rather than sit and mope, I decided "Let me get in shape and show her what she's missing" I lived in the ghetto so some pretty rough characters went there. One day I ventured down and met two large gentlemen named Ryan & Quincy. Two monstrous Jamaican guys. They took me under their wing. They pushed the f**k out of me. Never let me quit. I remember one day Quincy said to me "Man you're going to be a bodybuilder one day, I can see it now".

My goal was to be 200 lbs. 200 lbs. came and went, then 210, 220, 230, 240, and finally 250. 250 lbs. in the offseason. I had gone from being 5'10" 170 lbs. up to 250 lbs. in the offseason.



Bodybuilding is where I found my drive. I finally competed as a lightheavy. 198 lbs. It was tough because to be competitive at 5'10" I needed to be in the heavyweight class. I pushed...HARD. I was consuming massive amounts of food. 12 eggs per day, over 1 lb of meat, etc. Trying to get into the 210 onstage range. Life wasn't bad. I had focus. Started dating lots of REALLY hot women. Models, athletes, etc. All I wanted to do was win a high level NPC show as a heavyweight.

But with more drive, came more set backs.

In 2008 while shoulder pressing 120's, my left shoulder had a sharp pain and went numb. Went back to the doctor. He suspected I slightly re-tore my labrum. 4 more months of rehab. Determined to not be set back, I pushed on

Later in 2008 I suffered a partial tear of a tendon in my elbow. More rehab.

Then in 2009, while deadlifting 500 lbs. for reps, I blew out my L5/S1. Pain was so bad and nerve damage so severe...I had problems with bladder control. Alone, depressed, in pain...I vowed I'd never give up. Never did. 3 months later I was back in the gym. Working out light.

Around 2010 I began to ask myself "What do I want to do with my life?" Working as a Financial Advisor wasn't for me. I wanted to feel like I was doing something with my life. At age 26 I made the choice to pursue a career in law enforcement. This came with a whole new set of tasks. Now it wasn't about being a monster. I had to be an athlete. 1.5 mile runs, push ups, sit ups, pull ups, 300m runs, etc. Bodybuilding just wouldn't work. Everyone looked at me and thought "No way this guy can do it". It was hard at first. 26 years old running for the first time in my life. I remember those long dark nights...running. Thinking how the hell I am going to do this. Slowly I began to get into the best shape of my life.



I was ready. I started testing. Slowly I made my way through tests. Life is always ready to throw you a curve...

One day while doing pull ups in the gym, i felt and heard a snap in my right shoulder (my "good shoulder"). Excruciating pain went down the back of my shoulder. I rushed to the doctor. Doctor said "You've torn your rotator cuff". So back to more PT. I pushed and trained. Determined not quit. Slowly I made my way back. Tested and tested I did. Right along side 300 applicants for 3 spots. I was determined. Everyone told me it was bound to happen for me. With that hope in mind, I pushed on. This is my passion. Something I could focus on and feel like I am doing some good for the world. Finally, things started coming together. I placed favorably on one departments list, then I tested well in others.

Then 5 weeks ago. I suffered another set back. While testing for another department, I suffered a pain inside of my hip on my left side. Right after the 1.5 mile, something didn't feel right. Adrenaline flowing, i pushed on. Sit ups, push ups, and reach test. Afterwards, the pain became bad. I couldn't so much as jog without a pulling sensation in my lower abs/hip/groin. Just finished my 4 weeks of PT. Doctor still can't figure out what the pain is from. Heading to a hernia specialist in another week and a half. Right now it doesn't look good. If it's a sports hernia i will 100% need surgery.

So here I am sitting once again with an old friend...pain. He reminds me that I'm alive. Reminds me that I don't quit and that nothing in life comes without sacrifice.

I guess I wrote this story as an inspiration to you guys and a reminder of what I have pushed through.

in 40 words or less, your story is so motivating it really picks me up. Your before and after phsyique change? Good lord, your current physique is IDEAL. absolutely, IDEAL.

Check this video out, INCREDIBLY motivating and inspiring. The two quotes at the end get me everytime I watch it. You'll know what quotes they are, they talk about pain, and not only physical, but all kinds. One day at a time my man, one day at a time.

http://www.simplyshredded.com/bodybu...y-results.html

[daycrawlerz]

nice job.

[Farmzey]

thats inspiring man the scar really must motivate you. Just when I thought going for a 5k run was hard...

[gnimelf]

did you have friends throughout this? when you say alone do you just mean no GF or no friends?

I'm kind of in the same boat atm, had a pretty tough school life but not to bad. As soon as school ended slowly drifted apart from my friends. In my second year of university atm and literally all I have is my girlfriend, she doesn't treat me bad I just wonder what my life would be like if I lost her, then I would be completely and utterly alone

so yeah I guess i'm just asking if you did do it all alone with not only no gf but no friends how did you manage that? how did you acquire new gf's as well if you had no friends because that's a turn off for a lot of girls

[ElZombie]

Great read. You really pushed forward & still do. I was seriously feeling down, I'm trying to lose weight. Lost a little more than 20 pounds in less than a month. But recently it started to really slow down barely a pound, kind of felt like giving up. But you didn't let life put you down no matter what it threw at you. Great motivation I'm going to keep moving forward & push my self harder. Thanks man I know you'll succeed you've overcome so much, hopefully I can as well.

[MrSilverback]

Man I feel like a wuss after reading everything you've gone through man! The pain I have is just started happening and I think its tennis elbow! Although I do have the condition called Spondyliothesis in my L-5 S-1 as well so I feel you on the sharp pain in the lower back that shoots down your legs. I got this shot from a Radiologist where he used some kind of injection (and a horse needle) to punch thorough my spine and cartilage to get to the nerve sack and it hurt literally for about a tenth of a second, and then instant pain free feeling! Doctors said I will have this condition for the rest of my life. When I got that injection they said it would last about six months if I was lucky...IT’S BEEN SIX YEARS! Don’t get me wrong, I know I have back problems so I’m babying the dead lifts (185lbs) so far, but I’m really hoping I don’t ever go through that pain again! Thanks for the inspiration to keep on working! REPPED!

No I feel like a wuss after reading your issue. That's serious. Take care of yourself man. Work hard and you'll succeed.

in 40 words or less, your story is so motivating it really picks me up. Your before and after phsyique change? Good lord, your current physique is IDEAL. absolutely, IDEAL.

Check this video out, INCREDIBLY motivating and inspiring. The two quotes at the end get me everytime I watch it. You'll know what quotes they are, they talk about pain, and not only physical, but all kinds. One day at a time my man, one day at a time.

http://www.simplyshredded.com/bodybu...y-results.html

Thank you for that. Will definitely watch.

thats inspiring man the scar really must motivate you. Just when I thought going for a 5k run was hard...

Its funny but I've kinda forgotten about the scar. It's always in the back of my mind that it's my "bad shoulder" though.

did you have friends throughout this? when you say alone do you just mean no GF or no friends?

I'm kind of in the same boat atm, had a pretty tough school life but not to bad. As soon as school ended slowly drifted apart from my friends. In my second year of university atm and literally all I have is my girlfriend, she doesn't treat me bad I just wonder what my life would be like if I lost her, then I would be completely and utterly alone

so yeah I guess i'm just asking if you did do it all alone with not only no gf but no friends how did you manage that? how did you acquire new gf's as well if you had no friends because that's a turn off for a lot of girls

Actually, I had friends. I was in a fraternity back then. Problem was: I jumped ship from my gf in one sorority, to a girl in another. HUGE mistake. I didn't go to a big school. Greek life was the only thing to do. By doing that I essentially sh*t the bed with 2 sororities.

Great read. You really pushed forward & still do. I was seriously feeling down, I'm trying to lose weight. Lost a little more than 20 pounds in less than a month. But recently it started to really slow down barely a pound, kind of felt like giving up. But you didn't let life put you down no matter what it threw at you. Great motivation I'm going to keep moving forward & push my self harder. Thanks man I know you'll succeed you've overcome so much, hopefully I can as well.

You've plateau'd. You now need to re-group. Take a 1-2 day break. Eat a crappy meal or two. Then come back with more cardio and stricter diet. The weight will come off.

[TrojanJKS]

I'm seriously motivated ! thanks alot .

[ElZombie]

You've plateau'd. You now need to re-group. Take a 1-2 day break. Eat a crappy meal or two. Then come back with more cardio and stricter diet. The weight will come off.

Thanks for the advice. You think a burrito or a Burger is too bad of a cheat meal been craving forever. I'm gonna take a two day break & go hard from there. Up my cardio by 20 more mins & more intensity. Thanks again will report back with results.

[GetFitForever]

Good story. Thanks man! and good luck! Never Quit!

[Weslovescats]

You sir are a man of more character, perseverance, motivation, and deserving of life than most people out there. One day you will be rewarded my friend. Until then at least you look amazing.

[Taurus78]

I feel the same way you did. Although my physique is not desirable I have made great strides in changing that. Lost close to 60 lbs since May of last year. Last November I had some pain in my hip/leg. Took it easier working out it went away. January came pain got worse. Couldn't walk. Went to Drs and after a bunch of tests,X-rays, n a MRI found out I have a vascular necrosis in my hip. Looking at a hip replacent one day. But not today. Been going to physical therapy/ water therapy and still lifting heavy on my upper body. Lost another 15 lbs. being there in crutches watching my 2 year old daughter run around wanting me to join her when I can't was all the motivation I ever needed. Your story is great and I know you will get through this. Great job man!

[dutchsauce10]

great job bud, very motivational

[LouPnY]

Having a tough time bro's. It's a bit long but those who have taken the time to read, thank you.

When I was younger kids picked on me a lot. Wasn't always the most popular kid. Never was the type of kid who hung out at the mall, went to dances, parties, etc. I always did well in school. The bullying in grammar school and into high school was pretty bad. I remember just thinking god, I hope college isn't like this. Never been to a high school prom. Because of the bullying, I almost didn't go to college. I was 5'8" 220 lbs. of pure lard. At that point in my life, I blamed everything/everyone else for my problems. I haphazardly applied to a couple colleges. Didn't really care. Then one day, right there in the mail, there was a letter. It was a letter saying I had been accepted with a scholarship for academic excellence. So on I went to college. It was the first time I had been around girls in 5 years (went to an all male private HS). There i began to find myself. I went from being 5'10" 240 lbs. of fat, down to being 5'10" 170 lbs. of just "normal". Somehow I started become somewhat "cool".

I bought a sportbike. Loved riding it. Two weeks after my 18th birthday, I suffered my first setback. While riding through an intersection, I was struck by an elderly woman driving a massive cadillac who ran the red light. She hit me so hard my shoes flew off. My bike looked like someone set a bomb off under it. I suffered 2 broken ribs, road rash, and worst of all...a torn labrum in my shoulder. As a result, I had to undergo 2 surgeries to repair my left shoulder. Still, I pushed on. One of the most vivid memories was lying on my parents couch looking outside on a beautiful summer day thinking "Thank God I'm a live". Took time, but I rehabbed it. PT lasted for about 6 months. Pain was bad at times but I pushed through.

During college I dated my first GF. She treated me pretty bad. Still not respecting myself, I let it continue. Finally, one day, another girl came along. She seemed to appreciate me for all that I was as a person. I thought "Wow, this is better than what I have now". Ship...I jumped it. It was all good for about a week. Then she dumped me. So now I had dumped my nasty/mean ex...and the new girl dumped me. So there I was, all alone, left to pick up the pieces. This is where i turned to bodybuilding. It started in the basement gym of my apartment complex. Rather than sit and mope, I decided "Let me get in shape and show her what she's missing" I lived in the ghetto so some pretty rough characters went there. One day I ventured down and met two large gentlemen named Ryan & Quincy. Two monstrous Jamaican guys. They took me under their wing. They pushed the f**k out of me. Never let me quit. I remember one day Quincy said to me "Man you're going to be a bodybuilder one day, I can see it now".

My goal was to be 200 lbs. 200 lbs. came and went, then 210, 220, 230, 240, and finally 250. 250 lbs. in the offseason. I had gone from being 5'10" 170 lbs. up to 250 lbs. in the offseason.

Bodybuilding is where I found my drive. I finally competed as a lightheavy. 198 lbs. It was tough because to be competitive at 5'10" I needed to be in the heavyweight class. I pushed...HARD. I was consuming massive amounts of food. 12 eggs per day, over 1 lb of meat, etc. Trying to get into the 210 onstage range. Life wasn't bad. I had focus. Started dating lots of REALLY hot women. Models, athletes, etc. All I wanted to do was win a high level NPC show as a heavyweight.

But with more drive, came more set backs.

In 2008 while shoulder pressing 120's, my left shoulder had a sharp pain and went numb. Went back to the doctor. He suspected I slightly re-tore my labrum. 4 more months of rehab. Determined to not be set back, I pushed on

Later in 2008 I suffered a partial tear of a tendon in my elbow. More rehab.

Then in 2009, while deadlifting 500 lbs. for reps, I blew out my L5/S1. Pain was so bad and nerve damage so severe...I had problems with bladder control. Alone, depressed, in pain...I vowed I'd never give up. Never did. 3 months later I was back in the gym. Working out light.

Around 2010 I began to ask myself "What do I want to do with my life?" Working as a Financial Advisor wasn't for me. I wanted to feel like I was doing something with my life. At age 26 I made the choice to pursue a career in law enforcement. This came with a whole new set of tasks. Now it wasn't about being a monster. I had to be an athlete. 1.5 mile runs, push ups, sit ups, pull ups, 300m runs, etc. Bodybuilding just wouldn't work. Everyone looked at me and thought "No way this guy can do it". It was hard at first. 26 years old running for the first time in my life. I remember those long dark nights...running. Thinking how the hell I am going to do this. Slowly I began to get into the best shape of my life.

I was ready. I started testing. Slowly I made my way through tests. Life is always ready to throw you a curve...

One day while doing pull ups in the gym, i felt and heard a snap in my right shoulder (my "good shoulder"). Excruciating pain went down the back of my shoulder. I rushed to the doctor. Doctor said "You've torn your rotator cuff". So back to more PT. I pushed and trained. Determined not quit. Slowly I made my way back. Tested and tested I did. Right along side 300 applicants for 3 spots. I was determined. Everyone told me it was bound to happen for me. With that hope in mind, I pushed on. This is my passion. Something I could focus on and feel like I am doing some good for the world. Finally, things started coming together. I placed favorably on one departments list, then I tested well in others.

Then 5 weeks ago. I suffered another set back. While testing for another department, I suffered a pain inside of my hip on my left side. Right after the 1.5 mile, something didn't feel right. Adrenaline flowing, i pushed on. Sit ups, push ups, and reach test. Afterwards, the pain became bad. I couldn't so much as jog without a pulling sensation in my lower abs/hip/groin. Just finished my 4 weeks of PT. Doctor still can't figure out what the pain is from. Heading to a hernia specialist in another week and a half. Right now it doesn't look good. If it's a sports hernia i will 100% need surgery.

So here I am sitting once again with an old friend...pain. He reminds me that I'm alive. Reminds me that I don't quit and that nothing in life comes without sacrifice.

I guess I wrote this story as an inspiration to you guys and a reminder of what I have pushed through.

Bro - I just want to say you look fantastic and your story is certainly an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great work brother

[batop]

Awesome OP, I've lost some motivation as of late but that story definitely pumped me up!

[Cheezo]

When going through hell keep going. Strong mentality bro, keep going. And thanks for inspiration

[MrSilverback]

Well some bad news guys. Went to a new doc yesterday. I was tired of regular docs not being able to tell me whats wrong. Looks like i have signs of a sports hernia. It's a tear in the rectus abdominus where it attaches. Not a true "hernia" where your intestines pop through but rather, a muscle tear. I was prescribed an MRI and waiting on the authorization.

The bad bad news. The tear may have been the result of a dysplastic hip on that side.

The bad bad bad news. If it is a sports hernia; there are only 3 doctors in the world who do the surgery, none of them accept insurance, and it's not covered by any medical insurance.

[AreaCode201]

Bumping a quality thread and great motivation story.

[MrSilverback]

Bumping a quality thread and great motivation story.

Thanks bro. Reps.

(EDIT: Damn, on spread. Repping peeps in this thread)

Unfortunately, this story may not have a happy ending.

Hoping to have my MRI approved by Friday. The doctors treating me are head surgeons/physicians for an NFL team. Thankfully, i am in good hands.

[valarlight]

As someone else who has gone through many setbacks, relationship problems and intense bullying, I can see this story staying with me for life! Many thanks for sharing!

[AirForceV]

Thanks bro. Reps.

(EDIT: Damn, on spread. Repping peeps in this thread)

Unfortunately, this story may not have a happy ending.

Hoping to have my MRI approved by Friday. The doctors treating me are head surgeons/physicians for an NFL team. Thankfully, i am in good hands.

Best of luck

[nicholkid]

I'm just gonna say off the bat, you are an unlucky dude...or maybe I am just lucky...?

The only injury I have ever had is badly strained/sprained(?) hip flexor. It did suck at the time cause it happened right at the start of track season. But that is it, no broken bones or anything.

Inspiring story though man, great physique too.

[ptotheb]

And here I was contemplating suicide because of a rotator cuff tear (slightly srs).

Thanks for that brah, really needed it.