@John Thanks mate, that's a really good analogy and helps put things into perspective.
I'm actually quite functional these days. I can walk without any issues, I'm back working and managing everyday life, even though I still experience symptoms and waves along the way.
What I find so confusing and frustrating is why my nervous system has suddenly become so sensitive to exercise, particularly when I was tolerating weight training reasonably well before this latest setback.
I've been trying to establish my baseline this week. I started with 2 sets of 12 bodyweight glute bridges and 2 sets of 15 crunches. No issues.
After a day's rest, I did 2 sets each of bicep curls and tricep extensions, 10 reps per set. Again, no problems. Everything was kept light and well short of failure.
Two days later, still feeling good, I tried 3 sets of dumbbell bench presses at home using just 15 kg dumbbells for 10 reps. I experienced some activation afterwards, but it settled.
After another day's rest, I did 2 sets of 10 single-arm bent-over dumbbell rows, followed by 2 sets of bicep curls. Again, light weights, controlled movements and nowhere near failure. Unfortunately, I've experienced increased activation and symptoms over the following two days, although they've been fluctuating and settling at times.
I guess I'm still trying to find that sweet spot where I can exercise without repeatedly aggravating my symptoms.
It's particularly frustrating because I'm deliberately keeping everything light and manageable, yet my response seems so unpredictable. I was previously tolerating considerably more, which makes this sudden change difficult to understand.
I think you're right that I need to focus more on establishing a stable baseline rather than trying to rebuild my training too quickly. It's just difficult when lifting has been such a huge part of my life.
Thanks again for taking the time to explain your approach, mate. I really appreciate it. 🙏
Sertraline for 2 years, successfully tapered off. 8 months later 1 week of Pristiq, stopped due to bad side effects.
Quetiapine low dose 1 week.
Suspected kindling injury.
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