In March 2018 (at the time of writing, 5 yrs ago), I slipped on a high-level wet slope. I had great pains running from my neck to my left arm into my fingers. Initially, I couldn't connect the fall with the pain but eventually, after unbearably enduring the pain, I went to the orthopaedic to check it up. I had to stop my weekly swimming and had to make regular trips weekly to do rehabs. It took me about a year and a half to recover. Having said that, I was still not brave enough to start swimming or workouts involving neck movements.
Sept 26 2022, knowing autumn is setting in, we head to the beach to catch the last season of the warm seawater. This trip to the beach is my second time this year. The first time was just before my cataract operation in August 2022.
The sea was at low tide when we arrived, I figure to get my head a good salty dip, I need to go further out in the sea. I walked further out in the sea, until my neck level and made many dips. I was distracted by the strong breeze, not conscious that my feet were not touching the sea bed anymore. It just took less than 20 mins for me to realize.
I panic and told myself to calm down and think straight. I tread in water, this is how we were taught by the instructor during swimming lessons, to tread in water if suddenly found in the deep end of the pool or sea.
I took a huge deep breath and swam about 25m away to reach the edge of the beach. While my strokes were speeding, I felt my heart beats pumping frantically. At this point in time, I was thanking myself for all the walking and workouts I did to be able for my heart to withstand the speed of swimming. I was almost breathless upon reaching shore and needed about 5mins to get my breath to normal.
So, I told myself I need to make my heart stronger as my brisk walk has been slow lately.
This autumn, I started my trip to the public pool again.
