BJJ and pain

Last night was pretty intense - we practiced a lot of guard escapes, sweeps, and did most of this at full speed.

Several months ago, a ganglion cyst developed on my right wrist (where the radial artery lies). Sometimes, it gets aggravated and other times it basically disappears. Last night, it definitely got aggravated. Today, that whole area is stiff, sore, and the cyst itself is raised up higher than ever.

Despite this, I still love Jiu-Jitsu. I can feel my clothing fitting looser, I can see my face and body slenderizing, and my energy level has increased significantly. Most of all, my game is improving dramatically.

The only thing that is bothering me is my gas tank. I fatigue easily; too easily if you ask me. I was a very hyperactive, climbing the walls, type of kid. Now, I feel lazy. I know with time, this will improve as I have seen some improvement in my stamina (or gas tank).

As far as the aches, pains, and injuries; I'm hoping this also improves with time. I make an effort to stretch daily and to warm up before I go to class. I'm taking NSAIDs almost daily (but I don't want to kill my liver in the process). Between work and Jiu-Jitsu, it seems like I'm injuring myself often. I felt a lower back muscle pull the other day as we lifted a guy from a chair to a bed (after passing out when explaining how his wife broke her ankle, ligaments torn, surgery, etc). I guess it was too much. The sad part is, he almost did it again when the surgeon went to explain the surgery (per policy and protocol).

Anyways, the pain is here but I feel that it is a growing pain. I really love the sport and I'm in it for the long haul (as this year is paid in full).