Nightmarish Fairy Tale: The Transformation Story of Mikaila Soto
IFBB Figure Pro and Inspiration to Many
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
~Eleanor Roosevelt~
So many times we say to ourselves, enjoy life! You never know what the next day brings. After reading this transformation story you will once again remind yourself to stop and smell the roses. Better yet, to pay attention to your body. Then after reading further, you will no doubt see, that no matter what obstacles, heartaches or tribulations you face in life as long as you have a dream and vision in your heart and the desire to never give up you can overcome anything. Let’s begin this story at the beginning, thru the eyes of Mikaila herself….
After my competition at the St. Louis Pro Figure show in March and well deserved birthday vacations to Miami and Las Vegas, I settled into my usual routine of work at my fitness studio. I figured with all the travel and celebrating of my birthday that my body was just a little run down so I didn’t pay much attention to my flu symptoms I was feeling. On the fifth of April, 2011 I was already weighing in at 128.9lbs. That day I started to feel real sick and I had to leave work after only two hours.
On April sixth, weighing 132.9 lbs, I started taking Dayquil and Nyquil. When those didn’t work I tried Thera Flu. My doctor was closed on Wednesday so I made my appointment for Thursday. I didn’t even attempt to go to work. I felt like I was drowning in water, I kept gasping for air.
On April seventh, weighing 137.8 lbs, while at my doctor’s office, I had a severe asthma attack. I was admitted quickly to the hospital. While in the hospital I was diagnosed with Status Asthmatics, I was ordered to undergo continuous breathing treatments. After my chest x-ray I was also diagnosed with pneumonia. Because of the diagnosis I was placed on the cardiac/pulmonary floor to monitor my heart and oxygen. If I can’t clear up the lung congestion doctors suggested a bronchial tube to be inserted down my throat.
On April eighth, weighing 143 lbs, I began gaining weight steadily and the breathing treatments were only working for a short time. Pneumonia hadn’t worsened, so the doctors said there was no need for the bronchial tube, yea! A small victory. By April 12th, my weight had grown to an unbelievable 171.2 lbs with a one day increase of 19.2 lbs. With this rapid increase in weight, most people would believe that it is mostly water weight due to the IV, but in this case it is not true. Because of the large amounts of steroids, cortisone and other medications a large majority was more than just water weight. Therefore, the amount of stress on the body was extremely great. Constant joint pain and stiffness made moving very difficult. The swelling of the joints made the simple act of bending my knees very painful. Also, with this stress on the body my blood pressure soared to 170 over 80 several times during the day. This was all going on while I was still trying to get my lungs and bronchial tubes to cooperate and accomplish the simple act of breathing.
By April 13th, my weight is up to 180.2 lbs. April 14th, the pain increased and the swelling was off the roof and my weight was up to 188.2 lbs. A rapid 62 lbs in a short 5 days. I could barely type or more my fingers. April 15th, I was still on the cardiac/pulmonary floor and weighing 192 lbs. As if I wasn’t taking enough medicine already, I also received shots straight into my stomach to prevent blood clots. Now on top of that I had a throat infection due to the large amount of antibiotics that I was receiving. It made it hard to talk and swallow.
April 16th, I was weighing in at 192.7. The pneumonia was proving to be very stubborn, my lower lungs were very constricted and filled with fluid. Continual cortisone was being pumped to help open the bronchial tubes. The side affect is the body producing a large amount of fluids. Usually, the body would carry the fluids to the kidneys to be removed, but in my case the body was dumping the fluids subcutaneously throughout the body. Most people think it is just water weight and can be removed easily by working out and sweating it off. The only way the body can remove the fluids is through absorption and this could take quite a while. So not only were the fluids pooling around the joints, but they were pooling all over the body’s surface. This caused serious pain, so much that it was hard to blink. Walking was difficult but I was determined to keep fighting. After 2 weeks in the hospital I was finally on my way home for a painful recovery.
I started my push towards competing again. I was still battling weakened joints and chronic fatigue but I was determined to train even harder. With my drive to get back onstage an angel knocked on my door. Species Nutrition through it’s COO Joel Goldberg, offered to sponsor me with my entire supplement needs to get back on my feet and heading in the right direction. I was confident that these products would give me the results that I desire. Upon receiving them I immediately began taking Species Isolyze, Fiberlyze, Omegalyze, Mineralyze, Lipolyze, and Somolyze. I have always liked to keep it pretty simple when it comes to supplements. The Mineralyze has helped me keep a complete balance of my vitamin needs without a chalky after taste. I couldn’t imagine not taking Omegalyze! It is the best product to acquire your Omega essential fatty acids that the body needs. The Arthrolyze for joints is a fantastic product. Due to the amount of prednisone I had to take to stay alive and breathing, one of the long term side effects of this medication is deterioration of the joints. This supplement has really helped me with my pain, swelling and joint repair. It has kept me lifting and training hard. If you don’t take a fiber product you can’t beat Fiberlyze. The taste is fantastic and it definitely does its job! Both the Lipolyze and Somolyze fat burners are fantastic! I would not be able to sleep without the Somolyze! The best product in my opinion is the Isolyze protein powder. This protein mixes so effortlessly with water. Besides the fantastic taste, it goes down smooth and is easily digested.
Besides taking care of my home and being a mother of 2, I run my own business. Soto-CPT Fitness Studio. My day starts with my 5:00 am client and I end the night at 9:00 pm. I manage to do an hour of cardio at lunch time with some training. In the evening, after work I do another hour of cardio. My cardio training consists of 3 things everyday; the spinner, plyometrics and running (when my joints cooperate). Through this whole nightmare I gained 79.4 lbs in less than 5 days. That’s right…. 5 days, due to the cortisol and heavy medication it was NOT water weight. It was pure fatty tissue. Having to go to the doctor every 4 weeks, due to my bronchial tubes only working at 65% and my heart rate increasing at times to keep me breathing, my family doctor and pulmonary specialist advised me to take it easy. With the heavy medication I'm on and the deterioration of my joints the doctors recommended that I don't load weight on my joints and limit my cardiac activity for at least 12 months. I am out to prove them wrong! With all my determination and dedication much can be done. Push for what you want and don't let anyone or anything stop you. Many people ask me about my tattoo. I explain it's not just a tattoo it’s body art that has special meaning to me. It is the symbol of tribal warrior.. after fighting for my life for 14 days in intensive care, I wear it with HONOR and PRIDE. LOVE and LIVE LIFE……
I was determined to get back on stage in hopes that my journey would encourage others to push for what they want. So far I lost 80lbs in 12 weeks and plan to stand on stage at the 2011 Phoenix Pro Show at the end of the month……See you there!
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