From Diagnosis to Domination with Teresa Espindola

From Diagnosis to Domination: Teresa Espindola's Journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Powerlifting. Join us on this inspiring episode as we sit down with Teresa Espindola, a remarkable 49-year-old mother of four who defied the odds and transformed her life through powerlifting. From nearly being in a wheelchair to holding national and world powerlifting records, Teresa's journey is a testament to the incredible power of determination and resilience.Teresa Espindola is a 49-year-old mother of 4 who went from nearly being in a wheelchair to holding National and world powerlifting records. Teresa was a pretty healthy young lady who married at 19. At 29, she had her first child, then had 3 more every couple of years. She was pregnant or nursing a baby for 8 years straight, all while her body was failing her because she had a genetic condition, she knew nothing about. Every time she was pregnant, she was having muscle spasms in her back that got worse and worse with each pregnancy. Teresa had herniated a disc and torn a muscle, she could not hold her body upright. As she sat in the doctors office in the most extreme pain of her life, the doctor gave her an ultimatum. He said “I am not sure exactly why your spine is compressing, but you need to lose weight and become an athlete or you will be in a wheelchair within 7 years”. Her good friend dragged her kicking and screaming to a weight loss group where they learned a low glycemic diet. There was a contest for the most weight loss. Teresa is competitive, so she followed the rules exactly! Over time, she lost 50 pounds. She won the contest! Teresa’s oldest daughter had many health problems and with her research over five years and a great genetic doctor they finally figured out what was wrong with all of them. They have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Their ligaments are too stretchy. Teresa and three of her four kids have it…and it can be debilitating. About eight years ago she started lifting weights. Her best friend became her workout partner and trainer and they never looked back. Now she can bench 205, deadlift 405, and can squat 295. Teresa no longer has as much daily pain. She competes two to three times a year and has a new outlook on life. Teresa holds national and state records and even a world record. Power-lifting saved her. Teresa hopes to share her life, lifting, diet, and anything else that can possibly help others decide to make a change to a healthier life, regardless of their circumstances!We discussed:8:37 The moment she realized that powerlifting could be a game-changer for her and her family's health and mental health.21:20 How she navigated the challenges of her health problems and her children’s health problems and ultimately discovered the connection between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, diet, and muscle-building exercise.54:27 Her experiences competing in powerlifting events. How it impacted her mindset and overall outlook on life.1:10:07 Advice for individuals who may be facing health challenges or obstacles but are unsure about pursuing strength training or powerlifting.1:18:37 How powerlifting positively impacted her mental and emotional well-being.1:25:04 Upcoming competition, personal struggles.Episode Resources:Teresa:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresalifts Website: https://teresalifts.com Gallery: New Mexico 32 North Art Gallery! 211 N Texas St. Suite C in Silver City, New MexicoBooks:Hypermobility Syndrome: https://amzn.to/3vSutIR Geneticist who diagnosed us is Dr. Tom Cushing of UNM. Doctors she loves:Dr. Komadina https://www.healthhorizonsusa.com/ Danielle McCarthy PA at Academy Orthopedicshttps://www.academyortho.com/ Leann Herron – Finding Resilience with Leann :Finding Resilience with Leannhttps://www.youtube.com/@findingresiliencewithleann website: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com/