March 3rd.  I'm starting to get freaked out.  Maybe I should just stop being an ultra runner.  That might be easier.  Take up cycling more.

I've gone through that same feeling every time I'm injured. It makes you wonder if its worth the pain, but than I bounce back and know that running is my passion and it makes me happy. Of course, I'm taking a liking to the pool, but its not the same as being outside. I'm glad you are enjoying the cycling at least. I do know that with every injury that I've had, I've reassessed the need for cross-training and things I can do to be healthier. So its not always a bad thing. 

Surgery isn't too bad. I've had my back operated on and came back after only 8 months post-surgery. So many examples of those success stories. Look at Baboon and another friend of mine who had a similar surgery that you are having is running her first marathon next week.

Glad you got the all clear, red!   When's your first run gonna be?  :P

Mandy - I would imagine it's fairly normal to get freaked out about a major surgery!  You'll be on the road to recovery before you know it.

Today was my 8 week post surgery visit, I literally walked into the office without any limp or pain.  Quick 10 min check, doc looked at my hamstring and said it looks great, just do not rush back into things like "running" yet.  She is a good surgeon, and I shall heed her words.  Problem is the recovery protocol does not have jogging till 16 weeks which is end of Feb.  I feel like I can run now.  Alas, I shall wait.

Its a pain to now have to watch my weight again.  I lost 2 pounds while on crutches, them things require some horsepower.  No more 'Whopper Wednesdays' till I can get back on the road.  One thing the doc said was that my quicker than normal recovery was greatly aided by being thin.  The less weight on ones frame, the less stress to the affected muscles, plus it is easier to get around, thereby gaining some range of motion.

LRB - man you are a virtual Wikipedia of running injuries and symptoms.  Seems like you have had just about everything.  Quit your day job and open up "Ricks Urgent Care - Where Rehab is a Lifestyle"

Mandy you are so correct on how the nerves regenerate. Still have quite a bit of numbness remaining, but every once and a while I get that pin prick and laugh and think of you.  I guess that means my arse and you must have a virtual connection...hmmm.

To all the others give up running and take up yoga, good for the soul and body, lol.

redrum, that's amazing news! Congratulations and happy (careful) running!

 

I requested an appointment today at the best sports medicine clinic in the Twin Cities. That'll get me going. My knee and shin are slowly getting better. I need to foam roll some more to get my calves to loosen up, but just rest is helping. I'm considering trying a run this weekend.

Indeed!  I can't even begin to say how "miraculous" it seems to me cuz I was 110% certain I was bound for an OR.

And, Mandy ---- if you think YOU were freaking out, you should have seen me as I was sitting in the waiting room, after the chick had loaded my MRI images on the computer and I was just sitting there listening to the hum of CFL light bulbs awaiting the doc's verdict.  You think you've seen a grown man look like a little girl??  I made little girls look like Chris Helmsley in Thor compared to my disposition yesterday between about 3pm and 3:15pm.

You women are SOLDIERS compared to what I was/would have been/am and always will be.

Mandy you are so correct on how the nerves regenerate. Still have quite a bit of numbness remaining, but every once and a while I get that pin prick and laugh and think of you.  I guess that means my arse and you must have a virtual connection...hmmm.

 

  I have experienced it before, so I know exactly what you're talking about.  (Maybe not the virtual ass connection...that's a new one for me!)  It really sounds like your healing is progressing well, and I agree about being conservative regarding returning to running.  Better to wait a little too long than start too early.

Redrum, waiting for my first MRI results I was a total disaster.  I thought I was going to puke and think I sweated through 3 layers of clothes.  Second MRI was a breeze, since I pretty much knew what it was going to say.

 

You should probably bake *me* cookies this time. 

 

Thanks, LRB!  I am sure I will get only increasingly more anxious/annoying as the date approaches.

Perhaps.  I actually have some dough in the fridge right now.  

Hooray for sleep and a working cortisone shot, Hilary!

I managed to nab an appointment for next Wednesday with a sports medicine doc who specializes in women's biomechanics and runners. Woohoo! My boss is being outwardly pretty supportive, but I imagine she's not terribly pleased with all this coming in to work late because of doctors appointments business. Oh well...