Not the answer I hoped for

Yesterday's visit to the sport med doc didn't go as I had hoped. I heard the words that norunner ever want to hear "I think it's a stress fracture".

The leg pain was getting better but still there as a dull ache so I was hoping for a simple calf strain and continue running answer, this was not what I got. On exam he was able to find a few painful spots but nothing that was too terrible, but he also saw the weakness in my left leg which was a concern. When he asked me to hop on my left leg things were done, it hurt, I  was weak and couldn't do it :-( Crap! I hadn't even realized this, guess I was compensating pretty well. He is optimistic that it is my left leg for the first time and not my right like with my previous 3 (yes, 3) stress fractures and posterior tibial tendinitis.

Since it has been going on for over a month he got an x-ray which as hoped was negative. So the good news is it is not a full out fracture or well healing stress fracture. The next step was an MRI, I spent my Friday night with the MRI table and some 90s music. Now I spend the weekend analyzing the images and wishing orthopedics/radiology was more my speciality. Give me a spine or brain any day! To my minimally trained eye the bone looks fine, but I do see some enhancing indication edema on the tissue. Guess I'll know for sure how accurate I am in a few days.


Bone looks fine, right? I really need some radiologist friends!
Not too happy with the white areas around the bone, yuck!


Until we know the answer I can't run, with just over 3 weeks until Boston this is tough to hear. The doctor is optimistic that with rest and good cross training I will still get to the start (and finish) of the race. Plenty of spin classes, elliptical and pool running in my near future, ugh! Any other good cross training suggestions?

Fingers crossed for a good answer this week and the okay to run soon.

Comments

  1. PiccolaPineConeMarch 24, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    ok. don't panic. the hard work is done. you are tapering now anyway. i wouldn't even worry about cross training too much. get the quality sessions in. do one more long cross training session but basically the hay is already in the barn. there is not much you can do to affect race day fitness at this point anyway. i was in the same situation for my second marathon ever (well different injury) but still no running in the final three weeks. i only ran about 3 minutes slower than i was training for and the recovery was a bit harder than it would have been but otherwise, no problems finishing. i think you'll still get your boston!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 25, 2012 at 5:02 AM

      Thanks PPC, it's always good to hear it from someone who has been there. My doctor pretty much said the same thing, but it is always tough mentally knowing you couldn't finish the training how you wanted.

      Delete
  2. Laura BollMarch 25, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    Oh, no! Definitely not the answer you wanted to hear, huh?! I'm glad you got all your long runs in and are entering the taper phase, and that's definitely encouraging that your dr still thinks you can run Boston. Hoping for speedy healing for you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 25, 2012 at 8:00 PM

      Thanks, the leg is actually feelng good today so I am hopeful too.

      Delete
  3. On the Right TrackMarch 25, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    OMG...totally sucks! Bad news is so hard to hear, take and adjust to...I have been out for 9 months now...i totally get it!
    Swimming has been a GREAT option for me...I think if you stay off it as far as the pounding...you will still get your Boston...but be careful along the way!
    i will be thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 25, 2012 at 8:02 PM

      Thanks, ugh 9 months that is tough! I got back in the pool yesterday, I think the only time I swim is when I am injured.

      Delete
  4. KathyMarch 25, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Ugh! so sorry to hear this! Yes, at least you are in taper mode, so your training is there and solid. I hope you get the answers you want. You will run Boston - you will do great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rachelle QMarch 25, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    Hoping for good news:) Cross training sounds good!

    ReplyDelete

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