Dangers of Self-Diagnosis

The pain began in my lower shin and worked its way down into my ankle. It started as a simple annoyance but got worse and worse. Then the hiking in Utah and followed by the 10 mile run on Slickrock in Moab, it was really hurting, and I knew I needed a doctor's opinion. According to all the literature, my symptoms were classic: stress fracture of the lower tibia caused by increasing mileage and intensity too quickly. I became more certain over time, and the two doctors I saw agreed.

You see, I was training to do the inaugural Rock and Roll Marathon in Seattle with my two best running buddies - Gail Kouame and Joey Nicholson. I was behind on mileage, and since I was feeling good, I made the mistake of jumping up my mileage far too fast. Injured! I backed way off, but even on short runs it was hurting on impact with every step. I was at the finish line when Joey and Gail came across, but damnit! It would have been so great to have run across with them.

The initial x-rays didn't show anything, but then they usually don't. An MRI or bone scan is needed for a definitive diagnosis. The doctor recommended 6-8 weeks off. I took 8 full weeks without running, cycling and hiking instead. I started running again in late July, and eventually worked up to 5 miles without pain. Okay! I was good to go! But about two weeks later, the pain came back about 2 miles into an easy run. Talk about being bummed out.

I made an appointment with a new doc, and went through the entire process - x-rays, MRI, and guess what? NO stress fracture. One part of my self-diagnosis was correct - overuse due to increasing mileage and intensity too fast. The really bad part of the stress-fracture theory was that I could have treated the problem differently, and not missed out on several months of running. I had read that some research contraindicates icing and anti-inflammatories for treating stress fractures, so I avoided these treatments all together. Total rest is typically prescribed for 6-8 weeks. In retrospect, a few weeks of rest, ice and ibuprofen probably would have done the trick.

Today, I made the decision to register for the LA Marathon, which will be held in March 2010. I will have to train at a much slower pace and with more cross training than ever before. So, I'm not expecting any personal record this time. But I have to tell you, I feel today like I'm walking on air! The thought of being able to get out and RUN, no matter how slowly, has never before been so significant.

Juggling

Life is busy these days. But then, when is it ever "not busy"? Right now I am taking a minute to reflect on work-life balance. In both arenas, there are many things I must do, and many things I want to do.

I'm excited about a few work-related things :
13 Things class
Starting work on major consumer health project with the California State Library
Formulating outline for presentation at a meeting in January

At home, we're planning new paint colors in two bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen, plus carpet in bedrooms and new kitchen floor
Getting ready for trips to Montana over Thanksgiving and Boston in April
Planning things to do for visits by friends in November and December
Starting to run again, slowly. Not sure if I'll be able to train for the LA Marathon though. Maybe next year.
Trying to get enough sleep. Important for physical health and a positive attitude!