I have been planning to do a knee update for quite some time now because a lot has transpired since I quit my first round of physical therapy. However, the task of getting all my thoughts together in a cohesive post overwhelms me because I feel like I have so much to say! This Thinking Out Loud link up with Amanda @ Running with Spoons will allow me to give you the highlights without going into boring details. Because really, who cares about my stupid knee other than me!!?? (And maybe my Mom. HI MOM!!!)
So I give you...
KNEE EDITION.
1. For those of you that don't know the back story, I have had knee pain on and off since July. Within the past 3 months it has gotten worse. It only hurts after a run. For other activities it is fine.
2. I had several doctors and physical therapists diagnose me with 5 completely different things that could be causing my knee to be inflamed. (Because that's what the MRI showed. Simply, "knee effusion".)
3. Finally, my chiropractor referred me to a physical therapist who specializes in gait analysis. This therapist is no joke. He hooked me up to a computer and watched me run, analyzed my gait, gave me every single test under the sun and came up with this:
- - My right leg is longer than my left leg by 1/4 of an inch. (Not uncommon, he doesn't think it is causing me to run weird.)
- - When I run, my left knee barely comes in toward my body (like it is supposed to) but shoots out pretty far (which it's definitely not supposed to). I've run on a treadmill in front of a mirror and I totally saw it happening. It's weird.
- I also have a tendon or other form of tissue that is rubbing against some odd bone that is laid down in my knee. My PT said, "No one's going to take that out." Gulp.
4. My PT thinks he can fix my problem and make it go away forever. He is teaching me how to walk again. Literally. I have been practicing walking. I. will. do. anything. to. get. better. I go twice a week for a month. I don't know if that means I'll be "fixed" by then or what!?
5. I haven't been able to run as much as I've wanted to for months now. (I would prefer 20-30 miles a week.) I really look forward to the day where I can run comfortably again. THIS DAY WILL COME!
6. I am not ruling out Boston. Heck, it's 4 months away. A lot can happen in 4 months! But I am also not letting myself believe that I will run it, because if I can't, I don't want to be disappointed. This is what I say to myself:
- - You've run it before. Some people never get to run it. Be happy you ran it once.
- - You will qualify again. It's not like this is your last chance to ever run Boston again.
- - Your problems really aren't that big. Boo hoo, your knee hurts. Check out this amazing woman.
7. Sometimes when I leave PT, I am very hopeful. Last night was not one of those nights. I am down in the dumps. I'm allowed to be though, right?
Other Thinking Out Loud posts...
Please tell me something HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!! I'm sick of worrying about my knee.
Aw, I hope your knee feels better soon! That must have been so frustrating, not being able to figure out what was wrong with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, girl. :)
DeleteEep! I hope my comment didn't just go into spam! =X
ReplyDeleteGah! I think it did… so I'll try to remember some of what I said.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs to you! I can't even imagine how frustrating it must be to have to deal with -that- many diagnoses. It's one thing to be working towards fixing something when you know what's wrong, but a whole other thing when you're trying to figure out what to do when you have no idea what's going on. Hopefully your PT can help out Fingers crossed <3
Thank you, Amanda! You're so right... not knowing what it is = not knowing exactly what to do! :(
DeleteI sympathize with you! I am just starting to have knee pain and it is debilitating! I'm getting scared cus I have the 3 Disney races next month and then a Huge race in the Spring! I hope you are all "fixed" soon and running like normal!
ReplyDeleteThanks girl! We can support each other, okay?? I know you have the same huge race I have.... WE CAN DO THIS!!!
DeleteI know I've mentioned this before but I know what you are going through as I have issues with my shoulder which keep me from doing certain things. It's hard when you want that answer to "fix it" and the only real answer is time, working it out properly, and patience. I'll keep sending good thoughts to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tonya :)
DeleteI am definitely sending you healing thoughts! I can't even imagine how frustrating that must be! I'm glad you are getting help from someone who sounds like they know what they are doing, though!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful I found the guy I did. Thanks, Rachel. :)
DeleteI'm sending you good vibes through the computer! I know you must be so annoyed and frustrated...I really hope you get answers and PT starts paying off soon!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ali!
DeleteYou are so right that a lot can happen in four months. I love your positive attitude! I hope that your PT starts showing some results and that you're able to run again soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a little happy joke:
Did you hear about the cat who swallowed a ball of wool? She had mittens :)
Hahaha! You knew I would love a cat joke. :) I have a kitty on my lap right now. He smells I little like poo...
DeleteSpeedy recovery vibes are coming your way! ;) Happy things: hmmm, I am currently watching "Superbad" and it's making me laugh out loud for the zillionth time. Watch it if you need a giggle. :D
ReplyDeleteOhmygosh I remember that movie. It was hilarious :)
DeleteYou are totally allowed to be bummed. BUT try to think happy thoughts: kitties, Basset hounds, Boston or bust! I have a funny feeling you're gonna be there again this year. :-)
ReplyDeleteKitties and Basset hounds make me smile!
Delete