Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Where'd Doug go?

Who the heck is this guy? Where'd he go? Does anybody ever check this anymore? What's he doing posting on his blog? How dare he.

Well, I'll tell you where I went. A few months ago I told myself I wasn't going to post about anything pessimistic. Maybe I'm breaking that rule now, but a few people caught me on Facebook so I thought I'd let you all know how I'm doing. Here goes.

Around the 4th of July, my knee had a pretty huge relapse. The cause could be from a slight increase of mileage while running with my brace, or walking a mile or two without my brace. Regardless, it flared up bad. I started seeing an orthopedic surgeon and got an MRI. The diagnosis a combination of runners knee (chronomalasia - something like that) and quad tendonosis (which is like tendonitis' evil sister). I've done my research and recovery time can take anywhere from months to years to something I'd rather not think about. Hopefully the former rather than the later two.

Since then I've started yet another round of physical therapy, under the guidance of my orthopedic surgeon. We're trying various things from stretching and strengthening, to taping my knee, injections, and ionto. Some of it helps.

Last Friday I was feeling great and decided to try walking to class without my brace (a little under a mile), and have been regretting it since. That sorta puts this situation in perspective, I think.

Well, that's where I've been. I didn't want to post too much pessimistic lately so I just didn't post, but there's the update a few people decided to drag out of me.

Regardless of how poorly the running front has been, the Zafra quote to the right are still words to live by.

So, how are you guys doing?

8 comments:

Bill Carter said...

Hi Doug

Man. I am so sorry that you have been going through so much. I really had no idea that it had gotten that bad and I'm sorry. I've seen how you run and it is a beautiful thing and as young as you are I truly believe you will be back running someday.

Give yourself a break and some time to heal.

I wish you all the best and know that you have a friend in Michigan.

Marcy said...

(((HUGS))) homie! I didn't realize you had so much going on either. I thought you were just busy busy.

ITA with Bill, you WILL BE back to running one day, no doubts ;-) Now just give yourself some time to heal, k? ;-)

Run For Life said...

That's crappy. (Understatement of the year for you, eh?) I echo what Bill and Marcy are saying. I DO think that eventually you'll be able to get back I know it sucks. Just keep the physio going and listen to your ortho surgeon. Or else we'll all come over there and beat you with sticks.

I hope the other aspects of your life are going much better. Take care :)

nwgdc said...

sorry to hear about it, doug! hang in there buddy, and perhaps next year we take chicago by STORM!!

Steve Stenzel said...

Jeez, best of luck. Hang in there, and don't do too much too quick.

Heidi Swift said...

Doug,
Today a very strong rider on my team quit a race. He said, "I don't know what happened. I don't know what to tell my coach. I don't know what to tell my wife. So much of my self-worth is tied up in this."

I think it's important for you to keep updating through this injury. We all run and and most of us get injured and have to stop. There is more to your optimistic spirit than a good workout and physical progress. People need to hear the stories of others who struggled, made it through, and came to a new point of balance in their lives.

Be true to your story. It's important. And we don't just read this blog because you run fast.

Healing thoughts,
Heidi

Stuart said...

Hang on in there, you know we are all behind you keep the posts coming and we'll keep reading!

Nancy said...

Oh crap, Doug. That just sucks. I'm so sorry. I know how much you love the work out and adrenaline and all that. It sounds like you are coping well though. I have to tell you that I have been going through something similar and long standing. The mileage has dropped and I am not getting any better. My next stop is probably an MRI too. PT isn't working blindly (not sure what we should be working on). At least you know what you are dealing with and can work accordingly. Have faith and keep working on it. Email me if you want to commiserate.

Hugs.
Nanc