I’m beginning to lose faith in Western and Eastern Medicine.
I had another follow-up appointment with a sports medicine doctor this morning. The guy I was seeing left the practice so I had to see a new person today. I was okay with that because second opinions are never a bad thing.
She went through my history, my injury, what I’ve been doing to rehab it and she gave me some new exercises I can do specifically for my IT band. That’s cool…but other than that it was yet another waste of time in my opinion.
I’d finally decided to be opened minded about a cortisone shot. Last visit my doc and I discussed it as an option in the future if I didn’t improve. I was wary but open to it. I’d gotten a cortisone shot in my ankle years ago and it gave me 9 pain-free months.
For the last month since my knee flared-up again I’ve remained at 3 miles only when I run and not running fast. I’ve been okay with that. At least it’s running. And at least my pain is minimal. But I want to get back to bike riding (seriously) and I want to be able to hike again.
The sports doc I saw this morning didn’t think a cortisone shot was a good idea. I got upset. I felt like I had wasted sick time at work to go in and pay for an office visit to get the same handouts on how to stretch. Seriously?
And another thing–if I have one more doctor DISMISS me and my injury as a “Oh you’re 31 and a runner? That’s why” I am going to officially lose it. That is NOT okay. That is NOT a diagnosis. Don’t dismiss, practice medicine and help me.
I expressed my frustration with her (and others) dismissing my injury because of my age. I saw there is NO reason that at 31–in the BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE–I should just settle for the “I’m old and my body is going to hurt” thing. That’s not acceptable to me. She said that it’s not necessary the age but the wear and tear of the body by a the 30’s…like professional athletes who retire at 36 because of injuries. As much as I work out I am nowhere near a professional athlete and there’s no way my body is just breaking down at 31 because of that. Ridiculous argument. Should I just quit everything and get a WALKER?
She did say one leg is a little longer than the other and could be causing my problems. After a bunch of testing she sent me home with a 3 millimeter heel lift in my left shoe. I hope that helps because I’m done with these appointments.
If Western Medicine and Eastern Medicine is out…is there a third option? I’m ready to try something else!
Rewinding a bit…Before my doctor appointment I went to the gym for another AM workout. It was a lovely experience. I “slept in” until 6:15 or so, had a few bites of plain Greek yogurt and headed to the gym. It was dark, freezing cold out and my car was covered in ice but it was a nice experience. The place was empty and I ran a faster 3 miles than normal and shaved about 4 or 5 minutes off my time.
After my run (it was pain free so I am blessed in that aspect) I did some core work and then had plenty of time to lift weights. I wasn’t rushed like I was last week during my morning workout.
It was nice and casual; a stress-free experience. I enjoyed my tunes and wasn’t worried about the time.
Gym Stats:
Time: 1:23
Calories Burned: 609
I headed home and made a Power Breakfast. I was determined to not be starving all day like last week.
Power Breakfast:
2 Scrambled Eggs with a splash of 1% milk
1/2 serving of shredded Colby Jack cheese
1 serving black beans
Chopped green onion
Pinch of Cumin
I didn’t take a photo of it because it was a REALLY unattractive color. I think it was the black beans that turned the eggs such an unappealing shade but I don’t want to share that with you. The bottom line: the breakfast worked. I was full and satisfied all morning until I got to work at noon.
I was alert all morning, not groggy or tired and didn’t need coffee. The morning workouts are kind of a bonus I think. I LOVED working out at the gym when it wasn’t packed, loud and annoying. I wish I was a morning person….
I’m trying to be positive. The positives are that I can run 3 miles. If I never run more than that, I guess that’s how it will be. At least I can do some. Another positive: I had a great workout and now have my evening free to do whatever I want (marathon of Big Love perhaps?)!
QUESTION: What’s something you are losing faith in lately?
Rose
You’re in Portland right? I would highly recommend to see Justin Whitaker. He’s a sport chiro and ART specialist downtown. He’s also the sports doc for Nike, works to keep people like Kara Goucher running. He’s great, has done wonders for my IT problem and several friends who were told they needed surgery on things he was able to fix and get them running again.
Lisa Eirene
Thanks Rose, I’ll check into it!
Carbzilla
I’m sorry you’re so frustrated. I have TMJ because I’ve literally worn out the disks in my jaw from talking and eating for 40 something years. Parts of us are just not regenerative. Doesn’t sound like that’s your issue so there should be more you can do to not be in pain. I know it’s hard and it sucks. I’m sorry. 🙂
Lisa Eirene
Lately it’s less pain and more annoyance. But yeah…there’s no reason this shouldn’t be healing. And it bothers me when people say “be patient.” Um, doc, I’ve been dealing with this for 5 months now. Isn’t that patience?
Carbzilla
When I saw my Rolfer the other day for my shoulder, I asked when was the last time I was there and what had I been complaining about? It was early 2009, and it was my same freakin’ shoulder! No wonder I haven’t gotten back into working out! So, yes, the lesson is don’t suffer with pain. I feel like a fool trying to get over this for so long. (and Rolfing did help temporarily but I’d have to go more often)
Amy Ramos
OMG! I love that…
i am starting to lose faith in people who think that losing weight is going to magically cure everything! Um, no. I could run marathons and eat healthy 100% of the time and still have the same issue/problems. Not everyone is “perfect” like you (ok, now I am singling people out but still).
This is where I limit my time with people like this because they turn into negative nancies and I can not handle this. So I remove myself and be surrounded by people who are positive and I have faith in!
Random part-every time I type marathon, I always want to type -g at the end so it shows marathong.
Lisa Eirene
Yep. The show Heavy is hot or miss like that for me. Some of them think they can magically lose weight and everything is better. Lindy last night said all she needed to fix her life was to get rid of her stomach fat. I felt like she needed to change her attitude more than lose weight to be happy.
Losing weight did fix a lot of things in my life but it didn’t solve everything. I still struggle with a lot of things.
Oh my god I type marathong too. Ugh! What is that?!
Diana P.
Have you thought about trying a chiropractor? Especially if one leg is longer than the other, it’d be worth a try. I’ve been to a chiropractor quite a bit, and it’s REALLY helped me with various issues…and they definitely have different views on health and wellness than the general medical industry. Just a thought. 🙂
Lisa Eirene
I hadn’t considered a chiropractor but it’s a good suggestion. I need to see if it’s covered by my insurance.
Coco
I feel your frustration. I hate spending time and money on doctors who don’t look for real answers. I’ve also had good luck with chiro and ART (for different issues), so don’t give up!
Lisa Eirene
You’re the second person that’s suggested ART. I need to check it out.
AO
Osteopathic
Either an osteopathic sports med doc (dm for recs)
or a straight osteopathic neuromuscular doc
You have to figure out the root of the issue.
Insurance generally almost always over D.O.’s
Kristin
I can’t possible comment on the cause or cure for your injury (hope it gets better soon) but I think it is absolutely ludicrous for anyone to imply that at 31 you are “old” for running. Clearly those are people who know nothing about running! I am 45.5 years old and have been running consistently for five years or more, and I don’t believe that my age makes me any more prone to injuries than anyone else. I believe that 40+ year old females are one of the strongest running age groups! (No offense to 30-year-olds, of course.) Best of luck with your treatment and recovery.
Lisa Eirene
Thank you Kristin! I agree, there’s NO reason my age should have anything to do with my injury. That’s just insulting.