I really, really like the nurse practitioner that is my primary care provider. She really knows a lot. She really knows me too.
For more than two years I have complained to her off and on about the same ankle injury. She listens, recommends a conservative course of treatment and tells me to get back with her in six to eight weeks if there is no improvement. For awhile this fall, there was improvement, which I think is why she was surprised to see me this morning.
My achilles tendon had by then swollen to twice the size of the healthy one on the other leg just by running errands the day before. Fortunately, the tendon is still attached to my “calf muscle,” so it’s not severed. But the huge knot and chronic pain point to a significant tear. Maybe even a “recreational-ending” one.
For those that are interested, the course of action for now begins with prerequisite x-rays of my foot and ankle, which are required for me to get an MRI. The MRI will settle once and for all the extent of damage and maybe shed some light on what biomechanics are behind this chronic injury. From there I will limp over to the orthopedics wing to consult with an ankle specialist. Options at the moment range from surgery to physical therapy.
In the meantime, I am taking prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication and continue to rest, ice, bandage and elevate the ankle. I also have to wear my running shoes during all waking hours.
All this is SOP. What came next was her advice, runner to runner. She said she knows I’m not “the 24-Hour Fitness kind of runner” and that I need to soak in the outdoors and not just log miles on the treadmill. She asked some pointed yet seemingly random questions and I suddenly saw where she was going. I’ve been on the verge of tears since.
I’m going to hold off saying more until the ankle specialist has issued a diagnosis and prognosis. Forget a turkey trot. Forget taking on my peers in the 2010 SDTC Grand Prix. My new goal is to be fit enough in a week for the family’s annual walk/hike, which just got a whole lot shorter and more level.
19 comments:
Oh my. I am so sorry. This has got to be hard on you. Please keep us posted on the results and what you find out. *hugs*
I'm gonna play dumb:Is she trying to suggest that you STOP running? *gulp, sniff*
No disrespect to nurse practitioners, but there is a big difference between that and and orthopaedic concerning injuries such as this. Try not to let your mind wander too much as you wait to see him/her and hear what they have to say. Injuries are complex and there may not be a simple answer (or solution) to what's going on. I'm sending hugs and positive thoughts from the East Coast. Hang in there Anne, you have tons of support.
Sorry to hear about your injury anne.
It just sucks when the body misbehaves.
RICE it and look for a second opinion before going under the knife.
[Hugs]
so sorry to hear this Anne! I hope you get a proper diagnosis and it's not as grim as you're hinting at. :(
Ugh. That's horrible to hear Anne. Right now it seems that you need to take the conservativ approach and just stay off it until someone antell you what's wrong with it! Your description itself sounds pretty ugly.
OMG Anne! I don't even know what to say. It is GOING to be OK...It's gotta be OK.
I'm echoing Mindy; injuries are complex. Hang in there.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and hope the diagnosis is not as grim as the NP predicts.
Anne, you have certainly had your share of bum luck. I'm so glad you have a great support network out there. Put your attention someplace else as a distraction, and I'll keep my fingers with you and all the others for the best possible outcome regarding the rest. Enjoy that Thanksgiving hike, no matter how short or flat it may be... :) Tracy.
Take what I share as a viewpoint NOT truth:
I hope you come out ok. I had an injury and really had to shift my focus. Knee operation. I started swimming and weightlifting around it. In addition to that I too my addictive personality and started reading self improvement books to toughen my mind to be ready for the point when I would be healed.
Personal development books and tapes and things like pullups helped. My pullups are stronger today because of my running injury.
I wish you all the best in your comeback. I kept telling myself it was weakness leaving my body.
I like what Tom had to say, and I can echo the same thing, in that other strengths evolve.
I'm sorry to know that you're going through this sort of thing again. If there's anything I can do for you please let me know.
If it comes down to it, I know some really good guys over at RU. :)
Achilles injuries send shudders up my spine as well. Remember, though, that until you get definitive proof, whatever your nurse practioner or anybody else says is simply opinion. Go through the steps and don't jump to conclusions until all the facts are in.
Hang in there.
Your post reminds me that we all forget that we are just one wrong move from acute or chronic injury. It is so easy to take a healthy body for granted. Stay the course.
Dearest Anne: Just think about Meb and let him be your inspiration.
Oh Anne I feel for you right now but my hope for is that it all comes out right. {{{{{Hugs}}}}}}
Oh Anne, man, that sucks. I am so sorry to hear that. I agree with Kara, definitely get a second opinion, no matter how much you like your nurse practitioner. I think most folks would recommend that as SOP too.
By the way, thank you so much for the advice on just running 3-4 days per week, that you left on my blog the other day. Much appreciated. Part of me felt like I had just gotten the permission I think I've been seeking. (Does that make sense?)
oh anne, that just blows! when i read stories like this i am reminded to be GRATEFUL ALWAYS.
i'm going to hope for the best. and hope you find a better doctor!
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