Okay so after a long hiatus. I have decided to start blogging again. Life got a bit nuts after my surgery but has calmed down and I am back to what I love... Training and Running. Yes you read that right folks... I am RUNNING again! The girl who thought she may never walk again after her hip surgery is RUNNING! I have done 3 5ks- times are about consistent with early in the season last year. Which I think means given more training I could be back where I used to be in no time flat. Next races are planned- Thanksgiving Day 10k, and 11/27 5k.
Lets see during my lil blogging break I did a few aquabikes. Let me tell you that is the ideal event for someone with a hip injury. Swim then bike. And being a swimmer they were fun! I came in 1st in my first race and 2nd in my Age Group in the Maine State Triathlon. I think I will sprinkle a couple of these in my tri training next year. I enjoy them and they work on 2 of the 3 events.
Speaking of next season. I think I have come up with some sort of race plan.... if I can stay healthy.
May/June- Sprint Tri
June/July- Oly Tri
Aug- Half IronMan - yes 70.3 folks!
This is the thought as of now. Hopefully I can keep training like I am again and get back to racing like I enjoy! Well- I am going to get back to my training... blogging and life the way I like it... HAPPY!
Double D Athlete
Swimmer turned triathlete, a wanna be cyclist, and dreams of being a Kenyan runner.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Post Op Day
Things have been progressing really well. I started this past weekend doing normal life stuff again. Went to dinner, got my nails done, a little grocery shopping... all of which I was driven to by my fiance but hey I got out!! My fiance had Monday off so we did some more lunch out and other things our and about. It is nice to be out but it kills me I can't do it alone. I get to shower just about every day, of course, not alone since I need someone to hold me up, and as a safety net.
I also sat down on the floor on Sunday and did some sort of workout. I sat with my 5lb dumbells, both in one hand did curls and tricep extensions. I did some shoulder lifts, 5lb per arm, and hammer curls. I did the same on Monday, I was a lil sore with from the day before. It was nice to sweat a bit and get my heart rate up.
I tell you it has gotten to the point that I am sick of not being able to do things. 2 crutches make it hard to carry things and move around. I have still been icing regularly but have switched to motrin to help with the pain when it gets a bit much.
This morning was my post op appointment. I am a week and a half out from my surgery (12 days to be exact). I had the hope that I would hobble in and walk out. Well close but not exactly.... I went in had my stitches removed. Then the doctor came in (Dr. Busconi's fellow- he is on vacation). He said I looked good. He cleared me to swim and water run- said swimming is best. Bike with low resistance next week. Yoga next week not pushing it though. Eliptical is cool the week after that (4 weeks out). I am okay to hit the chiropractor and massage (as long as I keep them from hurting me). As for the fracture- it isn't a big deal since it is now healed! YAY- I was so afraid that was going to keep me from running again. The doctor said wait till Friday to start walking. Well- on my way to make my follow up appointment- I saw the resident that helped with my surgery. He said I looked good and that if I wanted I could walk at home without the crutches. I was so happy to hear that!! He said stick with crutches outside the house- so I don't get bumped around. So- okay no driving through Friday. Got it!
I have a follow up appointment in 6 weeks with Dr. Busconi. I walked back into the condo and TOSSED the crutches in the kitchen and started walking. It isn't too bad to walk around. Hurts a bit taking it easy. But hey I am free in the house from those horrible crutches! I plan on hitting the pool tomorrow. Take a day of walking around a bit to let my body get used to it then get back to it :-) I need to set up my PT- 6 weeks 2 per week.
I AM ALL SMILES NOW! I can't wait to get back to life. I plan on taking this week and next easy with the workouts and work. I also get to go back to coaching! YAY!!
I have had the greatest support team though this whole process. I had a great doctor- which I hear is the key to this whole thing! My parents have been so supportive from being there the day of surgery through phone calls and stop by to say hi. I have a great room mate that has helped with everything. And the best friend in the world! They check on me daily bring me presents and give me support through the ups and downs of post surgery! Send me the greatest messages and talk me through ever tear and every smile. THANK YOU ALL!!! <3 you all!
I also sat down on the floor on Sunday and did some sort of workout. I sat with my 5lb dumbells, both in one hand did curls and tricep extensions. I did some shoulder lifts, 5lb per arm, and hammer curls. I did the same on Monday, I was a lil sore with from the day before. It was nice to sweat a bit and get my heart rate up.
I tell you it has gotten to the point that I am sick of not being able to do things. 2 crutches make it hard to carry things and move around. I have still been icing regularly but have switched to motrin to help with the pain when it gets a bit much.
This morning was my post op appointment. I am a week and a half out from my surgery (12 days to be exact). I had the hope that I would hobble in and walk out. Well close but not exactly.... I went in had my stitches removed. Then the doctor came in (Dr. Busconi's fellow- he is on vacation). He said I looked good. He cleared me to swim and water run- said swimming is best. Bike with low resistance next week. Yoga next week not pushing it though. Eliptical is cool the week after that (4 weeks out). I am okay to hit the chiropractor and massage (as long as I keep them from hurting me). As for the fracture- it isn't a big deal since it is now healed! YAY- I was so afraid that was going to keep me from running again. The doctor said wait till Friday to start walking. Well- on my way to make my follow up appointment- I saw the resident that helped with my surgery. He said I looked good and that if I wanted I could walk at home without the crutches. I was so happy to hear that!! He said stick with crutches outside the house- so I don't get bumped around. So- okay no driving through Friday. Got it!
I have a follow up appointment in 6 weeks with Dr. Busconi. I walked back into the condo and TOSSED the crutches in the kitchen and started walking. It isn't too bad to walk around. Hurts a bit taking it easy. But hey I am free in the house from those horrible crutches! I plan on hitting the pool tomorrow. Take a day of walking around a bit to let my body get used to it then get back to it :-) I need to set up my PT- 6 weeks 2 per week.
I AM ALL SMILES NOW! I can't wait to get back to life. I plan on taking this week and next easy with the workouts and work. I also get to go back to coaching! YAY!!
I have had the greatest support team though this whole process. I had a great doctor- which I hear is the key to this whole thing! My parents have been so supportive from being there the day of surgery through phone calls and stop by to say hi. I have a great room mate that has helped with everything. And the best friend in the world! They check on me daily bring me presents and give me support through the ups and downs of post surgery! Send me the greatest messages and talk me through ever tear and every smile. THANK YOU ALL!!! <3 you all!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I deem today a good day!
Today is the first day I have actually started feeling better. Saturday was hard not much movement. Sunday was a bit better. Monday I spent most of the day on the couch with a lot of pain meds. Tuesday got a bit better but I got upset and did a bit more than I should have, I mean really why did work need me! I had only been out 2 days! Yesterday was really hard! I didn't sleep well. I had a lot of pain! I couldn't even really get myself out of bed all day, pain was really bad off and on. I felt like someone was shoving a finger in my stitches! Not only was he gone all day and was I in pain but I was alone pretty much all day! At about 630 I decided to cook. I did ok. That lead to a breakdown! I cried so hard I got a headache! It wasn't good. But he came home I got a you are gonna be fine suck it up talk. And a shower! I slept pretty well untill about 3, when I forgot I had surgery. That was some pain! I took a med and slept.
Got up today feeling pretty good. Mom left work early to get groceries for me and come hang a bit! I cooked myself some lunch and in walked mom! We sat and chatted watched tv. Then decided since today was going to be the last nice day for a bit- to try and go outside. Thanks to an elevator in my building and my crutches I got fresh air and sun on my skin. I stood out front for a bit! Then walked around the building and came back upstairs! It was so nice! Felt normal for a bit. A lil gimpy but normal. I hope to shower again tonight and shave! God I want to shave! I defintely deem today a good day! Best day yet! Hopefully it just keeps gettin better!
Got up today feeling pretty good. Mom left work early to get groceries for me and come hang a bit! I cooked myself some lunch and in walked mom! We sat and chatted watched tv. Then decided since today was going to be the last nice day for a bit- to try and go outside. Thanks to an elevator in my building and my crutches I got fresh air and sun on my skin. I stood out front for a bit! Then walked around the building and came back upstairs! It was so nice! Felt normal for a bit. A lil gimpy but normal. I hope to shower again tonight and shave! God I want to shave! I defintely deem today a good day! Best day yet! Hopefully it just keeps gettin better!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Post surgery recovery starts
I had my surgery on Friday morning. I had to be at the hospital at 715. My mom took me in. I had somehow thought through all the variables of the day and was doing pretty well. I checked in changed into my Johnny and grippy socks. The nurse came in checked my vitals and gave me a rundown. Surgery was scheduled 915 to 1045. I would go upstairs about a half hour before and they would start my iv and get me preped fro the or. I would get to see dr. Busconi one more time when we signed my hip then they would start the drugs and get the or ready and off I'd go.
I sat with mom for about an hour and chatted. I was laid down and wheeled upstairs. All alone with a bitch nurse in pre op. God she was mean. you could tell the whole hospital knew she was. I answered all her questions and then they came to start my iv. The anestesiologist who did my iv happen to be a triathlete so we talked events. Took my mind off the needle. Dr. Busconi came in. He and I signed my hip and he told me they just did the surgery in someone else."they were all warmed up" i asked last minute questions he told me he wanted me walking w the crutches that day! I met the rest of my team and they gave me something to relax me.
I was wheeled down into the or. I helped them out moving to the operating table. He checked the traction for my leg and the I laid back. I remember busting the resident for having a Yankee thing on and talking lacrosse. Then I was out!
The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room. I had a sore throat I was pretty out of it. And it felt like the largest person I could think of was standin on my hip. There was a baby who just had surgery and was screaming. I was really confused. I was told in 10 min I could move downstairs. So they came wheeled my bed downstairs and nurse checked me back in. I told her about the pain she got me a pill and something to drink. My throat was killing me from the tube. Finally they got my parents and they came in. Apparently they talked to busconi and my surgery was cleaner than they expected. He didn't have to shave my femur much the tear on the labrum wasn't bad and the synovitis cleared. There was a healed fracture in my hip from before. I had at one point fractured my hip it isn't exactly clean heal it's slightly off. I think it is from the half marathon since the pain post surgery was really close to my pain after the race. Since I haven't run since November I assume that's why it is healed. I'll have to ask when I go to post op.
I got crutches from the nurse hobbled to the bathroom. After that I was free to go. The getting in and out of the car was the worst. Luckily it was a short ride home and there was an elevator to get me to my condo. I stayed in bed for a couple hours. Pain was tough. I got up to use the bathroom again and ended up passing out. My mom and dad took care of me and I made it back to bed. Alright next post will be the follow on days.... Thanks all!
I sat with mom for about an hour and chatted. I was laid down and wheeled upstairs. All alone with a bitch nurse in pre op. God she was mean. you could tell the whole hospital knew she was. I answered all her questions and then they came to start my iv. The anestesiologist who did my iv happen to be a triathlete so we talked events. Took my mind off the needle. Dr. Busconi came in. He and I signed my hip and he told me they just did the surgery in someone else."they were all warmed up" i asked last minute questions he told me he wanted me walking w the crutches that day! I met the rest of my team and they gave me something to relax me.
I was wheeled down into the or. I helped them out moving to the operating table. He checked the traction for my leg and the I laid back. I remember busting the resident for having a Yankee thing on and talking lacrosse. Then I was out!
The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room. I had a sore throat I was pretty out of it. And it felt like the largest person I could think of was standin on my hip. There was a baby who just had surgery and was screaming. I was really confused. I was told in 10 min I could move downstairs. So they came wheeled my bed downstairs and nurse checked me back in. I told her about the pain she got me a pill and something to drink. My throat was killing me from the tube. Finally they got my parents and they came in. Apparently they talked to busconi and my surgery was cleaner than they expected. He didn't have to shave my femur much the tear on the labrum wasn't bad and the synovitis cleared. There was a healed fracture in my hip from before. I had at one point fractured my hip it isn't exactly clean heal it's slightly off. I think it is from the half marathon since the pain post surgery was really close to my pain after the race. Since I haven't run since November I assume that's why it is healed. I'll have to ask when I go to post op.
I got crutches from the nurse hobbled to the bathroom. After that I was free to go. The getting in and out of the car was the worst. Luckily it was a short ride home and there was an elevator to get me to my condo. I stayed in bed for a couple hours. Pain was tough. I got up to use the bathroom again and ended up passing out. My mom and dad took care of me and I made it back to bed. Alright next post will be the follow on days.... Thanks all!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Upcoming Surgery... Hip Femural Acetabular Impingement
I found out around Christmas that I had a torn labrum tendon. After my chiropractor sent me for a MRI arthogram (which hurt like hell, we found the torn tendon in the film.The torn tendon was enough for my chiropractor to find me a orthopedic surgeon.At the end of February I met with Dr. Busconi.
He did some X-rays in his office and looked at my MRI. He determined that I had two options 1. cortisone injection into the hip 2. surgically repair the hip. I thought cortisone would be delaying the inevitable. And when he said it was only 40% effective I wasn't really liking the odds. Surgery was 98% effective and I would be up and running in 4 months. When I decided surgery is the way I wanted to go I started firing questions (of course I have questions I'm an engineer). I asked about:
recovery 2-3 weeks on crutches with no driving and limited mobility
anesthesia- general anesthesia I had to go fully under
when can I run again- 4 mo
We discussed the procedure where he will go in through 2-3 holes arthroscopically to shave the top of my femur repair the tendon and remove the fluid built up. The surgery itself lasts an hour to an hour and a half. Depending on the repair needed for the labrum. The repair to the tendon also changes some of the variables for the recovery. If it needs to be braided or pinned to the bone it will be longer. I scheduled the surgery for his first available date 9 April.
After leaving and finally getting the name of what is wrong with my hip Femoroacetabular Impingement I looked up as much as I could find about it. This site seemed to explain things well http://www.hipfai.com/ I have the cam form. So my femur needs to be shaved. It also appears this is something I was born with. It is possible I could live my whole life with it and if I wasn't active I may have never needed it repaired. But now that I read more it looks like if I don't get it fixed I could possibly need a hip replacement in the future. I would rather do the arthroscopic surgery.
I have to be honest, I am nervous. I know this is what I need to do in order to be active again- training for triathlons and half marathons and other races. But It is still scary. I had my pre op testing last Friday. I met with a nurse practitioner who took my history, then an anesthesiologist, then had lab work done, then a nurse- I expected a lot more explanation about the day of surgery. I am still a bit in the air about what will happen that day. They say I will be in the hospital for 5-6 hours.
I am having a hard time sleeping. I am trying to be sure I drink enough water this week. I am also trying to get in workouts, since I am not sure when I will be able to do what. The workouts also help me clear my head. I am coaching lacrosse again, so my assistant coach will be taking that over till I can get up there again. I have a lot going on this week but I would rather be busy up till the surgery, because when left alone for long enough to start thinking I get upset.
I try to keep myself calm but it is tough. Part of me is looking to the surgery to be like a vacation from work and lacrosse. I have been working a lot and even got an agreement from work to do some work from home in bed. I am trying my best to look at this procedure as a start to getting back out there. I really can't wait to do my next triathlon and sign up for races again. Its hard to pick a recovery race but I think I will sign up for a sprint Triathlon in September as soon as I am cleared to starting to do workouts. I figure I will be able to swim/bike during recovery and running will come in time so I should be okay come September. It will be nice to have a mark on the wall to train for again!
I will try to update the blog again before my surgery on Friday. There are lots of thoughts floating around in this head and it is nice to get them out.... Thanks all!
He did some X-rays in his office and looked at my MRI. He determined that I had two options 1. cortisone injection into the hip 2. surgically repair the hip. I thought cortisone would be delaying the inevitable. And when he said it was only 40% effective I wasn't really liking the odds. Surgery was 98% effective and I would be up and running in 4 months. When I decided surgery is the way I wanted to go I started firing questions (of course I have questions I'm an engineer). I asked about:
recovery 2-3 weeks on crutches with no driving and limited mobility
anesthesia- general anesthesia I had to go fully under
when can I run again- 4 mo
We discussed the procedure where he will go in through 2-3 holes arthroscopically to shave the top of my femur repair the tendon and remove the fluid built up. The surgery itself lasts an hour to an hour and a half. Depending on the repair needed for the labrum. The repair to the tendon also changes some of the variables for the recovery. If it needs to be braided or pinned to the bone it will be longer. I scheduled the surgery for his first available date 9 April.
After leaving and finally getting the name of what is wrong with my hip Femoroacetabular Impingement I looked up as much as I could find about it. This site seemed to explain things well http://www.hipfai.com/ I have the cam form. So my femur needs to be shaved. It also appears this is something I was born with. It is possible I could live my whole life with it and if I wasn't active I may have never needed it repaired. But now that I read more it looks like if I don't get it fixed I could possibly need a hip replacement in the future. I would rather do the arthroscopic surgery.
I have to be honest, I am nervous. I know this is what I need to do in order to be active again- training for triathlons and half marathons and other races. But It is still scary. I had my pre op testing last Friday. I met with a nurse practitioner who took my history, then an anesthesiologist, then had lab work done, then a nurse- I expected a lot more explanation about the day of surgery. I am still a bit in the air about what will happen that day. They say I will be in the hospital for 5-6 hours.
I am having a hard time sleeping. I am trying to be sure I drink enough water this week. I am also trying to get in workouts, since I am not sure when I will be able to do what. The workouts also help me clear my head. I am coaching lacrosse again, so my assistant coach will be taking that over till I can get up there again. I have a lot going on this week but I would rather be busy up till the surgery, because when left alone for long enough to start thinking I get upset.
I try to keep myself calm but it is tough. Part of me is looking to the surgery to be like a vacation from work and lacrosse. I have been working a lot and even got an agreement from work to do some work from home in bed. I am trying my best to look at this procedure as a start to getting back out there. I really can't wait to do my next triathlon and sign up for races again. Its hard to pick a recovery race but I think I will sign up for a sprint Triathlon in September as soon as I am cleared to starting to do workouts. I figure I will be able to swim/bike during recovery and running will come in time so I should be okay come September. It will be nice to have a mark on the wall to train for again!
I will try to update the blog again before my surgery on Friday. There are lots of thoughts floating around in this head and it is nice to get them out.... Thanks all!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
2009- what a year!
Well as 2009 comes to a close and TV radio and news are all filled with recaps I think a recap on my own triumph of 2009 is in order. I started the racing season of 2009 with my first 5k in April. I ran with my Mom and Dad. Dutch ran the race too. It was unseasonalby warm for Worcester, MA. In the 90s in April?! My goal was to finish the race and not walk! Well I did it! From there I was running a 5K a month or so.
Then in July I signed up for Triathlon! FIRST EVER! Who goes from 5K to triathlon?! haha :) It was a great event! I had so much fun. I can't wait to do another. And coming in 2nd in my division and having a ribbon to show for it, doesn't hurt at all either! Too bad I waited until the end of the season to get going on that dream- oh well next season plenty more ahead.
Shortly after my first Triathlon in September I signed up to run a half marathon in November. I had never run more than 5 miles but a half marathon sounded like it was just outside the threshold of what I was capable of, so I signed up. I trained and raced a few more 5ks and a 10k as a part of my training plan. Then flew to Atlanta and raced! I finished. I did a half marathon! And to be honest I would like to do another!
So let's see in 2009 I did 7 5Ks 1 Triathlon 1 10K 1 Half Marathon. Not too bad for someone who has never competed in these types of events. I hope 2010 brings many more triathlons and another half, with a sprinkling of 5ks and 10ks! Have a happy new year! And bring on 2010!
Then in July I signed up for Triathlon! FIRST EVER! Who goes from 5K to triathlon?! haha :) It was a great event! I had so much fun. I can't wait to do another. And coming in 2nd in my division and having a ribbon to show for it, doesn't hurt at all either! Too bad I waited until the end of the season to get going on that dream- oh well next season plenty more ahead.
Shortly after my first Triathlon in September I signed up to run a half marathon in November. I had never run more than 5 miles but a half marathon sounded like it was just outside the threshold of what I was capable of, so I signed up. I trained and raced a few more 5ks and a 10k as a part of my training plan. Then flew to Atlanta and raced! I finished. I did a half marathon! And to be honest I would like to do another!
So let's see in 2009 I did 7 5Ks 1 Triathlon 1 10K 1 Half Marathon. Not too bad for someone who has never competed in these types of events. I hope 2010 brings many more triathlons and another half, with a sprinkling of 5ks and 10ks! Have a happy new year! And bring on 2010!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Half Marathon
On Friday November 6th I flew to Atlanta to run my first half marathon. I ran the zooma half marathon. A friend of mine Ali was supposed to run with me but sadly is plagued with injury and couldn't join. Even though she couldn't run she still opened her house to let me stay with her and cart me around! We had a great dinner with the president of an AWESOME organization getting2tri.
Late Friday night another friend arrived at Ali's house, Zu. The 3 of us went to the mini-expo on Saturday and walked around Atlantic Station a bit. Then joined other friends for appetizers and drinks after driving the course. I have to tell you while driving I didn't think the hills of Atlanta would be too tough, nothing compared to Worcester!
We were up early on Sunday, Race Day! I like a big breakfast pre-race. So I had scrambled eggs and toast. I was really nervous the morning of the race. The week of the race I had unexpected work travel and my legs weren't feeling too great. But- as I lined up to start I just reminded myself all I had to do was finish. I had a main goal of finishing but I would like to be in the 2:00- 2:15 time range. Well at about mile 4 it became obvious that the 2 hour plan wasn't going to work and I just went for a finish.
Zu finished the race in 1:45ish. As soon as she finished she walked back out the course and met me at about mile 11.5. It was a welcome face with a LOT of encouragement. She helped me through those last few miles that were tough. I have to say I looked down at my watch when Zu said "just around this corner" and realized it was 2:27. The competitive side of me kicked in and I kicked it to the finish I didn't want to be over 2:30. And I didn't I finished in 2:29! We got awesome finisher medals that are necklaces... I haven't stopped wearing it!
I was overcome with a lot of emotion at the finish. A half marathon isn't something I thought I could accomplish when I started training. It was one of those goals that was just outside of the relm of possible. I had always thought with my swimming background that a triathlon wouldn't be much of a stretch but I was never a distance runner. Before I started training 5 miles was a long run. But let me tell you I survived racing 13.1 and it feels great! I'm already thinking about next season or the next race.
I scheduled a 5k for my next work trip to Dallas. I will run on 21 Nov and plan on doing a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving with my Mom. To be honest- I am really shocked by how much I have accomplished so far this season:
5 5k's
1 10k
Off Road Sprint Triathlon
Half Marathon
Not bad for someone who had never raced any of these before. I have a real sense of accomplishment when I look at how far I have come!
Late Friday night another friend arrived at Ali's house, Zu. The 3 of us went to the mini-expo on Saturday and walked around Atlantic Station a bit. Then joined other friends for appetizers and drinks after driving the course. I have to tell you while driving I didn't think the hills of Atlanta would be too tough, nothing compared to Worcester!
We were up early on Sunday, Race Day! I like a big breakfast pre-race. So I had scrambled eggs and toast. I was really nervous the morning of the race. The week of the race I had unexpected work travel and my legs weren't feeling too great. But- as I lined up to start I just reminded myself all I had to do was finish. I had a main goal of finishing but I would like to be in the 2:00- 2:15 time range. Well at about mile 4 it became obvious that the 2 hour plan wasn't going to work and I just went for a finish.
Zu finished the race in 1:45ish. As soon as she finished she walked back out the course and met me at about mile 11.5. It was a welcome face with a LOT of encouragement. She helped me through those last few miles that were tough. I have to say I looked down at my watch when Zu said "just around this corner" and realized it was 2:27. The competitive side of me kicked in and I kicked it to the finish I didn't want to be over 2:30. And I didn't I finished in 2:29! We got awesome finisher medals that are necklaces... I haven't stopped wearing it!
I was overcome with a lot of emotion at the finish. A half marathon isn't something I thought I could accomplish when I started training. It was one of those goals that was just outside of the relm of possible. I had always thought with my swimming background that a triathlon wouldn't be much of a stretch but I was never a distance runner. Before I started training 5 miles was a long run. But let me tell you I survived racing 13.1 and it feels great! I'm already thinking about next season or the next race.
I scheduled a 5k for my next work trip to Dallas. I will run on 21 Nov and plan on doing a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving with my Mom. To be honest- I am really shocked by how much I have accomplished so far this season:
5 5k's
1 10k
Off Road Sprint Triathlon
Half Marathon
Not bad for someone who had never raced any of these before. I have a real sense of accomplishment when I look at how far I have come!
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