And the Doc says…

I had my sports doctor appointment yesterday with Dr. Desio. I literally could not have been happier to be in the hospital because I have been wanton to get to the bottom of this for a while. I actually enjoyed the x-ray because I had found out the nurse helping me volunteers every year for Boston Marathon to hand out water at the second water stop!! I hope to run Boston again and even say hi to her!

Once I got to the Dr. Desio, I explained in great detail what happened during Boston Marathon training and after. I mentioned my trial run that I had done and then I asked him, “Do you know what Tough Mudder is?” And he looked up from the notes he was taking with a shocked face on. I said, “Well…I did that Saturday! And no pain! Well, some pain and soreness, but nothing like I have had before that has been unbearable for my hips.”

We finished talking about everything and he examined me and my x-rays. I do not have FAI and he isn’t concerned about a labral tear. WOO HOO!!! But my piriformis, hip flexors and the point where the IT band attaches to my hip are very inflamed. He said my foot problem set off the rest of my problems because of overcompensation. My hips got weak and then fatigued themselves to the point that they still experience pain. But he could tell that they are healing from what I have told him of my past symptoms.

The best news was that he said I CAN RUN!!! He said to keep doing mini runs and then if my hips feel pain or sore, walk it off for a little bit and then I can try to run again. I mentioned swimming, and he said that will be great for me to keep my aerobic capacity up, but to still do some running and strength. He said clamshells are the best for strengthening hips, but if I hear a cracking or popping noise to stop because I don’t want my muscles to swell up more.

I am glad I visited Dr. Desio because it confirmed for me what was NOT wrong with me and that I was going in the right direction. He also told me to keep in mind that I am NOT in training mode and that I am in recovery mode, which does not necessarily mean complete rest. He doesn’t want me to rest completely because my muscles will lose the strength that they have. This was so comforting to hear because as any athlete knows, it’s difficult to stop cold turkey!

I was trying to be optimistic before I saw him, but now this gave me the extra little bit of hope I needed. Dr. Desio said that he thinks that I should be able to work by myself without a PT to get through this, but if I get concerned he has someone he can call to help. I know that I can get through this and I really can’t wait until my next marathon! It will feel even better knowing that I worked so hard to get back to it!

If you have been injured and recovered, how did you feel your first race back?