08 February 2013

Here's where it gets not-so-pretty...

I was really hoping 2013 would be a kinder, gentler year to me. Last year really ran me through the wringer in so many ways, and I was really looking forward to a little respite.

But if it were easy, there would be nothing to TAKE ON, XL!

Right.

*sigh*

Okay.

Fine.

After I spend a little bit of time wallowing in self-pity and grieving whatever the hell I'm grieving, I will get started Taking It On...because yes, that is what I do. But sometimes I'm just really super tired of taking it on.

Yesterday, I received the write-up on my x-ray...

Moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the right hip.

On the one hand, YAY! A diagnosis! On the other hand, holy s*it...conventional medicine says there's nothing you can do to heal it. You can 'manage' it...manage the pain...mask the symptoms...cut it out and put a piece of metal and plastic in there that will need to be replaced again in 10 years and isn't made to fit a small woman's physique and doesn't treat whatever the heck led to this whole crappy situation in the first place. You can shoot cortisone in there that will further erode any cartilage that still exists in that thar hip socket.

Ummmm...no thanks. None of those really appeal to me. Conventional medicine in this moment isn't really appealing to me :P

Oh, and honey...running is probably the worst thing you can do. Oh, you say you've been thinking of rowing again? Think again because that deep compression at the catch? Yeah, probably going to really screw you up even more.

You can go for a walk. 

Or swim.

You all know how I feel about swimming, right?

Regardless of what you do, sweetheart, you are on a one-way trip to losing the hip.

So I'm sitting here, staring at my little screen and thinking...

What in the heck am I going to do now?

And my answer today is...

I have no idea.

:(

I'm hoping some of you stick around to see how this turns out. But it might really suck. One thing I can say with certainty is this... for awhile at least there won't be much running talk. So if that's why you come here, yeah...probably other more interesting places to hang out ;-)

Of course, I am one to buck trends and piss people off so this journey will probably be entertaining to watch.

Maybe I could get some network to fund a reality show?



33 comments:

  1. Nah, I come here for YOU. Not going anywhere.

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    Replies
    1. At least until you get your JBH package :P LOL

      I swear it's coming! It's sitting right here on my dining room table! Promise!

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  2. Oh XLMIC, biggest hugs to you, I am so sorry for this turn of events. I will definitely be here for your journey, rooting for you. If and when you are interested in complementary approaches, I can tap my yoga/acupuncture friends for leads for you. This is hard news, and I think it is so brave that you are asking these "what do I do now" questions here with your tribe. Keep asking, keep trying, we are here for you.

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    Replies
    1. I have been doing acupunture for other things for years...my practitioner (the first person I emailed, crying, about this) says there's lots we can do. I think I'll start yoga next week. Thanks so very, very much for this kind and thoughtful comment. It is so wonderful to have this kind of support :)

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    2. Shop around for knowledgable and experienced yoga teachers! Do not go with anyone who is new or boot-camp like. And it is well worth the $$ to get a few private lessons from an experienced and reputable yoga instructor, better yet a great PT who can show you the best way to move in and out of yoga poses that will not do more wear and tear on your hip joints. My PT taught me a different way to go in and out of child's pose and its made all the difference for my hip.

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  3. Replies
    1. I'm looking at your powdered donuts right now :P

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  4. You aren't going to get rid of me that easy. Running talk I can get almost anywhere. I like your take on things.

    Bummer about the diagnosis. Ask Mrs Google about alternatives, and take them with a grain of salt.

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    1. Googlelady is not so forthcoming with alternatives. Maybe I should check from another ISP or use a different search engine. I'm tired already of the attempted research leading nowhere helpful :(

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  5. Oh no. I'm really sorry to hear that. I wish I had something good to say, but not sure if there is any. I hope that you can satisfy your need for endorphins and exercise another way. Is biking allowable? I hope you find something that you are able to go crazy in to stay in shape and get your fix. XL you are awesome.

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  6. I read this earlier while the kids were swimming at the Y but my iPod died before I could comment. I'm SO sorry. I wish I had some advice. What I can tell you is that I'm not going away.

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  7. So sorry to hear this, but enjoy sharing our lives even if not our running. I don't really love running anyway.

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    1. You always make me smile :) I'm sorry I've fallen off the face of the earth regarding keeping up with chats and emails. Now I'll have plenty of time ;-)

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  8. And I'll add that you've likely done more athletically in your life than most of us ever will - so maybe that is part of the reason why this is happening, similar to a person who played football earlier in life. Not sure if that kind of thinking helps or not, but you have done a lot already.

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    Replies
    1. It kind of does, actually. But...

      I'M NOT DONE YET!!!!!!! WAHHHHHHHH!

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  9. We can hang out. I have a running blog and I don't run much either ;-) Get well. I know runners with osteoarthritis and they manage - and you're very fit and able, so I expect you'll continue to do great things.

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  10. The first thing I do when I don't want to accept a diagnosis is get a second opinion. I also just saw your swimming videos and I prefer the hot tub too. I spent an hour earlier this week trying to swim again and got a lot of water up my nose. Hot tub is where it's at.

    Sorry for the bad news. I'm sure you'll figure out something to do, you're the most creative blogger I follow. :)

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  11. This is one of those moments where you just don't know what to say...
    It really, really sucks is probably the best thing - and oh, I am NOT going away. Sorry, but nope!
    ((hugs))

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  12. That's an utter bugger, I'm so desperately sorry. I hate swimming too...my lip is curled in disdain on your behalf just writing this. Massive hug. But I'm not going anywhere either. My Dad used to be a helicopter pilot...till the rotory blades made him epileptic. And then he became a sailor and did the Atlantic twice. The moral of this story? Amazing people always find an outlet for their amazingness. I'm excited to see what yours will be.

    But for now...bugger :)

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  13. Sorry to read this. Here is hoping that what ever you find is wonderful. I have changed paths a few times from injury and looking back they were all good. It was just the looking forward that seemed really difficult at the time.

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  14. On the bright side: at least your blog does not have the words "run" or "running" anywhere in the title. You are definitely "taking this on," and even though I've only known you for a short while, I'm fairly certain that you will come out on top and make the arthritis your little bitch. Keep your chin up!

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  15. Bummer dude. I am really sorry to hear that. I am looking forward to seeing what you get up to next though!

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  16. So now I won't feel so guilty if I pop some popcorn and lie on the couch while I read what you are up to. I am truly sorry that it is a diagnosis with few and unappealing options.

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  17. So sorry to about your hip. I'm not going away either. What would you do without a couple token dude blog readers? Besides, I have a triathlon blog and may not do one this year.

    Hang in there!

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  18. big time bummer. :( I don't know what to say...my boyfriend was recently told the same thing (after he successfully ran a 50 miler in Sept). They told him it's not a matter of *if* he will need a hip replacement (both hips) it's a matter of *when* and continuing to run will only have his hips go downhill more quickly.

    I HOPE you do find something that works!!

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  19. It's so hard to get a diagnosis like this. I've been thinking about you a lot after reading this on Friday. Your unique perspective is what we're here for, I'll be cheering you on through recovery, therapy or whatever you choose to do.

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  20. A few years ago I had a similar diagnosis on my hip. My diagnosis was FAI (same thing that is wrong with ARod's hip) but even if I got surgery to fix it I'd be looking at hip replacement in a few years due to the arthritis. Since hip replacements only last about 10 years and I hope to live longer than 10 more years, the doctor recommended to get a second opinion and only consider the replacement if I couldn't tolerate the pain.

    Fast forward to now. The second opinion recommended to defer everything. I never got either surgery. Then I finished an ironman.

    Next message: second opinion city is where you want to be and to do everything you can to delay or avoid it. You've got this!

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  21. That just really, really sucks. I've only been reading your blog for a short time, but I've learned that you're a pretty strong and amazing person. This diagnosis doesn't change that.

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  22. i'm so sad for you. really. i only slightly know the feeling (and like my tweet said-fear this could be me with my family history) and can't imagine what you are really going through-because i hopefully have an end. I do know, that you, my dear friend (who i miss & need to catch up with!!), will get through this. xo

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