One year ago today (Feb 13th), I woke at 5 in the morning in agony. I didn't know it then, but I had basically had the disc at L5 in my lower back, break in two. It took me half an hour to get downstairs, and more to get to the A&E at the local hospital. Four months of lying on my back 24/7, then a gradual recovery, aided by drugs (the prescription ones!), ozone injections, and physio, see me, 12 months later, still with some pain, and not nearly back to running, but able to be back to near normal in most ways.
Over the year I have a lot of people to thank, the ever patient Paula Zucherelli, my visitors in the dark early days, Melanie McGeever, John Boyle, Esteban Suppa, and my Frinking Besties, Joanne Hurley, Allison Keogh, Delfina Saravia, Gabriel Cerrudo, Marlo Perry, Marijke Catharina van Rijn, and everyone who sent messages of support. Let's hope the next 12 months is better, physically at least. Mentally, having the support of friends was the best medicine.
In fact, one of those friends is calling around in a little while to take me for a run. Obviously, it will be more of a walk, but I have promised myself I will run a little bit. More likely my cardio unfitness will be more of an issue than my back. I managed to get up and dance at a wedding on Sunday, albeit, no twisting or tango! Let's hope that after one year on the sideline I can finally start to put this back problem, well and truly behind me!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
New Year, and Guess what ?
I ran....
Well, it isn't true to say that I have started running again, but I actually have lifted my two feet of the ground at the same time, and feel like I have achieved my first goal of 2013 already, and it's only the 8th of January.
Let me explain. I signed up for my favourite Podcast, Marathon Talk's, Jantastic Motivational Programme. This is their way of helping those who are preparing for a spring marathon, or getting into, or back into,running. In January, you set a number of runs each week, and try and stay the course. In February, known as Febulous, you add your projected longest run each week, and in march you set your weekly goals.
I have set myself a target in January of 3 workouts per week. Yesterday, I went for the first of them. There is a plaza nearby which is approximately 1/3rd of a kilometre around, and I intended walking 12 laps, totalling up 4Km. I set off at a decent pace, and the first ten laps were a consistent 2:20 per lap. Feeling good, I thought I would try a light jog for 50 metres or so on Lap 11. The first few metres were easy, and I decided on a few more, and then the whole lap was a target....
My back felt OK, no pain, no jarring as I landed back on the floor as my feet reached at least 5 centimetres from the ground. The only difficulty I had was at the top of my stomach. My belly has expanded so much in recent months with no exercise, I think it has now reached my lungs, and clearly my cardio fitness levels are around zero! But I completed the lap in 1:40, which translates to around a 5 minute per Km pace.
The best thing, my back was not showing any signs of discomfort, it's only a little start, but as Chairman Mao once said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
One thing I do need to work seriously at, is reducing my weight. I presently stand at 89 kilos, and want to get that down to 80Kgs by the time of the wedding in June (Liam Og's that is, don't panic!). It will be tough, but I want my lungs back, and my belly can go and visit someone else.....
It's a start.... Happy new year to both my readers!
Well, it isn't true to say that I have started running again, but I actually have lifted my two feet of the ground at the same time, and feel like I have achieved my first goal of 2013 already, and it's only the 8th of January.
Let me explain. I signed up for my favourite Podcast, Marathon Talk's, Jantastic Motivational Programme. This is their way of helping those who are preparing for a spring marathon, or getting into, or back into,running. In January, you set a number of runs each week, and try and stay the course. In February, known as Febulous, you add your projected longest run each week, and in march you set your weekly goals.
I have set myself a target in January of 3 workouts per week. Yesterday, I went for the first of them. There is a plaza nearby which is approximately 1/3rd of a kilometre around, and I intended walking 12 laps, totalling up 4Km. I set off at a decent pace, and the first ten laps were a consistent 2:20 per lap. Feeling good, I thought I would try a light jog for 50 metres or so on Lap 11. The first few metres were easy, and I decided on a few more, and then the whole lap was a target....
My back felt OK, no pain, no jarring as I landed back on the floor as my feet reached at least 5 centimetres from the ground. The only difficulty I had was at the top of my stomach. My belly has expanded so much in recent months with no exercise, I think it has now reached my lungs, and clearly my cardio fitness levels are around zero! But I completed the lap in 1:40, which translates to around a 5 minute per Km pace.
The best thing, my back was not showing any signs of discomfort, it's only a little start, but as Chairman Mao once said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
One thing I do need to work seriously at, is reducing my weight. I presently stand at 89 kilos, and want to get that down to 80Kgs by the time of the wedding in June (Liam Og's that is, don't panic!). It will be tough, but I want my lungs back, and my belly can go and visit someone else.....
It's a start.... Happy new year to both my readers!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Annual Review - This will be short!
As 2012 comes to a close, it's the time that I usually reflect on the past year, how my running has improved, or got worse, the ups and downs of another 12 months in this ageing runners life. Well, if I stuck to form, this would be a very short blog post, given running has not been at the Top of the Charts this year. Instead I will reflect on the year, and look forward to a much better year in 2013, at least as far as running goes.
The year started brightly, and with good intent. The first six weeks saw my weight dropping steadily, my mileage increasing, and things were looking promising for the Santiago Marathon in April. As the weight dropped, the speed was increasing too, and then February 13th arrived. I've written before about the pain, and what happened. The "why it happened" is still a mystery. According to the doctors, it has been an injury waiting to happen for years, and nothing triggered it specifically, and both my original doctor here, and the specialist, have advised that running was not the cause, and that I will be able to run again.
I "celebrated" my 54th birthday in March on my back. At that time I was still having Cortisone Injections every day, along with a cocktail of painkillers/anti-inflammatories, to keep me sane. Gradually, the sheer agony wore off, to be replaced by constant pain, and after Easter, MRI's, X-Rays, Kidney Scans, and various options being outlined to me, I finally started a course of treatment under Dr Calle, with Ozone Injections every two weeks to remedy the situation.
During this time under treatment, it was very difficult to sit on a chair for more than 10 minutes, or even to walk far. I am eternally grateful to Nurse Paula, who had to put up with me for far too long as the invalid patient, she has the patience of a saint, and needed to have with me. Also I was grateful for visits from my Frinking and hashing buddies, with at least two occasions when our Friday Night Frinking Parties arrived at my house, with bottles and food, to cheer me up.
Gradually, some aspects of life returned to a sort of reality, and I was able to start to get out a little. I managed to get to a few Hashes, albeit solely for the circle and a few beers, and Frinking was resumed in the bars of San Telmo, even if only for a couple of pints and home by ten! Over the winter months of July and August, I started to add a few teaching classes again, which when enjoined with the social activities, started to get my sanity back. It still hurt to sit down, but otherwise I managed to get out walking, although all the muscle strength had vanished from my legs. As an ex rugby player, and having ran for 20 years or more, I always prided myself in my leg strength, with well defined quads, even into my 50's, but now, they are more like matchsticks, and a lot of work will need to go into redeveloping these.
I last posted an update here in November, and it was then that I had the idea of entering the local Road Race here in Avellaneda. I had managed to complete the, free to enter, 8Km race in the previous two years, with friends, and as they had a 3Km fun run, Paula and I decided it would be a great mental stimulus to at least walk the 3Km. Which is almost what I did.... I couldn't resist the finish straight, and when I saw the Arch of the Finish Line Balloon, I had to try.... I jogged, in trepidation, the last 200m or so, crossing the line with a PW of 29:20 for 3Km. Paula was crying as I jogged on, but they were tears of joy and relief, as she confessed she had fears that I may never be able to walk again properly, let along jog, such was the pain I had been in earlier in the year.
After the race, I knew that I had to change physios, as my then locally based one was still treating me for the injury, rather than working on the muscles and helping the recovery process. I searched around for an English speaking physio with little success, until I found one on my doorstep. I had completely forgotten that one of the hashers was a Physio, and so I started to trek over to Belgrano, across the city, every week to Sandra Diaz, who has been a godsend, even when she has left me in agony having worked deep tissues. The improvement in flexibility in these last few weeks has been noticeable, and whilst the pain has not vanished, it is no longer agonising, far from it, and I can sit in a chair for a few hours now, without being a wreck afterwards.
As the year comes to a close, I can look forward with hope, that the doctors advice that I could be running again by March is likely to come to fruition. I have set a little target with one of my students, to run a lap (300m), of my local park by the end of January. When I say run, it will be on tiptoes, and very slow, but the process of rebuilding will take time, but all being well, I will be on target to run a little more as the months progress. I may never be fast again, but I will run again.
On a personal level away from the back and trying to run, although as this is supposed to be my running blog, that's what I talk about here, I am awaiting the call to return home to Ireland in the New Year. I am on two months notice of recall now, and even if nothing is heard from Dublin Castle, I will be heading home in May, after 3 1/2 years in Argentina, as Liam Og is getting married on June 1st, and I haven't seen my little grand-daughter Maisie since she was 2 days old in June of last year, so trips to Sheffield will be in order to see her and Melanie too.
So, this was my "short" review of the running year. Mind you, when have I ever been known for keeping anything short? Given only one 3Km "race" in the year, it's amazing how many words I can pack in. Lots to look forward to in the year to come, running, returning to Ireland, the wedding, and most of all, a return to good health. Hopefully, I may even be able to post updates here about running, rather than the ramblings of a grumpy old fella with a bad back.
My old mantra for marathons comes to mind as I recover, "If it is to be, It is up to me", so true.
See you in 2013.
The year started brightly, and with good intent. The first six weeks saw my weight dropping steadily, my mileage increasing, and things were looking promising for the Santiago Marathon in April. As the weight dropped, the speed was increasing too, and then February 13th arrived. I've written before about the pain, and what happened. The "why it happened" is still a mystery. According to the doctors, it has been an injury waiting to happen for years, and nothing triggered it specifically, and both my original doctor here, and the specialist, have advised that running was not the cause, and that I will be able to run again.
I "celebrated" my 54th birthday in March on my back. At that time I was still having Cortisone Injections every day, along with a cocktail of painkillers/anti-inflammatories, to keep me sane. Gradually, the sheer agony wore off, to be replaced by constant pain, and after Easter, MRI's, X-Rays, Kidney Scans, and various options being outlined to me, I finally started a course of treatment under Dr Calle, with Ozone Injections every two weeks to remedy the situation.
During this time under treatment, it was very difficult to sit on a chair for more than 10 minutes, or even to walk far. I am eternally grateful to Nurse Paula, who had to put up with me for far too long as the invalid patient, she has the patience of a saint, and needed to have with me. Also I was grateful for visits from my Frinking and hashing buddies, with at least two occasions when our Friday Night Frinking Parties arrived at my house, with bottles and food, to cheer me up.
Gradually, some aspects of life returned to a sort of reality, and I was able to start to get out a little. I managed to get to a few Hashes, albeit solely for the circle and a few beers, and Frinking was resumed in the bars of San Telmo, even if only for a couple of pints and home by ten! Over the winter months of July and August, I started to add a few teaching classes again, which when enjoined with the social activities, started to get my sanity back. It still hurt to sit down, but otherwise I managed to get out walking, although all the muscle strength had vanished from my legs. As an ex rugby player, and having ran for 20 years or more, I always prided myself in my leg strength, with well defined quads, even into my 50's, but now, they are more like matchsticks, and a lot of work will need to go into redeveloping these.
I last posted an update here in November, and it was then that I had the idea of entering the local Road Race here in Avellaneda. I had managed to complete the, free to enter, 8Km race in the previous two years, with friends, and as they had a 3Km fun run, Paula and I decided it would be a great mental stimulus to at least walk the 3Km. Which is almost what I did.... I couldn't resist the finish straight, and when I saw the Arch of the Finish Line Balloon, I had to try.... I jogged, in trepidation, the last 200m or so, crossing the line with a PW of 29:20 for 3Km. Paula was crying as I jogged on, but they were tears of joy and relief, as she confessed she had fears that I may never be able to walk again properly, let along jog, such was the pain I had been in earlier in the year.
After the race, I knew that I had to change physios, as my then locally based one was still treating me for the injury, rather than working on the muscles and helping the recovery process. I searched around for an English speaking physio with little success, until I found one on my doorstep. I had completely forgotten that one of the hashers was a Physio, and so I started to trek over to Belgrano, across the city, every week to Sandra Diaz, who has been a godsend, even when she has left me in agony having worked deep tissues. The improvement in flexibility in these last few weeks has been noticeable, and whilst the pain has not vanished, it is no longer agonising, far from it, and I can sit in a chair for a few hours now, without being a wreck afterwards.
As the year comes to a close, I can look forward with hope, that the doctors advice that I could be running again by March is likely to come to fruition. I have set a little target with one of my students, to run a lap (300m), of my local park by the end of January. When I say run, it will be on tiptoes, and very slow, but the process of rebuilding will take time, but all being well, I will be on target to run a little more as the months progress. I may never be fast again, but I will run again.
On a personal level away from the back and trying to run, although as this is supposed to be my running blog, that's what I talk about here, I am awaiting the call to return home to Ireland in the New Year. I am on two months notice of recall now, and even if nothing is heard from Dublin Castle, I will be heading home in May, after 3 1/2 years in Argentina, as Liam Og is getting married on June 1st, and I haven't seen my little grand-daughter Maisie since she was 2 days old in June of last year, so trips to Sheffield will be in order to see her and Melanie too.
So, this was my "short" review of the running year. Mind you, when have I ever been known for keeping anything short? Given only one 3Km "race" in the year, it's amazing how many words I can pack in. Lots to look forward to in the year to come, running, returning to Ireland, the wedding, and most of all, a return to good health. Hopefully, I may even be able to post updates here about running, rather than the ramblings of a grumpy old fella with a bad back.
My old mantra for marathons comes to mind as I recover, "If it is to be, It is up to me", so true.
See you in 2013.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
OMG - It's been a while...
What can I say. The blog title says it all, and I should be looking for a "meeting" - Runners Anonymous - "Hi, my name is Liam, and it has been 9 months since I last ran....."
Only difference is, I am desperate to run again. In general, my back has been improving over the winter months (remember I'm still in the Southern Hemisphere), and I have reduced the drugs to just two a day (from 9, and an injection every other day!). I have managed to resume a relatively normal life, some teaching, walking, even attending the Hash, although only in the last few have I walked the wimps trail. But I still have problems sitting down for any length of time, so when I'm at home, I spend most of the time lying flat on my back on my bed.
The injections have worked, up to a point, but, clearly, the problem hasn't gone away. Just today, heading out to teach a class, my back hurt, with the pain going into the right leg, via the siatic nerve. Two blocks out, and my leg gave way, dropping me to the floor - ouch! Thankfully, only my pride was hurt, thanks to my back pack, I'm far too young to be falling down in the middle of the day - maybe on a Friday night after a few, nut not today.
The doc says it will be at least March before I can contemplate running again, but on the plus side, I have entered a local 5Km race this Sunday, obviously I will be walking, so expect a PW. Paula is joining me for her first taste of the race atmosphere, which will be fun.
On another plus note, my son, also a Liam, ran his second marathon this week, in Dublin, beating his time from last year, with a time of 4:13:52, proud of him. Hopefully I'll recover to join him on the start line before my body breaks down completely. Finally, as a true son of Erin, here's a picture, on a good back day last month, meeting with the Irish President, here in Buenos Aires, not a bad day at all.
Only difference is, I am desperate to run again. In general, my back has been improving over the winter months (remember I'm still in the Southern Hemisphere), and I have reduced the drugs to just two a day (from 9, and an injection every other day!). I have managed to resume a relatively normal life, some teaching, walking, even attending the Hash, although only in the last few have I walked the wimps trail. But I still have problems sitting down for any length of time, so when I'm at home, I spend most of the time lying flat on my back on my bed.
The injections have worked, up to a point, but, clearly, the problem hasn't gone away. Just today, heading out to teach a class, my back hurt, with the pain going into the right leg, via the siatic nerve. Two blocks out, and my leg gave way, dropping me to the floor - ouch! Thankfully, only my pride was hurt, thanks to my back pack, I'm far too young to be falling down in the middle of the day - maybe on a Friday night after a few, nut not today.
The doc says it will be at least March before I can contemplate running again, but on the plus side, I have entered a local 5Km race this Sunday, obviously I will be walking, so expect a PW. Paula is joining me for her first taste of the race atmosphere, which will be fun.
On another plus note, my son, also a Liam, ran his second marathon this week, in Dublin, beating his time from last year, with a time of 4:13:52, proud of him. Hopefully I'll recover to join him on the start line before my body breaks down completely. Finally, as a true son of Erin, here's a picture, on a good back day last month, meeting with the Irish President, here in Buenos Aires, not a bad day at all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Back with an update on the Back!
Well, here we are at the end of July, and it's been a while since I updated anyone with news of my back problem. Suffice to say, one of the reasons that there has been little information has been the fact that there has been little to report. As you know, I started a course of treatment involving injections of ozone into my lower back, and this process takes time to have an effect. I'm sure nobody wanted to read my daily rants about nothing to report!
Well, here we are, and whilst I am, understandably frustrated at the length of time all is taking, I am pleased to report that there has been significant improvement, albeit there are some days when the forward steps seem to take a retreat. I can get up and about on my own, however I can't bend enough to put socks or shoes on, for example. With the drugs, I am able to get out to the shops and for a drink on a Friday night, but sitting down for any time is very uncomfortable, which is another reason why I can't post long details of anything.
The long term diagnosis is positive. I have also now started physiotherapy twice a week, which is helping to relax the muscles that have tightened to rock over the months. I am not going to set goals as to when I can get back to doing things that a normal person would do. I'm guessing that the earlier advice that it would be, at the earliest, next March when I could run again, is still the realistic time frame for that, but we will see.
I'll come back and post again soon, hopefully as things get even better. Here's a pic of me from Sunday, when we hosted the hash from the house - obviously I didn't take part in the running, but enjoyed the company of friends, which helps the healing process. It's been a tough few months, but we're getting there - Snail like at times, but whilst the light may seem a long way, I think I can see a flicker in this tunnel.
Well, here we are, and whilst I am, understandably frustrated at the length of time all is taking, I am pleased to report that there has been significant improvement, albeit there are some days when the forward steps seem to take a retreat. I can get up and about on my own, however I can't bend enough to put socks or shoes on, for example. With the drugs, I am able to get out to the shops and for a drink on a Friday night, but sitting down for any time is very uncomfortable, which is another reason why I can't post long details of anything.
The long term diagnosis is positive. I have also now started physiotherapy twice a week, which is helping to relax the muscles that have tightened to rock over the months. I am not going to set goals as to when I can get back to doing things that a normal person would do. I'm guessing that the earlier advice that it would be, at the earliest, next March when I could run again, is still the realistic time frame for that, but we will see.
I'll come back and post again soon, hopefully as things get even better. Here's a pic of me from Sunday, when we hosted the hash from the house - obviously I didn't take part in the running, but enjoyed the company of friends, which helps the healing process. It's been a tough few months, but we're getting there - Snail like at times, but whilst the light may seem a long way, I think I can see a flicker in this tunnel.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Back Update...3 Months and counting...
BACK UPDATE...May 14th - 13 WEEKS. Yes, incredibly it has now been 13 weeks, three months, since the L5 disc in my back decided to herniate. For some reason, unknown to man, I haven't quite cracked up, yet! There is progress, and I have now had three courses of ozone injections, with more to come. It's a slow improvement, but I can get up and about in the house, and have even ventured out to the kiosko. Blessed by my nurse, who really deserves sainthood for putting up with me, and my friends who have ventured over to visit, and others who call me regularly for updates and chat.
All being well, I aim to attend the Second Rio del Plata Hash this coming weekend, obviously not running, or even walking, but it will be great to get back into some form of normality. i attach a picture of the ozone treatment being injected into my lower back, so you can see how it works. It's been a long 3 months, it was summer when it happened, and now we have the heating on as winter draws near.... misses quite a bit of this year already, hopefully it won't be too much longer before I can get back to enjoying life again.
All being well, I aim to attend the Second Rio del Plata Hash this coming weekend, obviously not running, or even walking, but it will be great to get back into some form of normality. i attach a picture of the ozone treatment being injected into my lower back, so you can see how it works. It's been a long 3 months, it was summer when it happened, and now we have the heating on as winter draws near.... misses quite a bit of this year already, hopefully it won't be too much longer before I can get back to enjoying life again.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
8 Weeks Update - I'll be missing for a while it seems...
You may, or maybe not, have noticed that, having started back posting my summer training (remember I live south of the equator) over a few months, I suddenly vanished from the site, and no posts have appeared sine early Feb, except a brief-ish update. So, what happened? Here's the full story up to date.......
Well, the training was going nicely, a few aches and pains, but nothing to loose sleep over, and on Monday Feb 13th, i got up early with the intention of going for an easy 18km (12m-ish) run. Being in my early 50's, i like to stretch before heading out, and while stretching my lower back felt very stiff - no great pain, just tight... So I decided not to risk an early run on concrete, and agreed with myself to leave the run until the evening, when it would be cool again.
As the day progressed, my back tended to get a bit sorer, and by evening I abandoned a run, thinking I had trapped a nerve, or slept funny overnight. Went to bed, and woke up in agony around 3am. Suffice to say, it took me 30 minutes to get out of bed in the morning, and I was in so much pain, I had to go to the hospital; and ER as I could barely walk. A painkilling shot later, and advice to go home and lie flat for a few days followed...
Without boring you with details, I was in agony for 10 days, unable to walk etc., and I got an appointment with a back doctor, an x ray & MRI later, and I have a herniated disc! (L-5). The best treatment for this, is generally no treatment. Rest, lie flat, take anti-inflamatories,and see what happens when it quieten downs.... It didn't....
8 weeks later... Without heavy painkillers I still cannot walk further than the toilet, and on some days, not even that far, so clearly the normal treatment wasn't going to solve the problem. It was time for fresh opinions. On Tuesday I went to see another specialist at a major private clinic here in BsAs, he recommended injecting a Epidural Block into the spine, and if that failed to cure the problem, surgery.... I'm obviously not keen on the knife, but it was an option.
Yesterday, I was due to see a different specialist at Staff Espinal, a private clinic offering a different type of treatment, injecting the spine and disc area affected with ozone over a number of weeks, which helps to heal the affected area, reducing the inflammation, and has an 82% success rate. I was actually in too much pain to go, so Paula went with my MRI etc., and explained all. Last night we sat down, weighed up the options and costs, and decided to go with ozone.
Today, I had my first set of injections. There are thee insertions, first the local anisthetic, then two doses of the gases, injected directly into the lower back. It only takes about 15 minutes, a little rest, and back home. It isn't a magic wand solution, with the benefits starting to show after 3 or 4 sessions, but it's a start. Then the question I had to ask,,,,, If all goes well, when would I be able to think about starting up running again? The doc was honest, and said that it wouldn't be a problem to run again, and all being well, I could possibly start light jogging on grass in March next year...!!!!!!! Yep, at least 9 months, and up to a year!
So there you have it, the reason for my absence from here, just as I had got into the swing of it again... I hadn't expected to be absent from running for as long as this, let alone, what will inevitably be a year. My leg muscle tone has already vanished with 8 weeks prostrate, losing 12 lbs in weight, and all of it muscle... On the plus side, if I get back running next year I will have entered a new age group as I hit 55 next March, so although I will be slow etc., I will be setting New Age Group PR's....
I'll drop by with Ramblings as I take the long road to recovery, I don't intend this to be the end of my running life, just a set back I could have done without. The annoying thing is, it wasn't even caused by running, but it's running that will suffer.
In the cliche words of that ex-governator - I'll be back....
Well, the training was going nicely, a few aches and pains, but nothing to loose sleep over, and on Monday Feb 13th, i got up early with the intention of going for an easy 18km (12m-ish) run. Being in my early 50's, i like to stretch before heading out, and while stretching my lower back felt very stiff - no great pain, just tight... So I decided not to risk an early run on concrete, and agreed with myself to leave the run until the evening, when it would be cool again.
As the day progressed, my back tended to get a bit sorer, and by evening I abandoned a run, thinking I had trapped a nerve, or slept funny overnight. Went to bed, and woke up in agony around 3am. Suffice to say, it took me 30 minutes to get out of bed in the morning, and I was in so much pain, I had to go to the hospital; and ER as I could barely walk. A painkilling shot later, and advice to go home and lie flat for a few days followed...
Without boring you with details, I was in agony for 10 days, unable to walk etc., and I got an appointment with a back doctor, an x ray & MRI later, and I have a herniated disc! (L-5). The best treatment for this, is generally no treatment. Rest, lie flat, take anti-inflamatories,and see what happens when it quieten downs.... It didn't....
8 weeks later... Without heavy painkillers I still cannot walk further than the toilet, and on some days, not even that far, so clearly the normal treatment wasn't going to solve the problem. It was time for fresh opinions. On Tuesday I went to see another specialist at a major private clinic here in BsAs, he recommended injecting a Epidural Block into the spine, and if that failed to cure the problem, surgery.... I'm obviously not keen on the knife, but it was an option.
Yesterday, I was due to see a different specialist at Staff Espinal, a private clinic offering a different type of treatment, injecting the spine and disc area affected with ozone over a number of weeks, which helps to heal the affected area, reducing the inflammation, and has an 82% success rate. I was actually in too much pain to go, so Paula went with my MRI etc., and explained all. Last night we sat down, weighed up the options and costs, and decided to go with ozone.
Today, I had my first set of injections. There are thee insertions, first the local anisthetic, then two doses of the gases, injected directly into the lower back. It only takes about 15 minutes, a little rest, and back home. It isn't a magic wand solution, with the benefits starting to show after 3 or 4 sessions, but it's a start. Then the question I had to ask,,,,, If all goes well, when would I be able to think about starting up running again? The doc was honest, and said that it wouldn't be a problem to run again, and all being well, I could possibly start light jogging on grass in March next year...!!!!!!! Yep, at least 9 months, and up to a year!
So there you have it, the reason for my absence from here, just as I had got into the swing of it again... I hadn't expected to be absent from running for as long as this, let alone, what will inevitably be a year. My leg muscle tone has already vanished with 8 weeks prostrate, losing 12 lbs in weight, and all of it muscle... On the plus side, if I get back running next year I will have entered a new age group as I hit 55 next March, so although I will be slow etc., I will be setting New Age Group PR's....
I'll drop by with Ramblings as I take the long road to recovery, I don't intend this to be the end of my running life, just a set back I could have done without. The annoying thing is, it wasn't even caused by running, but it's running that will suffer.
In the cliche words of that ex-governator - I'll be back....
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
6 WEEKS FLAT OUT - AN UPDATE
My back first started to give me a problem on Monday Feb 13th, and that morning, feeling as if I has trapped a nerve, I did't go for planned run, hoping that I could make a run the following day, which wouldn't make a big difference in my plan for Santiago.
Move forward 6 weeks, to March 27th, today. I should be tapering for Sunday's Marathon. Instead, I spent the morning at the hospital, having further X-Rays on my back, and an ultrasound, they ruled out pregnancy, as they wanted to check the kidneys (no problem there). I am still flat on my back 23 hours a day, find it very tiring to stand for any length, and almost impossible to sit down, as the problem lies in the lower back, right where you bend to sit down. The actual disc is out of place at the front of the vertebrae, hence the deep-set issue of the problem. I have a change in medication, although all that does is bring down the inflammation for a few hours - easing the pain. Another two weeks of bed, interspersed with some walking, using a medical corset to keep me upright.
So, there you go, I am a crock. I have no idea when I will be back active. To be honest, I don't know when I will be back walking properly, let alone running, but one thing is for sure, I WILL. Watch this space...........................................
Move forward 6 weeks, to March 27th, today. I should be tapering for Sunday's Marathon. Instead, I spent the morning at the hospital, having further X-Rays on my back, and an ultrasound, they ruled out pregnancy, as they wanted to check the kidneys (no problem there). I am still flat on my back 23 hours a day, find it very tiring to stand for any length, and almost impossible to sit down, as the problem lies in the lower back, right where you bend to sit down. The actual disc is out of place at the front of the vertebrae, hence the deep-set issue of the problem. I have a change in medication, although all that does is bring down the inflammation for a few hours - easing the pain. Another two weeks of bed, interspersed with some walking, using a medical corset to keep me upright.
So, there you go, I am a crock. I have no idea when I will be back active. To be honest, I don't know when I will be back walking properly, let alone running, but one thing is for sure, I WILL. Watch this space...........................................
Friday, March 02, 2012
Well, That's another Comeback thwarted!
You may have noticed the lack of posts in February, and no updates on my progress. That's because it all came to a grinding halt on Feb 12th. Followers of my Facebook page will know, but in simple terms, I slipped a disc... Obviously this has left me laid up on my back, injections, painkillers, MRI's, X-Rays, the lot, and I will be laid up for at least another month. I have no idea when I can get back running, walking would be nice. Happily, it is getting easier, the first week was very difficult for me, and for Nurse Paula who is looking after me, above and beyond the Call of Duty.
I will try and post an update as to when I can commence my recovery. Obviously, I won't be going to Santiago next month, and I can't make any future plans until I am fully recovered. On the plus side, my weight is down to 82Kgs now, an amazing 16Kgs lighter than January 2011, and a great drop this year as well. I was aimimg at 80Kgs for Santiago, so I can still work on that, which will stand me in good stead when I do start running again - and I will......
I will try and post an update as to when I can commence my recovery. Obviously, I won't be going to Santiago next month, and I can't make any future plans until I am fully recovered. On the plus side, my weight is down to 82Kgs now, an amazing 16Kgs lighter than January 2011, and a great drop this year as well. I was aimimg at 80Kgs for Santiago, so I can still work on that, which will stand me in good stead when I do start running again - and I will......
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Weekly Update with Longest Run for a few years
Week 5, of the 13 week plan, completed and another good week, without being over confident or slipping backwards. When I really got started on this at the beginning of the year, I did have my self-doubts as to how long I would keep it up for, and when would I drop back, mentally, into that frame of mind that has seen me have good intentions, but never carry them through, in the last few years. So far, after 5 weeks, the mental side of things seems to be under control, and no excuses have been needed for missing a planned run, and physically, things are heading in the right direction.
When I started the plan, January was intended to be about regular running, no speed work, no great distances, just getting used to heading out and actually training, rather than running when I felt like it, which had been a feature of my running for the last couple of years. January was a success, with more Kms run than any other month for a long, long time, in fact the first time over 100Km a month since July 2009. The weight too has been dropping off according to plan, and 5 Kgs in the first 5 weeks is a very acceptable level, and with the plan hoping to see a weight of 80Kg by Race Day in 8 weeks, the 1kg per week target seems well within reach.
What of this week. I started with a gym session on Monday, and a 5Km tempo run, as I seek to add one speed session a week in the February plan. This went well, with the run taking a little over 25 minutes. The weather broke a bit this week, with some storms and even floods in parts of the city, but these did not interfere with my running at all, aside from making the runs a little cooler after Tuesdays run, where I set out a little later than planned and felt the heat of the morning as I ran. I then managed three 10Km runs this week, all nice and steady, nothing special to write about, just steady mileage building runs, all of which lead up to this morning, and my longest run so far.
Because of the lack of interesting places to run around here, without travelling a distance for a run, something I will do later in my training, I decided that my 8 miler, would in fact be 14Km, which would consist of my usual 3Km run down to the Parque Dominico, and then I would complete 6 laps of the park, each lap is around 1.35Kms, making 3 laps 4Km. SO, by extending this run to 6 laps, I would be running 8 Kms in the park. Sunday's in this Parque are very interesting, as at one end, there is an open air market, where the main business seems to revolve around the selling of caged birds, budgies, canaries etc, and so there is a lot of activity for early Sunday morning. Obviously, I am not alone in using these green lungs as a training base, and it's always great to see, and acknowledge, other runners as you plod along, with the addition of many fitness walkers who use the circuit of the park for their own exercise.
The weather today was heavy and overcast, warm, around 26 degrees, even at 8am, but with the cloud cover, there was no burning sun to add to the heat exposure, and despite a lot of sweating, the weather didn't affect my running. I deliberately took things easy on the 3 Km run down to the park, and although not running to the watch, I did check the time to ensure I was keeping the pace in check. It was nice and steady to the park in a little under 18 minutes, and I then proceeded to complete each lap in a steady 6:40, relatively even paced for each circuit, before heading back to Avenue Belgrano and the asphalt trek back to base. I completed the run in 1:15:43, a pace of around 5:25 per Km, which is faster than I plan to be running my marathon, and although feeling the extra distance in the legs, overall it was a comfortable run considering how quickly I have managed to get to this point. I can continue my February plan with great expectations of success in maintaining my progress.
I add a little picture of the Parque where I am spending so much of my time at present, and whilst it doesn't do justice to the excellent running route circuit, it at least shows you where I am. The name of the Parque seems to confuse everyone around here - On the map it's called Parque Presidente Sarmiento, everyone refers to it as the Parque Villa Dominico, and this sign says something different - All I know is that it is the best place locally for me to run, and is helping me in my attempts to get Marathon fit by April.
When I started the plan, January was intended to be about regular running, no speed work, no great distances, just getting used to heading out and actually training, rather than running when I felt like it, which had been a feature of my running for the last couple of years. January was a success, with more Kms run than any other month for a long, long time, in fact the first time over 100Km a month since July 2009. The weight too has been dropping off according to plan, and 5 Kgs in the first 5 weeks is a very acceptable level, and with the plan hoping to see a weight of 80Kg by Race Day in 8 weeks, the 1kg per week target seems well within reach.
What of this week. I started with a gym session on Monday, and a 5Km tempo run, as I seek to add one speed session a week in the February plan. This went well, with the run taking a little over 25 minutes. The weather broke a bit this week, with some storms and even floods in parts of the city, but these did not interfere with my running at all, aside from making the runs a little cooler after Tuesdays run, where I set out a little later than planned and felt the heat of the morning as I ran. I then managed three 10Km runs this week, all nice and steady, nothing special to write about, just steady mileage building runs, all of which lead up to this morning, and my longest run so far.
Because of the lack of interesting places to run around here, without travelling a distance for a run, something I will do later in my training, I decided that my 8 miler, would in fact be 14Km, which would consist of my usual 3Km run down to the Parque Dominico, and then I would complete 6 laps of the park, each lap is around 1.35Kms, making 3 laps 4Km. SO, by extending this run to 6 laps, I would be running 8 Kms in the park. Sunday's in this Parque are very interesting, as at one end, there is an open air market, where the main business seems to revolve around the selling of caged birds, budgies, canaries etc, and so there is a lot of activity for early Sunday morning. Obviously, I am not alone in using these green lungs as a training base, and it's always great to see, and acknowledge, other runners as you plod along, with the addition of many fitness walkers who use the circuit of the park for their own exercise.
The weather today was heavy and overcast, warm, around 26 degrees, even at 8am, but with the cloud cover, there was no burning sun to add to the heat exposure, and despite a lot of sweating, the weather didn't affect my running. I deliberately took things easy on the 3 Km run down to the park, and although not running to the watch, I did check the time to ensure I was keeping the pace in check. It was nice and steady to the park in a little under 18 minutes, and I then proceeded to complete each lap in a steady 6:40, relatively even paced for each circuit, before heading back to Avenue Belgrano and the asphalt trek back to base. I completed the run in 1:15:43, a pace of around 5:25 per Km, which is faster than I plan to be running my marathon, and although feeling the extra distance in the legs, overall it was a comfortable run considering how quickly I have managed to get to this point. I can continue my February plan with great expectations of success in maintaining my progress.
I add a little picture of the Parque where I am spending so much of my time at present, and whilst it doesn't do justice to the excellent running route circuit, it at least shows you where I am. The name of the Parque seems to confuse everyone around here - On the map it's called Parque Presidente Sarmiento, everyone refers to it as the Parque Villa Dominico, and this sign says something different - All I know is that it is the best place locally for me to run, and is helping me in my attempts to get Marathon fit by April.
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