Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Verdict Is In

The only reason that waiting for the MRI results didn't drive me crazy was the fact that the outcome would definitely involve rest, i.e. not running, so delaying the prognosis wasn't detrimental to recovery.

I called the clinic this afternoon and was told that Dr. C didn't come in today. Um... were they just going to make me wait until next Wednesday for results? I don't think so. I requested that someone else get my MRI in their hands.

As I was driving home from work, I received a call from Dr. B (who saw me in 2005). He said that I had a slight longitudinal tear in the peroneal tendon and would most likely not require surgery.

PAR-TAY!!!

I asked what I should do. He said to continue to not run for - brace yourselves - three months. He predicts I'll be pain free and tear free by May 1st (mark your calendars in RED -- that will be a big day!!!!) I took that news in stride (pardon the pun) as I was mentally prepared. I confirmed with him that cycling and swimming were great options. Since late last week I have been getting advice from Shirley on what kind of bike to get -- and I had decided that I'd "switch" to cycling, regardless, for a while to let my foot rest and to enhance everything else. Yes, I'll miss running, but now I get the chance to try something completely new and exciting -- and another sport that I can do forever (which is what I keep telling myself when I see the price of bikes).

I will not cheat and try to run in 6 weeks or something crazy like that -- what's important is that my tendon HEALS. The races will still be here next spring. I have updated my sidebar race calendar accordingly.

I am enjoying a roaring fire this evening.

So there ya have it. Now I KNOW - and I feel good about it. Thanks for all of your support!

10 comments:

Dawn said...

hooray for no surgery!!! Yay!

ShirleyPerly said...

Ditto that on the no surgery!!!

And would you believe that I still have my old mtn bike from college that's over 20 years old? Yep, as a matter of fact, I have done 50-75 mile long endurance rides on it, did my first tri on it and still ride it occasionally when I'm just riding for fun or doing errands. It cost a fortune when I was in grad school ($100-200) but was/is well worth it.

Maddy said...

Whew! No surgery is a good thing! Biking is a good option - and you will be able to maintain your cardio.

With all this cross-training - I'm thinking triathalon for you!

Arland said...

Glad to hear you don't have to have surgery. Biking is an excellent option and is a lot of fun, other than I personally do not like it in below 40 degree weather. I can see a 100 miler in your future soon!! It's as much fun as a marathon.

Marathon Maritza said...

This post wins the award for "Most Upbeat Post About an Injury."

So glad you don't need surgery and that you are super excited about your new adventure on a bike! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Happy resting!

peter said...

Good to have a prognosis and a recovery plan and go with it! The two times I was hurt and prescribed rest, waiting the required amt. of time did the trick--it was a pain in the neck getting my endurance back but 4 weeks after I came back each time I was right back in the mix. Your biking plan sounds like fun.

CewTwo said...

I was heavily (hey! I'm 'heavy' into whatever I do) into Mountain Biking for several years. Last year was the first year that I did not do any... I broke the frame on my first Mountain bike. My Giant is locked to the back porch. Let me extend my list of wannas now... Wanna bike with Susan... Maybe you could do that half century with Ron of A Foodie's Life now!

Seriously though, Congrats on the no surgery prognosis!

Chief Wahoo said...

Great news that surgery will not be required.

I am impressed with how you are taking it all in stride and so willing to try another sport.

The time will go by fast! I look forward to reading about your biking adventures!

MarathonChris said...

Glad you don't need the surgery - and you are back on a plan without skipping a beat! The time will fly and before you know it, you will be back running - but with a new biking love as well!!!

Next...swimming :-)

Jodi said...

3 months! He's crazy! That painting's cool.