7 mm tear.

I finally got an MRI this week, which is what I've wanted since about April, when the tendon that runs up the inner side of my left ankle started screaming every time I stepped on a rock.  I finally got into a foot/ankle orthopedist (which in itself was no easy feat), and he referred me for an MRI after I pleaded.  The results were sent to both my orthopedist--who I won't see until next Friday--and my ART guy (who is a chiropractor).  My ART guy called me on Friday to tell me that the results indicate I've got a 7 mm tear right below where the tendon makes a turn around that little knobby inner ankle bone.  It doesn't sound like much, a 7 mm tear, but I'm dreading what my orthopedist has to tell me on Friday.  It's in a spot where the tendon isn't that thick, so 7 mm is maybe 30-40% of the tendon.  And my ART guy, guessed that they might recommend surgery if I want it to ever actually heal enough to run without pain and without further damage.  Argh.  But here's to hoping he doesn't know what he's talking about, and that the orthopedist just recommends a supportive orthotic and encourages me to start running 80 mile weeks again.  Dare to dream.

Injuries, bike crashes, and cross-country moves.

I've been a negligent blogger bc I've been a negligent runner of late. I've gotten to the point where I feel like I'm not a runner, and never will be again. It's only been about a month of true slacking, or maybe getting closer to 2, but it feels like a lifetime.

So, posterior tibial tendonitis has been bugging me since April, and really bugging me since June. I've tried foot doctors, PTs and am now doing some ART. It isn't necessarily getting any worse. It doesn't seem to be getting any better, either, and with the amount of running I've been doing, I would expect it to be. Still, when I run and suddenly step on a rock, or other action that causes my heel to land below my toe, it hurts like heck.

I've also had a pain in my lower abdominal region for the past several months. Well, really dating back to almost a year ago. I've been convinced I've had a hernia, but my primary care guy hasn't bought that guess yet. The ART guy I've been seeing thinks it's osteitis pubis, and might be right. Anyhow, this problem does seem to fade with decreased running, but comes back quickly when I run. Anyhow, I've got some core strengthening exercises to do in the meantime, and we'll see if I can get through both of these issues so that I can RUN again. And by run, I mean a multi-hour blissful run through leaf-strewn colorful trails. Ah, dare to dream.

In other news, I tested positive for Lyme disease. I found a couple of miniscule ticks on me in August, and my doctor told me to get tested after about 6 weeks. So, when I went in to complain about my hernia and try to get an MRI for my ankle, I went ahead and got tested. I'm hoping that it was from one of the 2009 summer ticks, and not something I picked up years ago, but there is no way to know. I'm taking antibiotics, and need to check back in with my doctor. Every arthritic pain I have has me in a panic as to whether it's related to this or not.

In other news, I'm moving to Portland, Oregon. It came about pretty quickly. I visited, decided I wanted to move there, applied for a job, got the job, and am now working out the logistics of a cross country move. I've gone from being super excited to panic struck. Lots of details to work out with figuring out what to take, and what to leave. Unfortunately, Fred and Ginger (my kitties) are in the 'what to leave' category, as they'll stay in my house with their other mom. What to do with my house is another issue, but I'm hoping to hold onto it for as long as is feasible.

Bike crashes....well, nothing new there, except crash #5 of the summer/fall on Saturday. I just keep tipping over. This time in front of a barber shop, with a bunch of old friendly guys from the neighborhood. I'll give the pedals 3 more crashes before I give up on them.

That's it for now. Likely no more races for me in 2009. I just look forward to being healthy again, and getting the mileage back up. The soft pine-needly trails in Oregon should be good for all that ails me.