I'm not a freak....

...Ok, ok. No comments from the peanut gallery on the title. I'm really not a freak. I had my second opinion appointment for my knee yesterday. If you will recall the first doctor said he had never seen anything like it. Pretty much made me feel awesome and unique like a freak of nature. His resolution was for me to stop running long distances. When I went in for the follow-up I saw the PA and had a much better experience and left feeling hopeful that I wasn't rocking chair bound with only medals and old has-been stories to show and tell of my glory days. Even then I wanted a second opinion. So yesterday was the long-awaited day.

Immediately I felt good about this place. The staff was knowledgable, the rooms were large and comfortable. They took me back for some weight bearing x-rays and then I was sent back to meet with the doctor. He looked at my MRI and actually pointed things out, explained the location, explained the size of the cyst, and told me he had seen and successfully treated this once before. Score! See, I'm not a freak of nature....He assured me that to remove the cyst it could be done orthoscopically and he would not have to sever my ligaments and tendons and artery. He could do it with just two nice little holes. The first doctor told me I would have months of recovery and a scar as long as the Oregon Trail on the back of my knee (that he said "would mess up my nice legs") that would ultimately lead me to not running anyway because it would impede mobility. The opinions between these two Sports Medicine Surgeons could not be more opposite. I find this both troubling and crazy. Either way the news is good. There is no structural damage, I can safely run without damaging my knee. I do have a small amount of fluid under the meniscus, but not really a concern. It's just a matter of pain. For now there is minimal pain and I don't see cause for surgery or creepy long needles steroid shots. We will see how it holds up over the next two months as I increase my mileage and intensity. 

So as I move in to week 3 of OBX full marathon training I am happy to consider myself as having a clean bill of health. Always a good sign. 

Well I'm making my list and checking it twice for my weekend trip to the beach to meet my friend and running buddy RED. We shared miles and miles and miles and miles together and I miss her.  I am so excited to see her...

Fun at the park!

Misery in Portland 26.2 on 10/10/10. She pulled me to the finish...

What are you excited for? Any fun plans this week/weekend?