Wednesday, July 18, 2012

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?

17 comments:

  1. That's great news!!! Congratulations and let the training begin! :)

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  2. That is outstanding news ... and also maddening that you could get such polar opposite diagnoses. I know medicine is not an exact science, but that's ridiculous. Good luck getting back to running - you're going to love the OBX race.

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    1. Oh thank you!! So you did OBX? Do you have a race recap of it? I'm pretty excited!

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  3. That's scary that you could get such different diagnoses. Good thing you got a second opinion!

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    1. I know, right? I actually was so disturbed after the first apt that I got a third opinion authorized. Just to make sure. For real!

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  4. I'm so happy for you and the great news! Now I can't wait to continue reading about your marathon training!

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    1. Thanks girl! Let me tell you, I hope the training is worth following. I'll try to keep it exciting. =)

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  5. That's wonderful news!! Crazy how two doctors can be so different and give completely different advice lol...

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    1. Yep, lesson learned here is to always seek a second opinion if your not satisfied. Our health and mobility are important!

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  6. Good news. It calls for a celebration! :)
    But I find it scary that two doctors can have such different diagnoses and have different approaches.

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    1. I like where your head's at....now how shall I celebrate??? =) Perhaps a trip to the beach!!!

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  7. BURN CAMP!!! I am happy about your knee that is good news. I hope you and have Red have a lot of fun! I love the beaches where you live!

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  8. My plan for this weekend is taking it easy, and let my husband do the cooking! I do have a 10 miler planned, with a coffee break in between.

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  9. If it is any consolation we treat cysts in the joints of racehorses a lot. More recently the cysts have been filled with cells to allow faster healing and we are getting great results. If we can do it in horses I have no doubt they can fix you! :)
    I am running a 10k in wine country this weekend....I'm hoping for free wine at the end!

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  10. This. Is. Great. News. What a relief for you!! Can't wait for OBX!!!!

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  11. That is freaking fantastic!!! Soo happy for you!!! I'm excited for the year 2013 to come. My boyfriend and I went ring shopping today and I'm excited for the future :)

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You're pretty much awesome!!

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