OK, I finally buckled down and went to the doctor.
No one likes doing this, but it's just not smart to avoid getting checked out, especially if you've got some pains or its just been awhile since your last visit.
As some of you know, I've been complaining about my left knee. In getting back into my running circuit after too long an absence, there are stresses that my (now older) knees are not used to enduring. This is why it's so important to build a base up slowly. Makes sense, yet my exuberance to get going again foiled my plan and now I'm paying the price.
I saw my doctor and he has recommended a sports doctor to thoroughly check out my knees, form, and fitness plans. In the meantime, it appears that I have a tendonitis problem. All will be well, it's just that my plans will now need to be adjusted for a slower period of building up my base. It also means saying goodbye to the Martian and Trail Half Marathon hopes (which were way too ambitious anyway). The Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon is still a possibility. I'll see what the sports doc has to say when I get checked out on April 22nd.
As for a more serious issue, I was really getting concerned about my heart. I have been having some chest pains for several weeks. As it turns out, my heart is fine (I always thought I had a good heart!). What is causing the discomfort is a combination of inflammation in the lungs from a winter battle with bronchitis as well as some pain coming from the cartilage connecting one of my ribs to my breastbone. Somehow, this cartilage was traumatized (I don't remember getting into any scuffles, but you should see the other guy!). This irritation is called costochondritis. I never have heard of this before, but now it's helped expand my vocubulary the hard way.
It was a relief to learn that all is fine and that these discomforts will soon pass. Had something more serious been diagnosed, we would have been on it pronto.
So you see it really makes sense to invest the time to go and see your doctor. Don't put it off thinking you could take the pain or shrug off lingering issues as something that may pass. Take care of yourself and as a result you'll be able to take care of others.
I hope your training plans are all going well. Let me know how you're doing by sending me a line at edmarathon@sbcglobal.net. Follow me on Twitter as edmarathon.
All the best,
Eddie
Listened to you on RRT last night and thought I'd come over and check out your blog. Glad to hear that all that ails is reasonably diagnosed and treatable. Be careful and good luck with your training.
ReplyDeleteHey there! Found your blog somehow (podcast maybe? Who knows…) and really like the posts so far. I’ve always struggled with not wanting to go to the DR whenever I have a little minor issue…mostly because I am a tightwad. Glad that it worked out for you!
ReplyDeleteEddie, I wrote something a bit ago about the benefits of PT and possible stride adjustments for injury prevention/avoidance, to treat the cause and not the symptom.
ReplyDeleteJust saw the link to the AA/Dexter run. I lived in AA for a few years. Back in Philly now, where I grew up. So I think you should run the Philly marathon this year!!
ReplyDeleteEddie - I think I've met my other brother! After almost two years of dealing with my mystery chest pain, it came down to this: http://montanaworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-day.html
ReplyDeleteI hope to run the Missoula half-marathon again this summer, but I'm not sure I can get over the hump. The good news, however, was discovering that I'm not going to drop dead while running. That's a great relief that I'm sure you understand. I'll check in se how you're progressing!