ReenRuns

Finally!!!

2007-06-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yep - I did it! I finally healed my pelvic stress fracture COMPLETELY!!! It's been a long, long road! I don't wish that on anyone!!

I already started my walk/run program. I happened to have an appt with my Personal Trainer this afternoon - so we ran!! We worked on my form - its been so long since I ran that I'm learning all over again - and that is actually a good thing! This time I'll learn the right way and stay healthy!! The run felt Great and so far so good everything feels good!! I'll run again on Saturday and then Monday! Yippee!!

I can't stop grinning!! :-)

Time Flies

2007-05-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 3 months since I posted! I guess I've been busy!! And part of me felt I shouldn't write a running blog if I couldn't run - that maychange soon!!

The good news is I may be running again soon! I walked a 5K yesterday in 47:38 without any ill effects!! I'm so excited! It was a homework assisgnment from my Personal Trainer. I was a little leary but now I'm thrilled!!

I see the Dr again June 21st and I should be given the OK to start a walk/run program! My trainer is a runner/ironman and is helping get strong and get my form right - so NO MORE INJURIES for me!!

That's all for now!

Hello Again

2007-02-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

We just back from Hawaii - it was wonderful! And of course it was wild trying to get ready to be gone! I put in some really long hours at work - not the mention PT, etc. so - as I said Hello again!

I've not ben as consistant I possible with my exercises so it's hard to give an accurate assessment of where I am physically except to sat I think my shoulder is improving! I'm not sure how the hip is fairing - some better I hope! I'll be at the gym bright and early in the morning - so I'll let you know!

Off to watch the Oscars!

Not

2007-01-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

I had the bone density test - my bones are fine! Very good in fact! I haven't heard from the Dr but the Technician told me - she don't tell the Dr I told you but... you've got Great Bones!! Good News!!

Weak Bones

2007-01-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

Yep - that's the best he could do!! So - on the Super Specialist rating scale - I'm giving him an Arthur (Arthur was The Tick's sidekick - he looked like a rabbit but was supposed to be a moth). Yes - I know my husband is into strange science fiction, fantasy, comic book, super hero stuff and some of it wears off - Sorry! The other possible rating is Waffleman! Either way - I'm terribly depressed! How is it possible that I have weak bones and none of the other Orthopedic (Bone) Drs thought of that!

OK - so the suggested treatment is to get a bone density test and hope it shows weak bones - yes I said hope for a bad outcome (this is according to Waffleman). - that way he will be able to get the Endocrinologist (yes - another Dr) to prescribe the bone generating drug that he thinks I need - without a fight! The drug in question will take 6-12 months to work!! Yippee!! In the meantime - I'm not supposed to overly stress it! Another Yippee!!

Oh - he did tell me something none of the other Docs have said - I actually have 2 stress fractures - how could I have gone for a year and not known that either????

I think it's time for some other avenue!! I'm almost done with PT for thr shoulder and that should free up time for other things!!

Thanks for listening!

A little NERVOUS...

2007-01-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

So - tomorrow I see the "Super-Specialist"!! I really hope he lives up to his name ;-) No -really I'm looking for a cure - some magic (or otherwise) idea - wand - anything that heals my hip/pelvis and allows me to run again!

I'll let you know how it goes!

A little less hope....

2007-01-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

OK - so the Ortho Oncologist repied to the Hip Dr and said he didn't think the OP-1 was a good idea but that he'd be willing to see me! Oh boy! Why would I see an Ortho Oncologist if I don't have cancer or a tumor you ask - well one of his special interests is Non-unions - which is what I have! So - you never know maybe he'll have a brilliant idea!!

I can only hope!!

Hope???

2007-01-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

I saw my Ortho Dr last week (the one that originally diagnosed my pelvic stress fracture). It was actually a follow up from the shoulder surgery (shoulder is doing well). As part of all of this he ordered a bone scan to make sure the rest of my bones are healthy - THEY ARE - YIPPEE - Something to be grateful for! But as part of that it showed the stress fracture not yet healed! Well - he didn't know it wasn't healed (I've been seeing a different Dr for the hip)! He was beside himself - very frustrated and very concerned! He suggested I see one of his partners - Hip Dr (cute huh?) Well - I saw the partner today and although he was clear that I have a pelvic issue not a hip issue (there is a difference) but I could tell - he really wanted to help me! Anyway - he suggested having a bone growth stimulator protein (OP-1) injected into the site to help the bone heal. He wasn't sure he wanted to do the procedure (it is surgical and not quite his specialty) but he said he would e-mail an Ortho Oncologist (no - I don't have cancer (another big thing to be grateful for) but the procedure is done using a technique that is used to treat bone cancer so he's hoping this guy will do it for me! He told me he would call me as soon as he hears back from this guy and if worse came to worse he would do the procedure with a General Surgeon accompanying him. In the meantime, he gave me some literature about the product, gave me a bio on the Dr he wants to refer me to and told me a little about the procedure. If I have it done and if it works (which it should) I would be healed in 6 - 12 weeks!! I'm trying not to get to psyched - but I can't help it! I could be healed and ready to run by March!!

Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of my diagnosis - It's been a long frustrating year! The only good thing about it being 1 year is that my insurance should pay for this procedure because my fracture is now officially considered a Non-Union Fracture - one year is the time line for that distinction.

So - for now I do my exercises with renewed vigor - there maybe an end in site!

Good Night!

Beautiful Morning

2007-01-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

It's an absolutely beautiful morning here today! The moon is full (or almost full) in the sky. The sky is clear. It's not too cold - just Beautiful! If I thought I could do it justice with a picture I would - but alas you'll just have to beleive me!

Have a good day!

2007

2007-01-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

My goal for the new year is improved health!

So - the change in nutrition is starting in the morning! I have been and will continue to go to the gym and do whatever I can to keep my body moving!

Hopefully - I'll get strong enough to heal my body and be back running sometime in 2007.

Have a Great year!

Injury - 1 year and countinng

2006-11-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Well - it was 1 year ago today that I was last able to run!! I can't beleive it's taking this long - I am very, very sad today!! I can't stop crying which I know is really stupid because I have so much to be thankful for - it's just that I worked so hard to get there to actually be able to run and I vowed I would keep running after the marathon - I really want to be a runner! It's been a tough year - and I still have some sort of pull/pain when I walk at anything other than a regular pace/distance!

Of course - I've gained weight and my clothes don't fit me! Always a reason to cry! ;-)

My husband has been great but he's had enough too! So - I try not to ask him to do too many things - especially things he always did anyway - but they are not getting done and it's really hard - for the record - I given up on clearing up the piles of stuff, the dishes and taking out the trash (those things get done when they get done) - what I would like this morning is to be able to use the hot tub - we have one of those awesome always hot - hot tubs in the backyard (yes - another thing to be thankful for) but we haven't been in it in months - he doesn't put chlorine in it regularly and my shoulder doesn't allow me too - so there you go!! Now the fact that my back has been so very tight from not being able to sleep in positions I usually do should mean that I spend more time in the hot tub not less!!

Did I tell you that now my stomach is bothering me from the drugs after surgery and probably my anxiety over this 1 year anniversary? I've never had stomache problems in my life - until now! So - now I'm trying figure out what, when and how much I should eat that won't bother me! My sister the DR - recommended Prilosec otc which I have taken for 3 days now - it's helping some but it's not perfect yet!

One thing truly does lead to another - so take good care of yourselves - stretch, ice and listen to your body - so you don't end up like me!

I'm sorry for all this whining!! Thanks for listening!

More than a month

2006-11-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

I knew it had been a while but Wow more than a month - things have been crazy!! Obviously!!

Where to begin? I had a follow up MRI on my shoudler on 10/7. They found that my AVN had gotten worse - not better! I was in danger of having the humeral head collapse - I neede surgery and it really couuldn't wait - I had 2 drs tell me the same thing on the same day - so I set a date for surgery 10/24 - then the mad scramble to get ready to be out of commission for 4-6 weeks! I needed to get work (at work) caught up an ahead if possible. And of course stuff around the house needed to be prepared s well. Then we had a string of company my parents, my in-laws and the brats (my husbands nieces) our furnace died on a fairly cold day when my parents were here from FL - Great! I called my brother who installs HVAC for a living - just for some advice (he lives 300 miles away) - he said I can be there on Wednesday - AMAZING!!! He packed up his tools, bought a new furnace - called my sister - she came with him! They had the whole thing replaced in about 4 hours - my brother and my husband - my sister and I talked!! Family sure can be wonderful somtimes!! I'm still amazed that he did that for us!! Saved us a bundle of $$ and I feel really confident that we got what we need rather than what some guy wanted to sell us! All that in the 2 weeks I had to prepare for surgery!

Since the 24th I've been recoperating!! On to the hip...

I'm supposed to be walking from 1 - 5 miles/day depending on how I feel. So far I haven't because of the shoulder. But I will soon!! When I see Dr Nicola again 12/4 - I need to take my running stuff so he can tweak my gait and then I expect to be free FINALLY!!!! My hip has been feeling really good - of course I haven't stressed it at all But I'll take Good anyway I can get it!

The shoulder is coming along nicely. It's started to feel much better in the last day or so - I can still tell I had surgery but it's better. From the shoulder perspective I have no lower body restrictions except that the dr doesn't want me to drive yet (probably another couple of weeks) so I can't really get to the gym. I just took my first unassisted shower this morning - it sure felt good - not that I didn't enjoy Ty's help but it was nice to wash the way I wanted to wash! So - now that I can shower by myself I can go out and walk around home - get sweaty and then clean all by myself!

I start PT today - I told the people at the therapy place that I should be invited to their holiday party!

I talked to my internist last night as well as the Ortho guy on Wednesday - they still want me to see a Hematologist to be sure I don't have some clotting problem because of the stress fracture and the AVN - they want to be sure. The Ortho guy already spoke with the Hematologist and the internist said she would call him today. I asked them both to do that because the Hematologist wasn't sure why I needed to be seen. It's so much fun! I hope to get all this figured out before I go back to work!! Did I tell you - I'm off until 11/30 unless my employer starts to complain - gotta love my Ortho guy!! He gave me some cool pictures of my shoulder - the human body is truly amazing!

A part of me was glad to have so much going on - that way I didn't get to think about missing the marathon (too much) - It was pretty disappointing! Next year WILL BE BETTER!!! And I will appreciate it so much more than I did!!!

I'm doing this all one handed so please excuse the typos!!

I'll be back much more regularly now!! Tomorrow - I hope to have pictures of me in my shoulder rehad chair thing with my new laptop desk - which is making this blog possible!!

Have a good day!

Gotta Run !!

We're home

2006-09-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

and exhausted! We arrived in at 5:45 this morning - we went home and I showered and went to work! So - yep I'm tired. I'll stay up for a little while longer nd then hit the hay - so I get a good nights sleep but don't get up too early!

Here are some pictures - and yep it's as wonderful as it looks! There are some flowers that were the roof of the poolside restaurant - they were very cool! Me in the model of the timeshare we purchased - yep we own part of Maui - Cool - huh? A beautful sunset and of course my Honey. We had a Great time!

Someday I'll even get the knack of this blogging with pictures and they'll appear in the order I intended!

Gotta Run!

Pool Walking

2006-09-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Is incredibly boring!! The people watching is kind of fun! It's amazing how late people keep there kids out and in the pool on school nights. I'll keep doing it though - hopefully it will make me better!

I started PT on Monday and have been really sore ever since. It's almost back to where it was and so it's time to go back to PT tomorrow. I'll be sure to tell the therapist before she does it to me again. The wierd part is that it didn't feel like it was going hurt like that while we were doing it!

I'm getting really excited - we're headed to Maui on Sunday - I can hardly wait! 7 days in paradise, with my honey and about 15 books! It should be delightful!

Gotta Run!!

Progress?

2006-09-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

I faxed my MRI report to my sister - the Dr. (she's in FL). So she called me shortly after and spent most of the call telling me what good news this is - She's say that healing is a good thing and that I'm going in the right direction. On the one had she's right - on the other hand it sure would be nice if I could find the healing accelerator!!

Gotta Run!!

Healing Stress Fracture

2006-09-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Yep - that's what the MRI shows - healing not healed! CRAP!!!! That explains my symptoms - SHIT!!!

OK - so here's the plan - back to PT starting tomorrow - no exercise that isn't in the pool or at least not weight bearing! Absolutely no walking or running - Yes he wanted me back on crutches - No I'm not using them - my shoulder just won't tolerate that - he agreed! So - I'm not to stress it! He wants me to walk in the pool at least 30 minutes everyday - longer if possible! I'll get really strong and if this damn thing ever heals i'll be ready to run! He's hoping that when I go back to see him in 6 weeks I'll be able to start my walk/run program (again)! I hope so too!!!

He also mentioned the "S" word - yep surgery as an option - they could do a bone graft - we didn't get into the details and I hope I never need too!

I called the Y when I got home to check pool hours and the lap pool opens at 5:00 but the other pool doesn't open until 6:30 - that stinks!! I'm going to have to check out another gym/pool facility and see what I can find!

I guess Lora will have to find someone else to run her in at Chicago - I definitely won't be ready! CRAP!!

Gotta Run!!!

Quilting Shoulder

2006-09-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've all heard of Tennis Elbow - well I have "Quilting Shoulder". More accurately - I'v irritated my bad shoulder through over use. I'm working on the 3 (2 nieces and 1 Mother in Law) memory (their Mother and Daughter) quilts - I have to work on them simultaneously so that I'm sure to have enough fabric to go around - so far they're coming together pretty well. I'll take pictures when there is something to show. So I'm sitting trying to take it easy. I'm icing my shoulder and hoping it will feel better tomorrow!

I did take a walk tonight - not long or fast but at least I was moving!! I can't wait til and I find out about my hip - I sure hope there is a cure - a fast one would be ideal!

Gotta Run!

Home from the MRI...

2006-08-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Boy was it hot in there! I was soaking wet when they brought me out of that tube - That's a first! And I've had other MRIs (2 others this year). Oh well! I asked them what they saw - knowing full well they couldn't/wouldn't tell me and they didn't! They did say that if it was really serious they wouldn't let me leave - so since I got to leave I'm taking that a good sign! I won't get the results until I see Dr. Nicola on 9/7. Until then I just take it easy - walk/bike at this point what's another 10 days - I've gone 10 months without running! Crap!

Gotta Run!

Another MRI

2006-08-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

I saw Dr. Nicola today. He's ordered a MRI of the pelvis & right hip. It's scheduled for Monday and then I go back and see him Thursday 9/7 - that was his first available appt. I'm hoping that I'll get to wait until 9/7 to get the results because if he calls me earlier - that will mean bad news! Keep your fingers crossed.

Anyway - I'm sentenced to walking and bike riding as long I don't fall off my bike. I'm not sure why he felt he needed to say that but he did!

Gotta Run!

Sunday/Monday

2006-08-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday Lora and I had a very nice 7 mile walk. We chatted the whole time - It was really good to see her again!

Monday - no exercise to speak of... although I did send an e-mail to Lisa. Lisa is the ATC that managed my PT. I asked her if I could hire her to help me strenghten my core enough to get me runninng again. She hasn't replied yet but I'm sure she will. If Lisa and I can't work something out - I will contact Jim - he is the Personal Trainer my husband sees. I'll keep you posted!

Tomorrow - I the running Dr. - maybe he'll finally have tha magic pill in stock!

Gotta Run

King Tut??

2006-08-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Is he or isn't he? Ok - he's not! This picture is just too fun not to share!

We went to see the Tutankhamun exhibit at the Field Museum on Tuesday! It is very well done! Incredibly facsinating! The detail in the art work is something to behold! This was part of my Mom's birthday present. I like to give her gifts that involve doing something with her - she has all the stuff she needs - so I give memories!

Mom and Phil left yesterday and we're working on recovering! It's greaat to have them visit but I never seem to get enough sleep when their here!

I got a Treo (cell phone/PDA combination the other day. I'm having a wonderful time figuring out everything it can do! I took this picture with it!

I've been neglecting myself. I haven't gone for a walk once this week! Yikes! I promise I will tomorrow and both days over the weekend! I haven't done many exercises either! It's so hard especially when people are visiting!

It's getting late and I have to get up early to take care of me - so...

gotta Run!

Very Thankful

2006-08-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

My husband flew home from London last night! He arrived in Chicago at 6:50 and thankfully missed all the mess on both sides of the pond! Needless to say I've been hugging him and telling him I love him, etc non-stop! It makes eveything else seem so very unimportant!

Remember to appreciate those you love and be sure they know it! Have a good day!

Gotta Run!

Lunges bring hope!

2006-08-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was truly starting to think I was going to have to give up running/walking for fitness - my hip has just continued to give me trouble. But yesterday I was surfing the net and got the idea to do some lunges. I did a few of them in PT but we decided I wasn't ready and never went back. So anyway I decided to try again and see what happened. I did 5 lunges on each leg and instantly my hip felt better! Apparently the pain I've been feeling has been a tight muscle/tendon or something and the lunges helped stretch it out! Yippee! So I did some more this morning after I walked 2 miles (in 28 minutes). The walk went pretty well - it wasn't completely painless but it's getting better!

So's here the plan ... I'm going to be very diligent about my exercises (including lunges) and walking this week and try to run/walk again starting next Monday! I sure hope this works!

Gotta Run!

Frustrated and Discouraged!

2006-07-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Usually my morning walk (preferably run) makes me feel better but not today! Today my hip (actually groin area) hurt for the entire walk and was pretty painful (like shooting pain) part of the time! I just want to be better! Shouldn’t I have healed by now? How do I make this better? I'm considering hiring a personal trainer - either the one my husband goes to or maybe I'll ask the Athletic Trainer I saw at PT if she'll help me on the side! Maybe I need more structure! Any suggestions?

OK- now that I’ve whined – I know that I have it so much better than so many really sick, injured or disabled people in the world! I give them all credit – because if I’m this Frustrated and Discouraged I can’t even image what they go through every day! Basically – I’m very lucky to have what I have and I should just quit my bitching!

Gotta Run!

Update

2006-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well - here goes...

First the hip - I'm still walking and not running. It still hurts when I walk real fast - I guess it's getting better but very slowly. I haven't been as consistant with my exercising as I should be so maybe that's why, maybe I just heal very slowly or maybe there is something else wrong. I go back to the running Dr on Monday and I intend to ask.

Next - My shoulder - So I was at 2 Drs this week for my shoulder. The first - the shoulder specialist. He was scary - he started by talking shoulder replacement - YIKES but he toned it down once he did his exam and we talked. He said based solely on my MRI he would think I need a shoulder replacement but having spoken with me he changed his mind. He suggested the core decompression surgery (drilling the holes) but said it was completely up to me. He said I need to decide how much I want my life disrupted by this and make my desision. He also suggested that maybe the MRI was mis-labled and not really mine after all. So he kind went from one extreme to the next. He suggested I start using my arm and see what happens - he truly didn't think it would heal on its own. He ordered an MRI for 3 months from now and then I go back to see him after the MRI. He also suggested that I see my regular Dr and possibly a Hematologist. He thinks that I may have some un-diagnosed blood disorder that may cause my blood to be thick and therefore have caused the AVN. I made an appt with my regular Dr for Monday. We'll see! Oh yeah - He suggested I start taking a baby aspirin every day! I did that and will definitely ask my Dr about that on Monday!

The other Dr is the first one I saw and who made the initial diagnosis. He said that I should keep doing what I'm doing and that my shoulder will almost definitely heal itself. I go back to see him in 2 months and he expects it to be healed before I back. He also talked about the core decompression surgery option but if it heals on its own I shouldn't need it! He's a funny guy! He said he's always afraid to see me for fear of what strange problem I might have and how I might treat him - the messenger! We laughed!

So - the shoulder information is confusing and I sure hope that the non-shoulder specialist is right!

Gotta Run!

Great Weekend

2006-07-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful weekend! The weather was Great and we enjoyed some wonderful outdoor activities! Sailing on Saturday - we got to watch the start of the Chicago to Mackinac race - there were some huge boats out there. The big red boat is the Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinac and is where the officials for the race watch the start. The other boating picture shows the Windy which is a commercial sightseeing boat but very picturesque.

And Sunday we SegWayed! What a blast! The picture with 4 of us is me & my husband and his parents! We had a Great time. I decided I wanted one of these - it's really Awesome to ride. Ty thought he should have one to ride while I run (whenever that happens again)!

Gotta Run - It's late - hopefully more tomorrow!

Monday

2006-07-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

I didn't walk today but I did all my other exercises. I seem to have a little stomach bug or something and I didn't want to irritate things too much so I skipped the walk - tomorrow is another day!

Off to bed now to try and get rid of this little bug thing!

Gotta Run!

Only you...

2006-07-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

can prevent tooth decay - that was a commercial wasn't it? That thought came to me this morning while I was out for my long fast walk (Drs orders - you know) - brain sludge! OK - I was really thinking about how I've been letting my lack of (or really slow) progress discourage me and keep me from doing my exercises and walking and of course that makes things progress even slower! I'm coming out of it though and my new thought is I'm the only one that can make this better - so get up and do it! That worked this morning - I got up early and went out for a 5 mile walk! I did my 5 miles in1 hour 13 minutes and some seconds (I don't remember exactly) - the really good part of that was all the miles were under 15 minutes/mile - fairly decent pace!

So - my commitment to myself and to all of you is that I will do my exercises and walk at least 5 days this week. I will get up early in the morning and make myself a priority! I am the only one that can make all this a memory!

I ordered a runner's ID today from RoadID.com. I got one of everything (well almost)! Anyway I couldn't decide which would be the best method for taking it with me so I got them all wrist, ankle, shoe and shoe pocket - the name plate is interchangable and the accessories are relatively inexpensive so I figured I'd just pay the shipping once! I'll let you know how my little experiment works out! I ordered one for my husband too - he's a biker - not a runner! I can't wait to get it! Last year I had the CARA one but since I'm not in a training program this year - I need an easy way to take my ID with me - just in case!

Gotta Run!

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

2006-07-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

I've had such a hard week at work - long hours, much frustration, etc. Today I called my husband just so he could make me feel better. Of course that worked but my day continued and ..... Anyway - when I got home very late this evening these were waiting for me - Aren't they gorgeous!!! This only the 2nd time in our almost 21 years of marriage that he has gotten me flowers just because - I get them for our anniversary every year (one red rose for every year) but obviously not very often other than that - Oh yeah when I was in the hospital he brought me some too! Anyway - this really touch my heart so I had to share! He set it up with the sign in front it was so sweet! The sign in front of the arrangement was a gift from my Mother. She gave one to each of her children at her 80th birthday party!

So now I will go to sleep feeling loved and appreciating just how lucky I am!

Gotta Run!

Working too much!

2006-07-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've been puttting in way too many hours at work! It really stinks! It's so hard to do everything and I really want to walk, walk, walk really fast and do my exercises so I can run again! And then there is getting enough sleep, eating right - oh and don't forget the stuff around the house! The key is obviously in setting priorities and then following through! I'm working on it!

And on that note - I'm going to bed!

Gotta Run!

Hip, Shoulder and more

2006-07-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

I saw the running Dr yesterday. He is a great guy but… He thinks the pain I’m experiencing means that I am still lacking some of the necessary core strength to run without further injuring myself – so – I’m back to walking – CRAP! But – he says I should walk really fast and do lots of it – I guess it’s not all bad! It is kind of what I expected to hear! I go back to see him July 31st – so hopefully by then I’ll be able to run for real this time!

Since I was going to the Dr and he is in Orthopedics – I decided to take the MRI of my shoulder. Well – that caused a real stir! He has never in all his 20 years in medicine ever heard of anyone getting AVN from using crutches. He said he was going to check the medical journals and of course the Resident (he’s an Assistant Professor) immediately said Oh good - I can write it up! Anyway – he referred me to a (in his words) level headed shoulder specialist. He said you know there’s a lot going on in there so we want someone that really knows what they’re doing. Anyway that appt is on Monday – I was amazed they could get me in so quickly. He also ordered a whole bunch of x-rays which I had yesterday and should be available for both Drs to see.

In the meantime I’m going to walk, walk and walk some more!

Gotta Run!

Improv

2006-07-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to the Improv! They have opened a new location about 3 miles from our house. The headliner last night was Jeff Dunham. If you haven't seen his work - you should! He's a comedian/ventriloquist and hysterical. We had a great time! It's great that we now have this option so close to home!

It's a rainy dreary day! It's supposed to rain all day! So - I guess it's good that I'm at work - although being at home in bed our with a good book would be nice too! I got some new books over the weekend. A couple of running books, the latest issue of Marathon and Beyond and some others. I do so love to read - especially a good book!

OK - Gotta Run!

Mom's 80th Birthday!

2006-07-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my Mom turned 80! 6 of her 7 children, spouses and some grandchildren were with her to celebrate! The weekend went really well - there weren't any humm "personality clashes" - everyone was well behaved! And best of all Mom was thrilled.

I'm going to try and get a picture in here - I have a hard time finding the right buttons. If I'm successful it will be a picture of Mom and 4 of her 5 daughters. OK - it looks like I did it! Mom's in the middle (with her crown on) and I'm right next to her on the left.

On another topic - Yep it's true I got my lazy butt out of bed and went and met my running group yesterday morning - there is always a group of walkers. So - I got to see my running buddies and got a walk in and then we all went to the bagel place. It was really wonderful to be there again! This not being able to run is getting really old! Friday night my husband and I were driving home from seeing "Superman Returns" - (good movie) and we driving part of my running route and I got so sad - I had to hold back the tears! I'm ready to be running again! i guess the good part about this is that once I'm healthy again - I know I'll be back out there as soon as possible - reasonably possible! I don't want to go through any thing like this again!

OK - Gotta Run!

Shoulder Update

2006-06-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

– I told you how the crutches screwed up my shoulder – well I had an MRI last Friday and here is the outcome of that….

Shoulder Dr update – I don’t even know how to react to this but here goes…. I have something called Avascular Necrosis – which means that for some reason (in this case – trauma caused by using crutches) the blood supply was disrupted to part of my humerous (the long bone in the top part of your arm) and that has caused that part of the bone to die (or at least not regenerate as quickly as it should). The rest of my shoulder parts all look wonderful cartilage is healthy and evenly placed, the rotator cuff is well attached and even the shape of my humerous (the ball – which is what is affected) is still just as it should be. Of course the trick now is to get my humerous to heal itself – which it may do given time. If it doesn’t heal itself then he’ll need to do surgery – he would drill holes in the affected area to allow it to re-vascularize. I’m not sure how much time we’ll give it before we have to take that plunge – but I’m willing to wait. I go back in 6 weeks and we’ll see what he says then. So in the meantime I have to be very careful of what I do with my shoulder – I need to keep moving it so I don’t lose any range of motion but I can’t stress it in any way – I am not to lift more than 5 pounds. He said tell Ty I’m not kidding nothing more than 5 pounds (The reason being that the bone could collapse or get potholes and that makes things a whole lot worse).

And I've had another illness that has kept me from running this week - but I will never give up! I'll be back at it soon!

Our health it truly something to be valued! And generally we don’t realize how much until we’re not healthy!

Gotta Run!

No Pain

2006-06-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

I was at PT (for my shoulder - crutches stink) today and my PT put me on the treadmill and watched me run! It was awesome she gave me some form advice and I ran for more than 2 mins with No Pain! She's a great PT - really knows her stuff and cares! I'm so excited! I'm going to get up in the morning and try again! I hope this is real!

Gotta Run! Yippee!

NYC Here I come!

2006-06-08T04:35:00.000-07:00

OK - so it won't be this year - but now I just need to finish healing and I'm on my way to NYC! But - what I want to know is how did they know that I was injured and wouldn't be able to participate this year? Maybe they've been reading my blog ;-)

Gotta Run!

A night off

2006-06-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

So - I left work a little early to make an airport run. I intended to do some work from home but I couldn't get into the system - so I got the night off.

I spent the whole evening taking care of me! I did the rest of my exercises, walked 2 miles in 27 minutes - pretty good - huh? I took a nice shower and now I'm icing!

And I'm going to make this short!

Gotta Run!

Not yet...

2006-05-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

I was out this morning and I'm just not there yet! I walked a lap on the track and my first 3 minutes and then I started to run - I ran OK for most of the 30 seconds but toward the end it was starting to not feel to good but I kept going. I stopped running after 20 seconds during the 2nd segment and by the 3rd I took about 3 steps and knew I wasn't ready yet! BUMMER!!! I did keep walking and that wasn't too bad and I iced when I got home and it really feels OK! So that's th good news! I guess I'll have to give it some more time. I think I'll try again next Monday!

Oh and I had a great idea - rather than drive to the track I'm going to ride my bike! I have to admit there was a guy on the track this morning that had ridden his bike and I thought - what a good idea! So I'm borrowing it!

And because I'm the eternal optimist - I signed up for the NYC Marathon. Obviously - I won't run it this year even if I get picked but at least this way I'm on the list!

Gotta Run - soon - I hope!

Finally!

2006-05-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've done it! I've met the good running Doc's requirements and I can finally start running again!! I'll be getting up early in the a.m. and running for the first time since Thanksgiving! I will follow the walk/run program the doc gave me - I'm psyched! I'm going to drive to the college track a couple miles from home - they re-surfaced it last year so it's cushy and should be easier on my body than the regular road surface - and it will be early since summer is here with a vengence!

Bike the Drive was wesome! Hot! But a great way to experience Chicago! We were out on the road early so it wasn't too bad! I really love Chicago in the summer! We sailed on Lake Michigan yesterday! Bike the Drive today and tomorrow I run - How Awesome is that???

Gotta Run - truly!

The question of the day...

2006-05-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

If the original marathoner ran naked - just where did they pin their numbers? OK - so it's not original but it really tickled my fancy!

I graduated from PT yesterday (at least for my hip)! I guess that's good news! I don't go back to the Dr until June 15th but my PT thinks I will have started my walk/run program by then - I really hope she's right!

We started riding our bikes this week. We're going to ride in the Bike the Drive on Sunday. We've done it in the past and it's really fun! There are 15 and 30 mile options - this year we'll do the 15 miles. We haven't trained enough but that's OK! The weather is supposed to be perfect - I can hardly wait!

Lora has me thinking about sending in my New York Marathon registration - I'd love to run NY and Lora and I have a history together! Of course - I couldn't do it this year - so I'd have to defer to next year!

OK - it's getting late and really want to get up and swim in the morning!

Gotta Run!

Brain Addition

2006-05-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

I think I need to add on to my brain. The one I have is really getting full! Of course another idea is to clean out and re-organize the one I have! That's is what my mother told my sister in law when she wanted to add on to her closet it would have made the bedroom smaller and was really a bad idea! They ended up buying a new house! Can I get a new brain! Work has been pretty intense lately and not being able to run it off is really getting to me! TGIF!!

The weather is going to be really stinky all weekend - so I'm going to try and start thhe memory quilts I promised to make. My husbands sister passed away about 2 year ago now - boy time really flies! Anyway - My mother in law gave me some of DeeAnna's (my sister in law) clothes and asked me to make 3 quilts - one for each of my nieces and one for my mother in law. I've been working on ideas and I'm getting close to actually cuting and sewing! Wish me creativity!

Well my Honey just got home so - Gotta Run!

Really Crummy Weather

2006-05-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

It's really awful weatherwise around here! Cold, windy and rainy - my fav - NOT! I really dislike cold rain!

Nothing really new around here - Still healing, PT, etc. The weather seems to be irritating my hip - Oh Joy! This healing stuff really is really time consuming! But the good news is I'm healing!! :-)

Gotta Run!

Borrowed Inernet

2006-05-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Our Internet connection isn't working properly. The cable guy will be out tomorrow so in the meantime we found an protected wireless network in our neighborhood and here I am. I'm not doing anything malicious - just checking my blog! :-)

I swam 1/2 mile this morning in 30 minutes. I'm prettty proud of that especially given that a friend of mine at work swims 1 mile every morning in 45-60 minutes.

OK - Gotta Run!

Motivation

2006-05-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Getting and staying motivated can be very difficult! Generally I am motivated to exercise - which is a good thing! But nutritionally I'm always motivationally challenged! I plan to eat really well until I'm hungry and then I often don't make wise choices. I know I feel better when I do and so I will try yet again! Anyway - if anyone has any good ideas on how to improve this - please share!

I'm going swimming again in the morning. I haven't gone in a while since my ear has been bothering me but I went to see the Dr and my ear is fine - it hurts from grinding my teeth at night. I have one of those really sexy night guards which I wear religiously but I need to be able to run to really keep from grinding. I had actually forgotten that my Dentist told me to start running to help my TMJ until it came back since I haven't run in a while - Oh the joys!

Have a great day!

Gotta Run!

Smiling

2006-04-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

I just read the comment on my last post and I'm smiling! You just have to love the way those Italians think!

I walked 1 mile in 17:30 last night - so my time is getting better but my hips still hurts - so that hurdle hasn't been cleared yet - It's such a slow process.

OK - Gotta Run!

Check out those Boston Results

2006-04-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm bummed I was going to try and Tivo Boston today and forgot! Oh well! I did check results for a couple of people I know that were running - they did Great! Way to go!

I've walked everyday since I was given the go ahead - things are slow but definitely getting better! I'm working hard on eating better too and hope to lose some of the weight I gained during my recovery - its always something!

OK - Gotta Run!

Walking

2006-04-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yep - I went for another walk this evening. I upped the ante tonight and walked 1.36miles (I love my GPS). It was slow - 36 minutes -so I have a ways to go but its one step at a time! My legs were a little shaky when I got home - Wow It's been too many months of not using them - but they'll be back! I had one kind of sore spot in my groin area - which I am icing right now and hopefully by morning it will be better.

I'm going to swim and ride the exercise bike in the morning before bagel - maybe next week I'll be up to the 3 -4 mile loop around the lake! :-)

Gotta Run! :-)

Amazing

2006-04-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

I saw the running Dr. today and he gave me very unexpected news - I can start walking again (for exercise) and when I can walk 4 miles in 1 hour and walk one lap on the track on one of the lines all without pain I can start a walk/run program!!! Yippee!! I went for a walk tonight. It was slow and only about a half a mile and there are a few twinges but all in all not too bad! I really didn't expect that news at all - I think I'm still in shock! I hope I was accurate in my descriptions so I haven't mislead him. He said if it starts really hurting again - I should stop walking/running and call him! He seems to think that the pain I described is all muscular and will work itself out as I use it again! I hope he's right!

The running Dr thinks I'll be ready to run a half marathon by the fall - there is one less obstacle to Rome! :-)

Gotta Run (and soon I will be)!

I'm tired!

2006-04-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

All this exercise - it's really time consuming - not tremendously difficult but... and hour or more of PT exercises, swimming 20-30 minutes 3 -4 times/week, riding the exercise bike 20inutes before every swim, now 10 minutes of walking backwards on the treadmill 3 times/week - It's more than marathon trainng and it doesn't feel as productive! Oh well - if it's helping me get better - I' all for it! In order to accomodate all of this I'm up early and not gertting to bed early enough - so I'm tired!

And now thanks to Stefano I'm dreaming of Rome in the fall. My Honey and I were supposed to discuss it at dinner but other things got in the way and now he's working on our tax return - so I won't bother him! We don't have to decide tonight!

Tomorrow I go back to the running Dr. - I don't expect and earth shattering news but you just nevere know! I'll let you know tomorrow night!

OK - Gotta Run!

Suggestions

2006-04-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

You all probably know this but... PT is hard work!! The actual appt. time is OK but all the home work is a bear! It takes a ton of time!

OK - enough whining! An now that I know I'm being stalked - I feel the pressure to make my posts interesting!

So - now down to business. We're looking for a nice relaxing vacation destination. We usually go in May and usually take fairly active trips. However, this year since my hip is still not 100% and I have to limit my walking we need something less strenuous. So - if anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them!

Have a good day!

Gotta Run

My goal for the week

2006-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

My goal for this week is to post a blog every day! It may not be long or particularly meaningful but there will be something - maybe even another picture ;-)

Spring has really started around here - it is so wonderful to have the windows open in the house. Oh yeah and the top down - yep - I drive a comvertable - It's really awesome!

OK - Gotta Run!

Ty and Birthday Cake

2006-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my Honey and his birthday cake with the cool candles. The cake is awesome if I do say so myself! ;-)

Happy Sunday!

Because...

2006-04-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

OK - here I am blogging so I don't have to hear about it on Saturday! ;-)

I'm not complaining because I can finally exercise again but I'm tired and I don't have much time for blogging or most anyhting else. I get to exercise about an hour and a half a day includung stretching - nothing real strenous just lots of it. I also get to swim 3x/week and ride my exercise bike up to 5x/week both of those on top of the core strengthing - it's a lot but oh so good!

OK - Gotta Run! ;-)

Swimming and stuff

2006-03-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

I don't really have a lot to say... but I know that some people stop by and are kind of disappointed if there isn't a new post - so here you go a new post!

I've gone swimming twice and its been great! I forgot how much I love to swim! I was actually in the pool at 5:20 yesterday morning and 3 people were already in the pool - pretty amazing - huh? I've only gone twice because that is all my PT will allow. I'm going to see her again tomorrow and lobby for a little more - wish me luck! In any case I'll go again Saturday morning while my pals are out running then we'll all meet for bagels!

My hip may be a little better! I know - isn't that great to hear - I knw its great to write/say! I still have a long way to go but it's progressing! I'm being very diligent about doing my exercises and icing - which I'm doing right now - icing that is!

It's snowing! Big fluffy flakes - its really pretty but I'm ready for spring!

Yet another opinion

2006-03-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Paddy's Day to all!

Ok - so 2 out of 3 Drs say no crutches.... It was a near miss with the latest Dr. He really thought hard about putting me back on crutches - Isn't modern medicine Wonderful? ;-) The running Dr as I'll call him is a runner, marathoner! I'm really glad I went to see him - his goal (like mine) is to get me running again! He says I'll be a better runner when he gets through with me - not that would be exactly hard - but I'm looking forward to it! I start PT on Monday - gotta strenthen my core again - that won't be hard it's kind of like mush right now! He also wants me swimming and on the exercise bike - Yeah - I can exercise again! It's been so hard to not be able to exercise! I can't wait! So tomorrow morning it's off to the pool!

We just got home from a wild night out on the town - yeah I know really wimpy - since it's only 8:15 - but we had a good time - raised a couple of glasses to my Dad's memory - I miss him a lot this time of year - much more than near his birthday or the anniversary of his death. I guess it's because I have such fond memories of St. Patrick's Day with my Dad! So - we went to one of the local pubs that has some good beer, great live music and decent food. It was fun!

Sunday is the first race of the running season - I won't be running but I will be working one of the water stops. I'm trying figure out what to wear - it's going to be cold out there - maybe my snow suite is in order.

Another opinion

2006-03-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today is a day for smiles... Iwent to see a hip specialist today. This guy is an Orthopedic Surgeron that specializes in hips. They took an x-ray and to quote the good Dr. "You are healing beautifully". He wanted to know why I was there. I explained I have this hip issue - pain when I walk. He said I should not being using the crutches - I should be walking on my hip after all It's healing beautifully ;-) He said there will be pain until it is completely healed but walking on it is not keeping it from healing. So - Iwalked out carrying my crutches - they are still in the car! YEAH!! I'M SO EXCITED!! He did keep asking me if I was running - I said no -honestly!! I did ask when I could run again and he said when it doesn't hurt anymore! Of course - he wasn't sure that he would go back to running if he had had the injury that I had but... then he obviously hasn't been biten by the running bug! I love to run and being able to run - I will run again! I will marathon again.

I have another Dr appointment on Thursday. This one is with a running Dr - that is a Dr. that runs and has done maraathons. I want his opinion on the hip and running and when I can mix the two. I'll let you know what he says!

It's been a while...

2006-03-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time... I haven't posted in quite a while - I been trying to heal this blasted hip of mine and it's not exactly working. I was off the crutches for about 10 days (after 7 weeks on them) before my hip said Nope not yet - so I'm back on them for anotheer 6 weeks - YIKES! I'm going for a second and probably third opinion too - I'll be calling for appts first thing in the morning! The current Doc has ordered a bone (growth) stimulator - which is supposed to help stimulate bone growth - hopefully it will help! Idon't have it yet. I'm supposed to have by Wednesday.

On a lighter note... My husband bought me a really sweet laptop so I can blog, surf, work etc from the comfort of my couch or bed basically anywhere - it's Great! So you should be seeing more of me now!

I went to the YMCA today to check out the pool and crutch friendly facilites. they have a nice handicapped locker room that is right next to the pool, they have steps they can put into the pool so I can gt in and out easier - so I will definiteely be giving that a try this week. I'll let you know how it goes - I hope swimming doesn't irritate my hip!

OK - that's it for tonight! Have a Great week!

Stress Fracture

2006-01-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

The bad news... I have a stress fracture in my right hip! I am on crutches for some number of weeks 2, 6 or more - it really sinks!! Obviously no running for a while! I am so frustrated! The only restriction I have is that I can't do anything that causes pain. It didn't matter what question I asked the Dr, his answer was the same - you can do it if it doesn't hurt! The pain is almost not really pain - it's just sort of an annoyance but I'm trying to reduce the annoyance.

The really good news... The Dr. says I will be able to run again!! And I will! I don't look forward to starting over but I'll do that too (since I don't have a choice)!

I'm looking for ways to speed up the healing - so any suggestions will be appreciated!

Lora made me do it....

2006-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

So - there I was minding my own business reading my ruuning buddy Lora's blog and what do I see but my blog on her list of blogs to read - Well, that being the case I just had to come up with something to write - so here goes!

I'm pretty excited - I think my husband is finally going to start exercising - Yeah!! I haven't convinced him to start running yet - but it's just a matter of time! I hope! He's hired a personal trainer his first session is Saturday. Wish us luck!

We saw the movie Narnia the other night - I enjoyed it! I must admit I'm easily entertained! ;-)

No hip improvements to speak of - I have the MRI in the morning - hopefully that will show a minor, easily curable something and I can be done with this and get back to running!

That's it for today! Have a good day!

Sore Hip, etc.

2005-12-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

ReenRuns

I haven't been here much because I don't feel like much of a runner these days. I've been having trouble with my right hip - It hurts when I run! Bummer - I know! It's better than it was - I think - but then I haven't been running to aggrevate it - and that's aggrevating me!

I went to the Dr again today. He's ordered an MRI and the unit dose 6 day steroid pack. I had a cortisone injection about 3 weeks ago. The MRI's not til Wednesday - so everything is still up in the air until at least then.

The good news is that I got on the treadmill at PT the other day and the Therapist noticed that my right foot turns out a little when I run. If I really concentrate and keep it straight that helps the pain in the front of my leg. But I still have some pain on the side of my leg. It is much better than it was just not better enough.

So - for now I'm riding the exercise bike, working on my core and leg strength and hoping I don't loss too much more running time!

On a different topic - I can't believe 2005 is almost gone - Isn't amazing how quickly time flies?

Here's to a healthy happy and prosperous 2006!

- Reen

Blogging Diseases - humm?

2005-12-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Again!

Well - it's seems I've been infected by a blogging disease that I didn't know existed. I'm sure that's possible since I'm really new at this. So - OK - 5 random thoughts about me - here goes:

1. I love to travel, Hawaii (Maui) is my current favorite destination!
2. The most AWESOME place I've visited is the Grand Canyon - it is absolutely breathtaking! If you haven't been there - GO!
3. I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers. My Mother tells people she only has 7 children - I know she's nuts!
4. I love pineapple and I eat it often! So - according to Lora and her Dr I should have no inflammation - maybe I need to eat it at more regular intervals.
5. I have 2 soft, cuddly cats. I used to hate cats - but I've been converted!

OK - I've got that part done but now I have a problem. I don't know 5 bloggers that haven't already been infected. So - I'm going to skip the next part until I know people to share with!!

A quick Hello

2005-12-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here and very excited. I'm a fairly novice runner in that I really started running just last December. However in that year I've completed 1 - 8K, 3 1/2 Marathons and the Chicago Marathon! It's been a great year!

Gotta run!

- Reen