I’ve had a rough couple of days. This week, I finally came to grips with the fact that my right leg isn’t getting better. It’s not getting worse, thank goodness, but there’s been little or no improvement over the last few weeks. So I finally contacted my Sports Medicine doctor (who I love, even though I only see her when I’m in pain and who routinely advises me to take a break from running – boooooo.) and the news was not what I was hoping for: she suspects sciatica and her suggested treatment is to stop not only running, but bicycling as well “until the pain is completely resolved.” Ummmm, doc, how long will that be? “Unfortunately, sometimes that can take months.” Months? MONTHS?? Yes, in case you were wondering, this news did make me cry. A lot.
So. A little retail therapy is in order here. I’m heading out today to get myself some cute yoga pants and a nice mat. Maybe a new swimsuit (I can still swim, in fact the doctor said swimming is my “best bet” right now. Ha! She’s never seen me in the pool.) My mad Google skillz have turned up the info that walking, stretching and core work are also fine and can help with sciatic pain. I’m thinking about starting a new sport – gimpathlon. The three sports would be swimming, yoga and weightlifting. Who’s in??
Ah, so sorry! You know I feel your pain. I’ve also decided to drop the bike for now, ’cause I’m pretty sure it’s not doing my ITB any good. Ditto for some of my strength training. So..I’m in for the gimpathon!
Feel better.
I am so sorry about your diagnosis. I have had sciatica and it is not fun. I wish you a speedy recovery and have fun in the pool!
I’d have to question any Dr. who routinely tells you to quit, instead of trying to find a way to help you work through issues. That said, I’m a big fan of yoga and swimming, and my water aerobics classes have certainly helped loosen my hip and ITB issues. Not cure, mind you, but they help. I hope you find a routine that gets you back to what you love, as soon as possible!
Count me in for the GIMPATHON! Sorry for your bad news. Way to go on finding other methods of working out. Blessings!
MATT
oh man that is the worst!!
in other news, you are awesome for posting my logo on your blog!!!! THANK YOU!!
Oh no!!! My only experience with sciatica was during pregnancy, but no fun!
And months seems like a long time. I’m hoping that it’s much much sooner that you’re back to what you love…
major bummer! I’m so sorry. At least you’re not throwing the towel in, your focusing on other things that will keep you active. Actually, I kind of wish a doctor would tell me that I NEED to do yoga. 🙂
so sorry about the news, but I hope you enjoy yoga as much as I do. I think it great to prevent injuries, and I hope it will be great to get you back to running.
Good luck getting better. That was not good news at all!
I’m so in on the gimpathon but only if you allow dog paddling.
Sorry your legs still hurting!
Bummer!
I can’t even do the gimpathon since I suck at swimming. Guess that makes me even more pathetic.
sorry for your news:(
when is retail therapy not an option:)
keep your attitude, do what you can – swim swim swim and eat right
youll come thru
Derek
I feel like we sorta lived parallel lives this week! I too, imbibed on retail therapy (which i haven’t done in eons) after coming off a pretty stressful week b4.
and i too have a run injury, but it’s manageable, and i can still run. I’m sorry to hear no run/bike in your radar. I guess that means you’ll become the next Dara Torres;-)
Sorry for the bad news. I hope you have an incredibly speedy recovery and get back to it in no time! Doctors aren’t always right, are they? 🙂
Oh my gosh I’m crying for you! That totally sucks. But I’m glad to hear you’re buying yoga pants. You deserve a $100 pair from Lululemon after that news!
And at the risk of becoming annoying I’m going to pitch Bikram yoga again. (Just tell me to shut up if you’re already doing it.) It’s like 10,000 million times better than regular temperature yoga.
I would have cried too.
Sure hope you feel better quickly!
Stupid, stupid, stupid injuries! I hope this one resolves really quickly.
Just think how fast you are going to be the water after this. So sorry about the sideline, I had sciatica issues in 2009 and it was quite painful. Here’s to hoping you are in better health soon.
Oh man. Yoga and swimming will help keep your muscles happy. Maybe you should try water swimming?
Awh, I’m so sorry to read the bad news. 🙁
Be good to yourself. Even if you can’t run right now, at least you don’t have to stop doing everything. The pool is still a great workout – and I personally love yoga, and weights too! It’s awful, not being able to run, but I hope maybe there’s an opportunity in hiding for you to focus on and get fulfillment from some of the other things that make you happy.
Here’s hoping some rest is going to make your future runs even more awesome!
I am so sorry! Take the time to really rest and get better! Not being able to run and bike will be hard, but you can make it through. And, you’ll be healthier in the end!
So sorry! That totally sucks! But just think at how kick ass you’ll be at swimming, walking yoga, etc! 🙂