Life: a diagnosis, a plan

Where to start...maybe with a little history?

A year and a half ago I decided to try long distance running again, my last marathon was in 2007.  We had just moved, my husband was traveling a lot and I had the time to run.  One of my life goals was to complete an 'ultra marathon' and with a run just thirty minutes from home... the timing was good.

October 2010 I had a big wipeout while running.  I mean big!  January 29 of this year I had another fall, not a big one but one that halted my running.

The best way to explain what happened next is to say my left leg started to tingle and fall asleep.  My hip started hurting again but not nearly as much as it did after the 2010 wipeout. 

Diagnosis: Get comfy, the list is long.  Before you think I'm oblivious, I have a high pain threshold which create it's own set of issues, I'm sure this is much more painful than it feels.  Today I'm grateful for a high pain threshold.

I'm basically broken from my left shoulder to my left toes:

- small hip fracture
- sciatic nerve inflammation (causing the numbness)
- ligament damage
- spine alignment issues
- cracked rib (under left shoulder blade), with slight nerve damage
- the outside of my left leg above the ankle has compensated for the 2010 fall, the muscle growth is abnormal and is becoming an issue
- minimal strength inner legs
- 40% mobility in left hip (most is reversible)

The cherry on top... I was also told I breathe wrong!  My diaphragm is weak, causing my core to compensate thus creating muscle tension that's creating other issues which are not listed above.

Plan: Here's what my Dr and I have discussed: while I can't run right now, I can workout.  In fact it's important that my body continue with what it knows as I go through this journey.  So yes to yoga, cardio machines, walking and light weights.

- Physical therapy/chiropractor visits twice a week for at least three months
- Homework: 1) A breathing exercise to strengthen the diaphragm.  As the diaphragm gets stronger my core muscles will learn to relax; 2) a crouching pose that stretches my legs.

Are you wondering if you breathe correctly? Are you interested in the diaphragm exercise?  Maybe I will include these in next week's CHECKpoint.

Most doctors would have prescribed an anti inflammatory and sent me on my way. I'm VERY lucky I found a doctor who embraces eastern and western medicine.  My very own Dr. Oz.