Today marks 38 days since my pelvic stress fracture occurred. This has been one of the most painful and debilitating injuries I have ever sustained in my 15 years of running. I have just started to walk without limping, been able to stand on one leg, and sleep without having to wake up to turn. It's made me appreciate the little things we take for granted in life. My patience has been and will continue to be tested in this recovery process. So far I am winning this competition.
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| Sunday crutching w/ Laurie. |
I had my follow-up appointment with my doctor yesterday. He said that I will have 4 more weeks of non-impact or non weight-bearing activities, since I am still having pain even with walking. He has cleared me to be able to ride the recumbent bike and swim with a buoy between my legs for a method of cardio. I can continue lifting upper-body weights too. Until I can walk without pain I will have limitations because it indicates that my stress fracture is still healing and remodeling. He expects 10-12 weeks until I get to return to weight-bearing activities. Maybe that will be my Christmas present to myself this year?!
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| Crutching away w/ Laurie. |
I won't lie and say I am happy 100% of the time, because that's not true. I have many days when I feel depressed and sad...but, then I think about the positive things going on in my life. And I focus on what I can do, not what I can't do. So what can I do? I can lift upper-body weights. I can use crutches and get outside and crutch for distance. I can now ride the recumbent bike. And I can swim with a buoy between my legs. Also, I can spend time with friends, family, and find other interests to occupy my time.
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| Enjoying time w/ my grandparents. |
This forced time off has healed up all other niggles that had been plaguing for months. It's also allowed me to rekindle that passion and fire I have for running. I cannot wait for that first run and to begin training again. I dream of it daily. And now that I have a spot in Western States, I can be as patient as I need to in returning to running. I will continue to listen to my doctor, coach, and physical therapist in order to heal properly and come back when my body is fully ready. Until then I will keep the fire building inside me to train hard and enjoy the process of regaining my fitness once I get a green light. Stay tuned for further updates on the recovery process.
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| #seeyouinsquaw!!!!!!!! |
Thanks for the update - I can't imagine a bundle of energy like you enjoying being patient with the healing process, but it sounds like you've got enough options to have an energy outlet. Keep it up - Western States is an amazing carrot to have dangled in front of you!
ReplyDeleteIt will heal and looking back it will be no more than a bump in the road. That said while on that bump it can often feel like a mountain and a hard one to climb at that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had a fibula stress fracture (admittedly a much less sinister location than yours), the downtime sucked but turned out to be a blessing. All unrelated latent aches and pains healed, I gained a bunch of core and upper body strength since that was a workout I was allowed to do, and, when I returned to running, I found that I surprisingly had lost little fitness. I did a cautious run/walk routine for a few weeks coming back, and then, when I jumped back in fully, I was suddenly running better than ever before. I was pleasantly surprised by that! I predict and hope for a great return to running for you when you are healed!
ReplyDeleteWe all love you Kaci!!!! It sucks, but think about it as a way of God telling you to take a slight break. Mike Wardian came back WAY stronger after all of his injuries and I know that the same will happen for you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKaci, I hope your healing progresses nicely and that 2018 will bring you a lot of healthy, happy racing. I love the picture of you and your grandparents, but I have to tell you, I thought your granddad was George RR Martin at first glance ;)
ReplyDeleteYou Got this!
ReplyDeleteI fractured my pelvis about two weeks earlier than you - nondisplaced fractures of the parasymphyseal left pubic body and left inferior pubic ramus. It stinks, doesn't it! I suffered mine when I had a minor wipe-out on my mtn bike. So painful to walk, let alone run, for the first few weeks. But I can walk completely without pain now. Still, I'm apparently a long way out - my dr said these fractures typically take 2-6 months to heal. Any time recovery is in months instead of weeks, YOU KNOW it's going to be a huge mental challenge. All the best to you, Kaci - hang in there.
ReplyDeleteKaci,
ReplyDeleteYou will come back stronger than ever! And all of that pent-up wanting to run energy can be funneled into victories along the way, both personal and podium.
Kaci,
ReplyDeleteYou are a strong, courageous person, who needs to be patient now and will come back strong! Injuries stink, but you'll be back! Look forward to seeing you on the trails!
Kaci - you have been an inspiration to so many people through your running, and now will be an inspiration through your recovery. We are each given our own unique curriculum in this life, and the individual challenges we are given are really opportunities for growth. I am sure you will learn so many things from your injury and recovery that will be hugely valuable to you. I know from my own injuries and heath problems, I have learned humility, gratitude, and compassion - to an extent I never would have if I hadn't encountered them. They've made me a better person, for sure. The patience part, though, I'm still working on:) You have such a great outlook on life, I'm sure you're going to recover well and take all you've learned to be an even stronger person and runner. Our thought and hearts are with you!
ReplyDeleteI know it’s kinda late, but prayers for a full and speedy recovery
ReplyDeleteKaci, I am so sorry to hear about your injury. I too am healing from the Exact same stress fracture. Mine happened on Sept 4th, but I was not diagnosed until 12/12 because I neglected to see a doctor. Wow...I won't do that again! I am interested in hearing what your re-entry plan will be. My doctor says that I can try running again in February but I am not sure how to go about increasing mileage. any suggestions for me?!
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