Starting PT and setting up my bike

Yesterday (only one week post op), I was able to start physical therapy.  My surgeon's brother was instrumental in developing a technique called BFR (blood flow restriction) therapy, which is something my PT uses.  The doctor gave me the all clear to start this and other PT exercises.  Last year, I didn't start PT until I was off the crutches 6 weeks after surgery, so this is a definitely a different experience.

The BFR machine is like a tourniquet that decreases a certain percentage of the blood flow to my leg.  By doing so, I can do exercises at very low weight and get the same strength benefits as if I were doing them at a much higher weight.  Our goal right now is to maintain the strength in my left leg so I will be that much farther ahead once I do get off crutches in 5 more weeks.  I went back for a second session this afternoon and will be going at least twice a week for the next several weeks.

The machine isn't fun.  After the first few sets, it gets very hard to do the exercises.  But I know that it will help me in the long run, so I push through and get it done.

The cuff around my leg restricts the blood flow as I do exercises

The doctor also gave me permission to ride a stationary bike with no resistance.  At this point I'm obviously not going to get much cardio benefit from doing so, but I will hopefully maintain the range of motion in my leg.  This was also something I was not allowed to do last time, so I'm happy to have this option.

Considering I have had a $1000 bike gathering dust in one of our spare bedrooms for the last 10 months, it was an easy decision to purchase an indoor bike trainer that would allow me to ride my own bike in the comfort of home.  I set it up this morning and tried it out.  I put on Netflix and had a nice ride.  The time went quickly and my leg felt good when I was done.  On days when the heat gets too extreme for walking outside, this is another great option for me.

Bike + Netflix = 1 happy rehabber

Walks on crutches

When I fractured my hip last January, one of the things I gradually started doing was going on walks with my crutches around the neighborhood.  I remember building up the time and the distance I would walk.  It became part of my daily routine - a walk in the morning and usually another one in the afternoon.  There is only so much time that I can sit inside on the couch, and I believe that the fresh air and sunshine have to be beneficial for recovery.

So following last week's surgery, I knew that starting these walks again would be in my future.  I don't remember exactly when in my rehab I started going out last time, but I'm sure it wasn't this soon after surgery.  I walked this weekend, and I went on two walks today.  I'll talk on the phone or listen to a podcast while I'm walking to pass the time and distract me from how annoying it is to use crutches.  The weather is certainly very different now than the last time I was on crutches.  I'm just hoping for more comfortable days than extremely hot ones this summer. 

These guys weren't scared off by the sound of my crutches

Femoral neck stress fracture surgery

Today I had surgery to fix the femoral neck stress fracture in my left hip.  The experience with this hip has been very different than last year's surgery.  I have felt much more in control of the process this time.  I was able to schedule the surgery as an outpatient procedure with the surgeon I saw yesterday at Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. 

Mike drove me to Glenbrook Hospital later this morning.  My check-in time was 10:45.  I was taken to my own room where a nurse took me through all the pre-op prep and paperwork.  I was impressed with the hospital and the staff who took care of me.  They wheeled me into surgery a little before 1 and I was leaving the recovery area back to my room around 3.  We left the hospital around 5 to head home.  All I remember of the surgery is being wheeled into the OR.  Then the next thing I knew I was in recovery.  My hip is a little sore, but I have no real pain to speak of (and I am not taking any pain meds). 

When I met with the physician yesterday, he had no opposition to doing this as an outpatient procedure when I asked about that option.  He said I was certainly one of the healthiest patients he has operated on and there was no reason why we couldn't -- just what I wanted to hear.  To not have to spend nights in the hospital and to be in my own home has made this such a better experience.

I will be on crutches for 6 weeks but can partially bear weight on my left leg (last year I was non-weightbearing for the 6 weeks).  The break wasn't as bad this time and will hopefully heal quickly.  And now that both hips are done, I don't have to worry about this type of stress fracture in the future (silver lining).

The doctor has also not ruled out my fall marathon (of course I asked about that).  He said we will see how I heal but it is not out of the question.  I know that it may or may not happen and it will certainly not be a PR attempt -- but having that hope to be able to do it has kept my spirits up throughout this process.

Now to let the healing begin...

My hospital room for the afternoon

MRI

When I went out for what was supposed to be an 11 mile long run Saturday morning, I had to stop after 3 miles.  I ran 9-10 miles every morning in Disney, so it wasn't that it was too hot or I couldn't do it.  Even though we were going a relatively slow pace, something felt off to me in my hip.  I tried stretching it a little but as soon as I started running again I knew the run wasn't going to happen.  I limped all the way back home and started a weekend of doctor appointments.

I saw a regular urgent care doctor on Saturday who thought I had just pulled a muscle, ligament or tendon.  I went to an orthopedic urgent care on Sunday for another opinion.  The doctor there didn't see anything on the X-ray but ordered an MRI given my history of stress fractures and osteoporosis. 

After the doctor's office got the insurance approval yesterday, I went for the MRI today.  The experience was much more tolerable than the last MRI I had.  The machine was larger and my head was partially out so I didn't feel as claustrophobic.  The headphones played Pandora music and the technician continuously checked on me and let me know how much time was left.

Sadly, they called me with the results late this afternoon and said the words I was praying I wouldn't hear -- stress fracture.  So now begins another journey.  I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow morning to go over the results and discuss my options.  It seems like surgery may be imminent but I shall see what he says.

A better MRI experience today

Early morning runs at Disney

Although I won't miss the extreme humidity, I am sad that this morning was my last early morning run at Disney (at least for a few months).  I have enjoyed the peaceful path free of traffic and running along the water.  I have enjoyed watching the Boardwalk start to come alive as families awaken to their day at Disney.  I have enjoyed seeing the other runners and walkers out for their morning exercise, and I have especially enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment having completed my workout before the day has even really begun.  See you again soon Disney!

Starting my run at the Beach Club

Early morning view of the Boardwalk

Disney miles always make me happy

I arrived at Disney yesterday afternoon, which meant I was up early this morning for my run before it got too hot.  We are staying at the Beach Club Villas this trip, which means I get to run one of my favorite loops -- around the Boardwalk and out to Hollywood Studios and back.  Last year we stayed at the Boardwalk Villas and at the Yacht Club on different trips, so this has become a very familiar running path to me (not to mention that it's the path from Hollywood Studios to Epcot during the Marathon).  There are always many other people out running the same route as me.  I got in 4 loops today, which works out to a little over 9 miles.  Considering it was 96% humidity, I was pretty happy with how I felt.  I'm looking forward to getting out again tomorrow morning!

Back of the Beach Club as I was heading out

Sorcerer Mickey at the entrance to Hollywood Studios

First long run

This morning was supposed to be our first long run of the marathon training season -- 10 miles.  This is not really that much longer than either of us run every day.  However, there were thunderstorms early this morning, and CARA ended up canceling their training runs.  We were unsure if there would be more rain later in the morning, but we ventured out from the gym together.  Neither of us are used to running with other people.  For my part, I need to learn to slow down on my long runs and not always push the pace.  Every run I do seems to be at the same faster pace +/- 10 seconds.  Although we didn't end up running together the whole time, it was a start.  I did enjoy the time we were together and the more relaxed pace of the run.  Next weekend we will try again with the hope of going longer.

The first of (hopefully) many runs together

It's the (second) most wonderful time of the year!

Marathon training officially begins today!  18 weeks of training will help me prepare for this year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  I love the structure of having a plan to follow and scheduled long runs every weekend.  I am looking forward to many runs along the Lakefront Trail.  Being near the lake and the beautiful skyline of the city are always motivating for me.  We are fortunate to live in an amazing city for running with so many great parks and trails.  Without them, all my running would be a lot less enjoyable.  Happy training!

One of the parks I run through almost every day

CARA Super Clinic

Yesterday afternoon I attended CARA's Super Clinic.  This free event includes speakers on all different topics related to marathon training.  It is intended to help get you ready to begin the marathon training season (which officially begins Monday!).  Even if much of the information wasn't really new to me, I still enjoyed listening to all the speakers and seeing the excitement of everyone there.  Chicago puts on a great marathon.  18 weeks seems so far away, but I know it will be here quickly.

The day's schedule

Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski

CARA Director of Training Leah Bohr

Trying out new lululemon attire

A few weeks ago I sent an email to the media department at lululemon expressing interest in writing an article for the magazine about their Let Your Mind Run Free collection.  The thinking behind the collection is that when you are not distracted by your clothes, you can truly be present in your run.  As I'm always looking for ways to increase my mindfulness and mental training (and the fact that I love the brand), I was intrigued by what they were presenting.  I didn't expect much of a response, but to my surprise they emailed me back later that same day and said they would be happy to send me some clothes to try for my article.  The clothes finally arrived yesterday, and I couldn't be more excited.  They sent me three tops and two pairs of shorts -- a total of $350 worth of clothing!  I'm looking forward to trying everything out and seeing if it does impact my runs in any way.  I'll be writing my article for Chicago Athlete after I've worn everything a few times.

My new lululemon attire