Thursday, December 1, 2011

An Ankle Update

Once upon a time, I used to run. And I used to do boot camp and all sorts of other fun stuff. I used to complete marathons, run with friends, take spin classes, get up at the crack of dawn to swim, and try to avoid weirdos at the gym on a regular basis.

 San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon, under better circumstances!

Until I busted my ankle earlier this year. I rolled my ankle on a run and ended up severely tearing a major ligament and tendon. And I ended up in this for 6 weeks:


And it was hard. It was really really hard. I went from being a very active girl to doing absolutely nothing. I even had to wear that boot when I was sleeping. I went through physical therapy for 8 weeks and slowly got back to walking, swimming, and a bit of biking. But I never got back to running. Running just made my ankle hurt so so much. It turns out, my ligament and tendon never healed. They never stinkin' healed!! My options are to live with the pain and loss of activity or have surgery to fix the problem. I'm going with surgery.

Next week I will have the surgery. The recovery is 4 weeks of no weight bearing on my foot. That means a cast and crutches. Maybe I can trick out my crutches with christmas lights? Then 6 weeks back in that beautiful boot. And also lots of physical therapy to get back to walking. And biking. AND running. Because I have races to run, dreams to chase, marathons to qualify for, soccer balls to kick with my kids, tidepools to explore, hikes to accomplish and much much more.

So send me some good vibes next week and hopefully my surgeon has an extra dose of his Wheaties the morning of my surgery. Thanks for listening and stopping by today, friends!

15 comments:

Leah said...

Oh Mara, I'm so sorry you are going through all this :( But surgery sounds like the right choice for you...will be sending prayers for you and that when it's all done you'll be back to running with no pain. I use to dance and then fibromyalgia came on and hasn't ever left...so now I try to do yoga. It's not the same but I know how it is to not be able to do the things you use to do. Hugs to you!!

Rebecca Keppel said...

Oh blech! Sorry to hear you have to have surgery. I will be thinking of you and hoping for a quick and full recovery so you can be pain free and return to all the cool activities you do.

Mona Pendleton said...

Oh dear Mara! Sorry to hear this but hopefully, surgery will help the problem. I used to be a runner until I ended up with a non union stress fracture in my foot. Still ran against doctors orders and a year later, had the surgery he recommended a year prior! I was a good compliant pt after surgery and stayed off my foot for 12 weeks and now 4 years later, I am almost as good as new! Minus a bone in my left foot! No more running for me. Working in an Orthopedic Hospital Operating Room and seeing the long term damage to peoples knees, ankles, hips and back, I don't care to anymore. Only biking and using an elliptical for me :) I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers :) Happy Holidays!

Michelle H. said...

Mara, Im sorry to hear about your surgery for next week!!
I will be keeping you in my prayers and hope you have a quiker recovery than expected!!
Big hugs!!

Juliana Michaels 17turtles said...

Loads of good vibes and prayers are coming your way Mara! As a PT, I understand what you have been through and will go through. Hang in there girl!!!

Lisa Spiegel said...

OHHhh Mara..good luck, girlie!! You will power through and be a good girl on your crutches so you heal right this time...I know you want to get back to being the athelete you are!!!! xoxo

Joni M said...

So 10 weeks? 2 1/2 months? That's not long when compared to how long you've been suffering so far. You'll be back on your running feet before you know it! Be sure to keep us posted on your progress!
Good luck!

Melissa said...

I'm so sorry that you've been through all this! I'll be thinking of you and praying for a quick recovery!

Julia Aston said...

Oh my goodness Mara! what a terrible thing to happen to an athelete! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers dear friend - I hope this surgery corrects the problem for you and you are soon back to your very active self!

mustangkayla said...

:-0 It never healed! I hope the surgery, recovery and therapy go well!

Mel said...

Wishing you all the best Mara!! I'll be thinking of you:) Beautiful (and heartfelt) post by the way. I can truly tell where your passion lies:)

melody said...

wishing you all the best mara ~ my heart is with you ~ and hope you have a quick healing time! super cyber hugs sent your way!

xoxo

wendipooh13 said...

Mara!!!! good luck with surgery and hope it all goes well.. good vibes and {{HUGS}}... you'll be back on your feet in no time!!

VanessaB said...

so sorry you have to go through all of that, but sending you the best wishes for a great surgery and a speedy recovery!

BethieJ said...

Oh Mara I am so SORRY about all that.. I know it must SUCK! BUT just think by spring you will be back and RUNNING!! YEAH! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.. please keep us posted... GOOD LUCK!!!