Sunday, June 26, 2011

Time to catch up

So here's the deal.  In late March I lost strength in my right arm.  The tricep and pectoral muscle on my right side were almost paralyzed.  I couldn't do a single pushup.   Went to the Dr, had an MRI, went to a specialist.   I had two herniated discs that were pressing on my nerves that the specialist described as 'impressive'.    Because of the pinching of the nerve and to prevent permanent damage, I was schedule for surgery.  

Soon after my diagnosis, I had a real bad episode with my lower back.   I believe the back was related to the neck herniation.     Because of the back and drs orders, all working out and running stopped.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion on two discs.     Major surgery that would keep me in a neck brace for 6 weeks,  not able to pick up more than 10-15 lbs for 3 months.    I was scheduled for surgery May 3rd.

I was pretty devistated that I wouldn't be able to run, but more worried about the impact  on my family.  A 2 and 4 year old and not being able to pick them up or really help out with them for a couple of months.

Fast forward to roughly 10 days before surgery.  I made an extra appointment to meet with the surgeon because I noticed I was getting my strength back.   Over the weeks from my first meeting the surgeon,  I noticed I could do one pushup.  And then two.  I thought I might just be compensating with strength with my other arm, but I was actually gaining strength back so I decided I should let the surgeon know.    As soon as I told him the situation, and he did some strength tests, he immediately took the surgery option off the table.

YAY!!

He gave me the green light to start running again, as he assured me the injury wasn't running related (although we don't know what really caused it).  On April 20, I ran a very happy mile.