So you may recall from previous blog posts that my Dad and I
have a daily exercise date at 4:30 a.m. We meet five days a week and I get my
running fix in.
Running helps me clear my head and makes everything better
for me. It’s very therapeutic.
Between Christmas and New Year's I got a rude awakening.
Literally! I was awoken in the middle of the night by what I can only describe
as a feeling like if someone was sticking pins in a voodoo doll's hip. A voodoo
doll that was supposed to be me!
Literally out of a dead sleep my hip locked up and I
screamed out loud.
After four days of dragging my leg behind me in pain while I
walked and relying on a combination of Icy Hot, massages, Advil, and a healthy
dose of self-pity, I emailed Pattie Foley (VP, Outpatient Services) for a
consult.
It turns out that I have something called Iliotibial Band
Syndrome (or ITBs). While it has a long, fancy name it just means I strained
the muscle between my hip and knee.
And guess what the fix is? Rest and stretching. It has now been over a week of trying to fix
this and I have to say that I have been miserable. Actually, that is an
understatement.
You know I am addicted to my FitBit,
so reaching my daily goal is basically out of the question. Plus, my running
has been completely sidelined, eliminating all opportunities for me to clear my
head!
Are you enjoying my pity party yet?
This whole inconvenience has forced me to try other ways to
heal, such as deep cleansing breaths. But, it has also been a stark reminder of
just how hard it is for our kids and their parents who are recovering from what
they are dealing with.
Yes, there are signs of life and healing, but I have to keep
reminding myself that it is a process and no amount of gnashing of teeth or rushing
will replace the hard work and time. Patience is key.
I’m curious – do you have a story similar to mine where you
had to work through something challenging that tested your patience? Or do you
have advice for me – besides put my big girl pants on and stop whining – to
help me through my challenge?
