The Picture is Complete

Today I had a follow-up visit with Dr. Jeff Saul at S.O.A.R in Redwood City. The purpose was simply to let the doc know how the last round of epidural injections worked. I also wanted to ask the doctor about returning to running.

Nothing particularly exciting happened at the appointment, but I left feeling like a weight had lifted off my shoulders. At this point we know that I have extremely degenerated disc and there is no way to 'fix it.' The doctor suggested that I avoid running for 12 weeks to enable my body to get to a point of minimal inflammation. (This break was intended to help me be able to return to a decent level of normal function as opposed to an outcome related to training or racing). I did ask the doc if I would do damage by running again. His answer was no, BUT, he said I would know very quickly if I would be able to run, train or race. It is pretty simple, the degeneration may continue to significantly limit my ability to train or perform and a high level. I have to accept what I am, what I have and move on.

Why would I feel relieved and even happy after leaving the doctor's office? (especially considering the 'non-outcome' of the appointment). Well, after five years of battling the back, I can see exactly what I am working with. My option is to try. I can try training and see what happens. I do have pain every day (regardless of training), so I'm not certain where an attempt to return to running and a full regimen of triathlon training will lead. No point in worrying or belly aching over it though. I'm going to wait another week or two and try some running.

The body is an amazing thing. I'm not counting myself out just yet. If my competition is smart, they won't either. :-)

My Back Diagnosis up until this point...

I can't say that it's my favorite thing to blog about my back. There are definetley more uplifting things to relate than doctor's appointments and discussions related to the potential end point of my professional racing career.

Still, this my reality and why sugar coat it. My hope is that other athletes who might face similiar issues will find something useful in my posts. Frankly, I also hope that healthy athletes will recognize how incredibly blessed they are to be able to participate in sports - at whatever level.
My tolerance for whining and excuses is ever so thin these days.

Up until now, my diagnosis has been degenerative disc disease and facet syndrome. Here are two links that a friend sent me that do a good job of explaining what those conditions mean.
There are two short videos.

http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/iplayer/facetsyndrome

http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/iplayer/ddd

Today, I returned to S.O.A.R in Redwood City to see Dr. Jeff Saal. I was referred to Dr. Saal over a year ago by well known cycling physician, Dr. Andy Pruit. I haven't had the opportunity to be seen by Dr. Pruit, but he assured me that the folks at S.O.A.R are among the best.

Based on the information I shared with Dr. Saal, he suggested I be scheduled for yet another MRI (my 3rd) and another follow-up visit with him. My last MRI was over a year ago so the intent of this new MRI is to compare it to the previous. We will be looking for any changes and further deteroriation of my condition.

Dr. Saal wasn't all doomsday, but fairly pragmatic and realistic. Let's just say he wasn't forseeing me competing much more as a professional triathlete. He suggested it was time for me to start 're-creating' myself and thinking about becoming a 'recreational' athlete. He said I could live a 'normal life.' I will have to 'adjust' my expectations and do anything I can to not aggravate my back.

I'm not throwing in the towel yet. Naturally it is prudent to wait for next week's MRI and follow-up diagnosis. The doc wants to do another round of injections and further exploration of strength training and non-impact training. I'm game for that. After 5 years of struggles I'm not going to quit. It is no secret to anyone who has followed my career, that I have a bit of a 'lackluster' swim. That is about to change.