[Trinity]

I usually believe that there is a reason behind most things in life but I wish I knew the reason behind the year of tough luck that I've had... maybe I'll see it when I make it through the other side.

Most of you know about my 14 month struggle with an injury, and finally I have found someone who has given me hope of getting it fixed.

I dared to start thinking of a time scale for getting back into marathon and ultra running.

But then the rug was pulled from under me once again.

I've been under a neurologist for a few years now for various problems, undergone loads of tests, and finally had a head and neck CT and then an MRI.

Following the MRI scan I had a letter saying I'd been referred to neuro surgical. I went for my appointment with the surgeon yesterday and he said that the scan revealed that my spinal cord is being pinched at 3 separate vertibrae in my neck and also that there is quite advanced arthritis in my neck. I will definitely need surgery but the surgeon is willing to leave it and review the rate of deterioration in 3 months time.

We talked about running and when he realised how much of a runner I am he became cautious. When I told him of my dream to run Comrades (which incidently was planned for this year until the injury in my leg changed everything) he said that if I want to do something like that then it would need to be sooner rather than later. I didn't want to ask but I suspect that goes for marathons too.

At the moment I'm swinging from feeling really low because it looks like the end of long distance running, and trying to remain positive because you hear of people suffering from horrible illnesses or having horrific accidents, coming back and doing amazing things.

But I need help to stay positive, because I'm finding it really difficult right now. I can't let this beat me. Do you have any inspiration that I can use....please







It looks like my brain is ok though...so maybe they are looking at someone elses scan

 

[Hollywood]

Eeek!

(Trin)

Glad to hear that you've got what sounds like a seriously knowledgeable diagnosis.

But sorry to hear that it's a pinched spinal cord : - (

From my ignorant position, I can't really recommend anything* - it sounds like you've already got a good team on the case.

Given what I know of you I can't believe this is going to set you back permanently - I think it's more than likely you'll be out running ultras including Comrades for many years to come...

Take your time reading about the situation and talking it through with all the experts (and non-experts too) that you can.

(Trin)

H


* other than taking up triathlon and eating chocolate, of course!

 

[Trinity]

Rob... thank you, your post has made me cry, but I've been holding it all in since I found out and it's much healthier to cry.
You make a lot of sense in this senseless situation. I guess the fear lies in the unknown.


Hollywood... thanks, I hope you're right... coz I can't swim so I'll just have to settle for the chocolate

 

[calton1954]

Trinity,

It's difficult for anyone not going through what you are to comment, but anyway I would suggest making clear to your specialists how important running is to you, psychologically as well as physically, and take their advice on the sort of distances that are reasonable given your condition. As Rob says it might mean adjusting the sort of running you do, but focus on still running in some way. I'm about nine years older than you and have only been running for 18 months.

It's trite to say there's always someone worse off than you, but in my case on of the reasons I started is that my best friend (same age) suffers from Parkinsons. He has to take a cocktail of pills to even walk semi-normally, but gets on with it. Made me think that while I can run I should make the most of my capability.

You know you'll always find someone on here for a chat when your down, we'll all be plugging for you.

 

[Steady Edwina]

(((Hugs))))

 

[Trinity]

Thanks calton and SE

calton...I know what you mean about there being always someone worse off, while I sat in the waiting room of the neuro unit yesterday I felt like a fraud, some of the people in there had so much more to cope with.

I think I'm still reeling from the information, but I am trying to stay positive

 

[Hollywood]

Hello again

I've still got no scientific basis for my opinion, but I don't see your long distance running stopping...

I don't believe in much... but I do believe.

See you in Durban!

 

[Hollywood]

(not that I'd ever be stupid enough to sign up for Comrades you understand!)

 

[telmadee]

Trinity, im so sorry to read this post, I havent been online for a while ( i felt a bit of a fraud coming on now meg has done his half. but i missed coming on here and so came on for a look, and felt gutted to read this, big hugs to you hun my heart goes out to you, but stay strong sweetie, Drs dont know everything. Many years ago, Meg had a promising career as a pro footballer or so they thought, he was signed up by barnsley football club at 14 then a few months later he damaged his leg in an accident and they said he would never walk agian, he was in calipers for a year aswell as crutches, but he was determined that nothing would stop him walking even though he knew his dream of being a pro footballer was gone, and so he started going to the gym, and although this may be frowned upon he went to see a spiritual healer, when he went to the consultants next he walked in unaided carryign his calipers and crutches. So liek i say keep positive hun, evne if you wont be able to do the long runs, you may be able to do even 30 mins a day a few times a week to keep you in touch with it.
big hugs n kisses to you from Meg and I xxxx

 

[Trinity]

Dawn... thank you, that's the kind of story that gives me hope...told he may never walk again at 14 and ending up running a half marathon


Hollywood... you have a point there, maybe they were someone elses scans after all because they didn't find anything wrong in my head :huh:

 

[steepler]

"Tough times don't last but tough people do." - A.C. Green

Best one I could find. Hope you get sorted out and have many more miles to go!

 

[Runningfox]

Stay positive Trin. Take life a day at a time and do what you can while you can. Don't go through life fearing the worst - expect MIRACLES!
My mountaineering mate was crippled with vertebrae trapping the spinal chord in his lower back and often had to lie flat on the floor taking the weight off it in a sort of traction position. Around Christmas time he had a titanium insert fitted to keep the vertebrae apart and has just backpacked a high level route across Scotland with around 40 lbs on his back. It's amazing what surgeons can do nowadays. Have faith!
Cheers!

 

[Hollywood]

Some of the inspirational stories I heard during this year's adiruns included:

- a 25 year old who'd had a walnut sized tumour removed from his brain at 18 - from that he had to relearn how to talk and how to walk, so running alongside him while he was talking was really good stuff.

- a 50 year old who'd had a heart transplant and has now run the last 6 London marathons - I liked the idea of bits of my body running marathons after I was gone - so it made me sign up - http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/how_to_become_a_donor/how_to_become_a_donor.jsp

 

[GoSlow]

Can't offer any advice but would like to give you a big hug

(((((((Trinity))))))))

As the others have said, try and stay positive (but cry all you need to!)

 

[Steve]

I don't think I can add to what everyone has said already Trin except being positive is the best form of attack!

SWMBO and I wish you well and EXPECT to see you at an Expo somewhere soon!

 

[Trinity]

You know what... out of all the people who have posted words of support on this thread I've only met Hollywood, Steepler (once) and Steve & SWMBO (once), but it feels like you're all my best friends

Thank you so much

 

[Dave]

You`ve been an inspiration to a lot of us this year Trin.

Don`t stop being positive now,even though you have had another set back.

You know we`re all behind you,so hopefully you can take some strength from that.

Wishing you all the best.

Dave.

 

[Steve]

Steve & SWMBO (once), but it feels like you're all my best friends

Thank you so much

Can you lend us a tenner then?!!! :d

 

[Trinity]

Can you lend us a tenner then?!!! :d

I'll do better than that.... I'll write you into my Will






















must stay positive must stay positive must stay positive must stay positive.......

 

[steepler]

"I have met my hero, and he is me." - George Sheehan