Sunday, July 2, 2017

Plot Twist!



Whew! It has been a whirlwind of a week (at least in my little corner of the universe).



But first things first....welcome to the Weekly Wrap! I am honored to be co-hosting the Weekly Wrap with Holly (from HoHo Runs) and Tricia (fromMissSippiPiddlin ) this week. Care to play along? Simply add your link (by following.the AdLink icon at the bottom), and check out the other linked blogs as well. Please don't just link- drop and dash, though, take some time and visit the other linked blogs...you never know who you may meet or who you could inspire by supporting and encouraging a fellow blogger (or several).


Anyways...

Have you ever woken up from a strange dream, and after a few seconds were relieved that it was only 'just a dream?" Well, my recent dream quickly morphed into a twisted nightmare. The thing is, though, I was fully awake and it was not a dream.

Care to hear more?

Last week began (almost) like any other week (well, any other week following a recent marathon). I was a week out from the finish line of Grandma's Marathon. My body was feeling (overall) recovered from running 26.2 miles but that bursitis had returned to my right knee. I had been on meds (Prednisone) for a few days and my doc had said to give it time. I was taking things easy. I even bagged my #nevermissaMonday run and walked a few miles instead.
I even coordinated my outfit to match the knee compression sleeve

As the week progressed, things did not improve with the knee. I tried to stay somewhat active (strength-training and planking, etc.) in hopes that doing so would move things along and at least keep the joint loose.
planking with bed head

By Wednesday, though, there was substantial swelling returning and the redness (and pain) was migrating up my leg (near the IT Band area). The knee joint was so stiff I could barely bend it without wincing. I decided to call the ortho specialist (an hour away). She had taken care of me two weeks prior (cortisone shots before the marathon). I was able to get an 11:30 appointment for the next morning.

Wednesday evening was a nightmare of an evening. I felt feverish and achy all over. I had taken some prescription meds (for anti-inflammatory help), so I was afraid to take anything else for the fever.
Thursday morning...

I did wake up Thursday feeling somewhat better. My fever broke in the night (ugh...what a mess), but I was still a bit achy. The redness wasn't quite as bad, though, so I was optimistic things were on the mend and I'd be almost brand new after my appointment.
heading to work...

On a whim, our youngest daughter came along with me to the appointment. I had felt so loopy and out of it (the night prior), I was afraid of driving myself.

The specialist came in and took a quick look at me, and said she wanted me to see her surgeon (same building). He took a quick look at my knee and said he thought it look infected. He drew some of the fluid out of my knee and promptly said I needed to head to the hospital and get some IV antibiotics ASAP... and he was gonna call and see if he could get me in for surgery that afternoon. WHAT????

He left the room for a minute, and upon returning began asking me a series of questions...When was the last time I had eaten? Had I had anything to drink? Any known allergies to meds? Again, WHAT???? By this time, it was around 12:30, and I felt like I was watching a strange movie with myself as the main character. Apparently, I was not going to be headed back to work, or even back home.

We called the husband and gave him the update, and headed to the hospital. I went through all the check-in procedures, and was placed in a pre-op room. More health history questions, needle pricks, IV placed, and I was given a hospital gown to change into. Surgery at 3:30. Yes, this really was happening.

It was around 4:15-4:30 when I heard someone call my name, waking me up from that unplanned Thursday afternoon "nap" in the operating room. They told me the surgeon had already called my husband, and that the daughter was headed back home. And I had a new 6-inch battle scar to call my own.
my new reality

Friday was your typical day spent in a hospital room....lots of calls, texts, and messages from friends and family who were just as dumbfounded as myself as to what had just happened in the previous 24 hours. One perk to being hospitalized is the guilt-free time to catch up on blogging stuff. Oh, and flowers. Flowers certainly brightened up the décor in my room and lifted my spirits.
aren't they pretty?

Saturday and Sunday were spent in the hospital as well, and currently, it's not certain when I'll be discharged. So, yes! This blog post is coming to you live from the confines of a hospital bed! Fortunately, I will have plenty of time to read a lot of blogs in the next couple of days.

So, my prognosis? That's still a bit up in the air. We'll probably never have a specific answer as to what caused the bursitis in the first place, and why it seemed to disappear only to re-emerge with a vengeance several days after the marathon. As for the infection (which, at the moment, appears to be a "mild" staph infection), it's unclear if that was there two weeks ago (and undetected) or if it developed from the bursitis relapse.  None the less, my surgeon told me if I had waited much longer, there was a chance I may have lost some of the skin on my knee...and that would have set things into a crazy downward spiral, starting with a skin graph and possibly never being able to run again afterwards.

As for my running? Well, my summer has totally been turned upside-down with all of this. I am not supposed to run for at least two months (to give the suture enough time to properly heal). That means the 4th of July 5K is out, and the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll 13.1 is not even a remote possibility. I don't have anything else on my calendar until November, but I certainly had planned on doing a few other half marathons (I just had not registered for them yet). Totally not the summer I had in mind. Can you say, "Plot Twist?"

It's a frustrating situation. I'm one of the rare runners who respects recovery. I don't do crazy, excessive mileage. I do not run everyday. And I listen to my doctors and do what they tell me. I'm in pretty good health and in decent shape...and, yet, here I am. But, I do try to keep a positive attitude, and that will be my main force in keeping me going these next couple months.


We won't talk about weekly mileage last week, ha! In case you missed them, here's my posts from last week:
So, that's a wrap (for now). Tell me...have you ever been blindsided by a sudden injury that wasn't necessarily running-related?

I'm linking up with  Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Please join us!






71 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you got in for surgery when you did, and you only have to be out for two months. So much better than the alternative! Heal up quickly, lady.

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    1. Thanks, Rachel ;-) YOU may think marathons are dumb, but an unexpected side-lined sabbatical is downright stupid ;-)

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  2. I'm glad you went in when you did and are on the road to recovery! We've got Vegas!

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  3. I've been thinking about you this weekend and so happy that you are on the mend. I am also super impressed that you were able to get this blog posted from the hospital bed - that just shows how awesome you are and your dedication!

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    1. Thank you, Kim ;-) Your thoughts and kind words are SO much appreciated

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  4. Wow, this sounds like a dream. Wake up, girl! So sorry that happened to you but glad you went in right on time or it would have been worse. I Hope you help quickly!

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  5. Plot twist indeed! I am so glad that you went back in for treatment. I was reading your post to my dad (a DR who loves crazy cases) he thinks you got the staph infection from the cortisone shot. I always love your positive attitude and that's going to help you heal faster. Hang in girlfriend!

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    1. There are so many conflicting thoughts and guesses on how this happened...we're all scratching our heads LOL

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  6. Omg! How crazy is that? It's a good thing that you called the doctor and got in to see them when you did. Hoping that you heal quickly and can easily transition back to your training after you have fully healed.

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    1. I'm hoping these two months go smoothly....I plan to do some cross-training (within certain parameters) and let this stuff heal properly

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  7. Yikes! At least you didn't delay in calling your doctor, and that the medical staff was able to operate early! I hope your healing goes well.

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    1. It is so freaky what could have happened if I had waited even a day longer to make that call...

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  8. So, so scary Kim. So glad it got caught before it completely derailed your life!

    And no, I've never really dealt with anything quite like that. Thankfully. Although recently my Dad got a staph infection in his hands -- for no apparent reason & actually it sounds a lot like what happened to you -- his hands turned red and swelled. My guess is he picked it up in a dr's office, because they spend a lot of time at drs, but it was still really weird.

    I hope the recovery is smooth and quicker than predicted.

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    1. I plan to be a very good girl and do exactly as told...there's nothing to gain by overdoing it

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  9. Im still so surprised by this, and Im sure you are too. Im just glad you got it looked at when you did!

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    1. It still feels like a bad dream, but I'm thankful I took action when I did

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  10. Oh Kim I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. It's such a good thing you called your doctor when you did. You've had such a great attitude through all of this - Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! My attitude is really gonna get worked over this summer....but it could have been a lot worse

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  11. So glad you called for an appt when you do! I love your positive attitude, and I know it will help a lot in your recovery! :)

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  12. Oh my goodness...I saw your pictures on Facebook! What a crazy train you've been riding the last few days. Prayers for your recovery! <3

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  13. This is so scarey... and I am sooo glad it got caught when it did! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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    1. Thank you, Vicki ;-) I'm hoping the recovery goes smoothly

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  14. Wow, so scary! I hope you get to go home soon. Until then, enjoy your blog reading ;)

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  15. Gah! I'm so sorry about your injury! It is good timing (the bright side?) that it happened during your recovery period, instead of the week before your big race. I'm sending you good vibes and hopes of a quick recovery. Thank you for hosting the Weekly Wrap!

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    1. Yes, indeed I'd be a major emotional mess if this was going down before the marathon. Still not great timing with summer and all, but at least my big race is behind me

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  16. Oh my! Glad you went in when you did! Hope you have a smooth recovery!

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    1. Thanks ;-) Hoping for a smooth summer (even though I won't be in my running shoes).

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  17. Oh man! I'm so sorry. I saw this on Instagram and it's truly surreal. I'm glad you got it fixed, though. Well wishes to you!

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    1. yes, surreal to the max! Thanks for your well wishes ;-)

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  18. Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about this - I saw some of your pics on Facebook. You definitely seem to be in good spirits and I'm sending some more positive vibes your way as you recover!

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    1. Thanks, Janelle ;-) I'll take any positive vibes you can spare ;-)

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  19. If I know you, you will get through this with flying colors. Now rest! See you in Vegas!

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    1. Vegas is my new goal ;-) That will be my reward after I get through all of this

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  20. I'm really glad you went to the doc when you did and that you are okay. The outcome could have been a lot worse. It stinks that you have to miss several races, but two months out still gives you time to run something this Fall/Winter. It's sad but sometimes even when we take care of ourselves and watch our training, injuries (err, shit) still happens. Still, you respect the process and all those miles you put in WILL be worth it one day when you can run again. Focus on recovering and getting healed up!

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    1. Thank you ;-) I know I will not lose all of my fitness over two months, but I will miss the summer running...Oh well, onward!

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  21. Ugh! I am so glad you called the doctor and got in to be seen! I hate that this happened to you, but I am grateful that the situation was handled before it could have gotten worse.

    Wishing you the best in your recovery. I can't even imagine what you must be feeling right now - hang in there, follow doctor's orders and be well!

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    1. It is SO frustrating this happened, but I'm thankful it was caught before it was too late

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  22. Oh my goodness! definitely NOT what you had planned, but it's fortunate you were seen when you were at least! Could've been much much worse. Rest up and heal. <3

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    1. Yes, it totally sucks...but it could have been a lot worse...

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  23. yes, Vegas will be the Great Return to Racing Race LOL

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  24. You are such a dedicated runner and blogger Kimberly! Can't believe your posting from your hospital room! Speedy recovery my friend!!

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    1. Well, a blogger's got to do what a blogger's got to do, right? Onward!

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  25. I'll be honest with you and say that I was a bit surprised to see that you are still in the hospital!! That dang staph is a force to be reckoned with, huh?? I've been thinking of you and hope you are maintaining good spirits. It's so hard to be sidelined and especially one that blindsides you. BUT ....it is the summer and you have time to heal up and be ready for fall races!! Rehab before racing you know :) I know, not funny. Hang in there lady...we're all praying for you!!!

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    1. Thanks Teresa ;-) I have been overwhelmed with so many wonderful thoughts and well wishes...it's really brightened all of my days this past week.

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  26. This still blows my mind that this happened to you and I'm sure everyone is wondering how in the world you got the infection. Could it have been from the cortisone shots you got before the marathon - contaminated wound area or something associated with that? I'm sure the doctors are checking everything. It's so scary! I love your attitude through all of this. You're a trouper!

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    1. Oh, and posting this from your hospital bed makes you a total badass!

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    2. The docs (surgeon and infectious disease doc) are still perplexed and said we'll probably never have a definite answer. My mind is still blown as well at how serious this has become...and thankful it wasn't any worse. Onward!

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  27. Oh my gosh! I can't believe that you've gone through all of that, and still have a bright smile on your face! Good luck and prayers for health and healing!

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    1. Thanks!! It's a nasty situation, but considering how much worse it could have played out...I'm thankful for what it is.

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  28. Wow!! Sounds so crazy! I'm glad everything turned out ok since it sounds like it could have been much worse. Hope healing and recovery goes well!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, this could have been a lot worse, so I'm thankful it didn't play out that way.

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  29. Goodness me! I was not expecting that when I started reading. I'm amazed at how quickly they saw you but the infection would explain the fever!

    I'm another runner who respects recovery (and try and get my athletes to do the same!). It's just not worth it to try and push through as you could end up in recovery for longer.

    Well wishes for your recovery and your stay in hospital!

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    1. Thank you, Nicola ;-)This recovery is gonna be a huge focus this summer....I got to get that skin suture healed up nice and pretty.

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  30. I am just glad that you will be ok! Running will be there, it will wait for you, though I know that it is a far cry of comfort to say that, but if anyone is proof that running waits, it is me. Focus on healing and what you can do, and let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

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    1. Thanks, Suz ;-) This will be a recovery of a lifetime LOL

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  31. Hi hostess! Your summer sure did take an about face! Running will always be there for you when you get good and ready! HUGS! XXOO

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    1. Yes, a total about-face LOL I have my eye on Vegas, so this recovery will be first and foremost.

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  32. Oh no! So sorry to hear this! Being sidelined any time is no fun, but especially not in summer. But I'm sure you'll come up with other ways to have a fun summer and stay active. Running isn't everything, even though we often think that it is!

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    1. Exactly, running isn't everything LOL I'm just glad I have other options to keep me fit & moving until all the recovery is done.

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  33. Thanks for being our hostess this week FROM YOUR HOSPITAL BED, no less. You're a strong, determined lady! In time, I know this will be nothing but a little blip on your radar.

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    1. That's my hope....two quick months of (modified) cross-training and a gradual reunion with my running shoes.... ;-)

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  34. Oh my goodness... Staph infection was the first thing that popped into my mind! Even a "mild" one is scary and I'm glad the doctors caught it when they did! Keep up your respect of rest - you are one smart runner! Running will return soon enough, just get yourself healed up asap!

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    1. I had no idea staph was so aggressive and scary until now, and I actually got off pretty easy. My healing time will be paramount....that will trump any urges or temptations to even think about running before it's too soon. ;-)

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