Monday, June 24, 2013

Back in the Boot

Well I guess I will shift gears from the last post, which dealt with my broken heart, and shift to my dang broken foot.

I haven't talked much about the progress with my foot because to be honest, there hasn't been much progress.  I transitioned to tennis shoes when I flew home for the CFA at the end of May and right away I felt some pain.  I thought maybe it was the muscles adapting to not having the support of the boot, so I pushed through.  I did the prescribed 2 weeks of tennis shoes only and then transitioned into wearing flats at work.

But I couldn't ignore the fact that my foot still hurt.  And co-workers were commented on the fact that I appeared to be sort of limping.  So back to the doctor I went for another set of x-rays.  At my appointment on Wednesday, I found out that the stress fracture has not healed.  So now, in addition to wearing the boot, I am in a soft cast which provides more support and will hopefully speed up the healing process.  I left the doctor's office with a firm order to stop pushing it and just basically do as little as possible.

I managed to hold in the tears until I got home (at past appointments I have cried in the doctors office, which isn't embarrassing at all). It's just another blow in the midst of a series of blows.  It would really help me mentally and physically to be out there logging miles, and it'd be another way for me to make some more friends here as I had a running club that I intended to join.  But my return to running is just not happening anytime soon.  And I've had to accept that I will not be running the Chicago marathon this year.  I will go, of course, as I have friends flying in to run it.  But instead of being out on the course with them, I'll be on the sidelines cheering.  Which I know will be fun, but it's just not the same as being out there running. :(

I'm so beyond frustrated right now.  But right now I have to focus on what is in my control.  So while my foot heals, this is what I plan on doing:

1.  Switch up my supplements.  I have been taking Vitamin D, D3, and Calcium for well over 6 months now, but the coach of a local club I was looking at joining recommended a different D3 supplement that has a higher absorption rate, so I am going to pick that up this week.

2.  Pilates.  A co-worker referred me to her pilates instructor as she has had a great experience with her, and her rate for one-on-one sessions is reasonable.  So I am doing a free trial session with her this week.  The instructor also had a stress fracture in the past, so she understand that I can't do any lower body work.  She has assured me that there is plenty of core and upper body work that we can do while my foot is healing.

3.  Weight Watchers.  Due to the lack of activity over the last 3 months, I have put on 6-7 pounds.  In an effort to reverse that trend and get back to my "happy weight" I have decided to go back on Weight Watchers.  This really depresses me as I have been off the program for 3+ years and have stayed in a 3-5 pound range, but now that I can't manage my weight through my activity level, it's time to get back to tracking what I am putting in my body.  I feel like I eat healthy and in moderation, but I am clearly doing something wrong.  I lost 35+ pounds on WW 4 years ago, so hopefully I can take off the weight I've gained recently.  My body image is at a multi-year low right now, so hopefully losing some weight will also help in that regard.

In a word, I feel defeated right now.  I am mentally preparing myself for 4 more weeks in the boot and soft cast, but am hoping it is 2 weeks.  I have all these trips planned over the next 2 months and if I am still in the boot, it's really going to limit my ability to enjoy the cities I plan to visit.

So please send some healing thoughts/prayers my way... 

22 comments:

abbi said...

Here's hoping the boot is gone for good very soon! The pilates sessions sound very promising and hopefully that will lift your spirits!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Oh, I love pilates. It's been years since I've been, but I used to go twice a week in Australia. I feel like it's 90% core and upper body so you shouldn't even need too many modifications.

I so wish I was going to be in Chicago so I could at least cheer for everyone with you and be moral support! Truly hope this will be healed up in no time!

Becky said...

I've never done pilates - you'll have to let me know what you think! I think it's awesome you're trying to incorporate other forms of exercise while you're in the boot.

Don't worry, I'm already brainstorming alternate activities so you're not on your feet a lot! So excited! A little over a week!

missris said...

I think you'll really like Pilates! It's definitely different but it can be a really good workout. Let us know what you think!

Abby said...

I am so sorry Lisa :( - you have been very frequently in my thoughts and prayers lately. I pray for quick healing.

I think you're going to like pilates - people I know that have done it says it changed their body!

You're going to lose those 6-7 pounds in no time. And because you're trying something new, that will "shock" your body and you'll probably lose even more than you're expecting!

I love you, and so wish I could make everything better sister!

Nora said...

I haven't done pilates since I was in college; I bet it has changed a lot! Curious to what you think of it.

Sending lots of healing thoughts your way. xo

Jeanie said...

Well, first of all, in prayers and thoughts you've got 'em. I'm so sorry you have to get back in the boot. Even just having it there, no fun. And about crying in doc's offices? They get paid plenty to tell us crap -- they deserve to get the tears, too.

Thanks for mentioning the WW -- I want to lose 20 by my next doc appointment in October and that's half. I've done it before and clearly fell way off the wagon -- like into the next county. Time to dust off my points book and start again. I know it works -- just the discipline!

Carolina John said...

Keep a positive outlook, listen to the doctors and take the right supplements and you'll be fine in no time.

I've actually found that core strength helps prevent a lot of knee and foot problems so pilates will rock your world. But a stress fracture is just an overuse thing so it may not help that.

Amber said...

I bet John is right about Pilates helping you with other injuries down the road. I think a strong core is REALLY important and we don't always realize how important it can be when it comes to things like running.

But yes, this royally, royally sucks. Especially with Chicago coming up in October. Maybe you can plan to run the last 10ishK with me or Anais depending on how your foot is feeling at that point. Or a portion of the race with us - I know I'd love to have someone to run with for part of it!

Sending SO MANY healing thoughts your way!

Alli said...

I hate this :( but you know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. What kind of Pilates are you doing? I like mat work, but the reformer, which I used to do once a week, I like even better.(Obviously by "like" I mean "I don't hate that as much as I hate all other forms of physical activity").

And while I think it's great that you're going back to WW and nipping the weight gain in the bud, please try not to beat yourself up too much. Between moving and a breakup and then not being able to run, most people would be up like 25lbs!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I like that you're being proactive about taking care of yourself in ways that you can, even if running is still off limits. I took a few pilates classes when I was in the height of my conditioning and they were hard as hell! Hopefully, you'll find them challenging in a good way, too. And of course, I'm also hoping it's a 2-week course of treatment, rather than something longer.

Marlys said...

I'm so happy you are going to try the pilates! I'm sure that will make you feel better! And 6-7 pounds sounds like peanuts to what I should lose! Good luck as I'm sure with your determination you will have those pounds off shortly! I'm glad you have some trips to look forward to! Onward & upward!

Marlys said...

I'm so happy you are going to try the pilates! I'm sure that will make you feel better! And 6-7 pounds sounds like peanuts to what I should lose! Good luck as I'm sure with your determination you will have those pounds off shortly! I'm glad you have some trips to look forward to! Onward & upward!

melissa said...

Girl, the only way to go from here is UP! You have set yourself up with some good, measurable, motivational goals. Work on yourself, work on your heart, and rest that foot. That's all you can do. Thinking of you, as always <3

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Sending healing thoughts and hugs your way!

Elizabeth said...

Oh lady, I've been out of the loop for the last two weeks but had to check in on you...I'm so sorry to read of these most recent challenges. It sort of hardens you and makes you start to not trust what the next biggest blow might be coming around the corner. Man! PLEASE know that I'm thinking of you and hoping that those cloudy skies turn bluer here soon. I promise that I truly do think that there is much good in store for you this year...its just this sensation that has been in my heart ever since you first posted of your move... so here's hoping it's true! :) And definitely, go to Savannah!! And to Charleston, too. I love both of them. I hope the Pilates is a great option right now! Big hug to you.

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Argh! I am really punching the wall for you now; it's that kind of frustrating! I am rally sad that you are back in the boot again, and I wish you a most speedy recovery. Did you at least have a good weekend with CJ and the kids?

Stephany said...

I'm so sorry, Lisa. You have had to deal with SO much with the move & CFA & your injury & your break-up that I'm surprised you've ONLY put on 6-7 pounds! I think it’s great you’re being proactive about everything and finding different ways to exercise, since I know that’s what you need, especially for your mental health! Hugs. It sucks you can’t run the marathon, but it’ll be a fun trip nonetheless.

Marisa A. said...

I am so sorry about not being able to run Chicago this year :(. I know how hard and frustrating it is. But I will be on the sidelines at Chicago as well cheering on my friend as it's her first marathon. Hopefully we can meet up and do some cheering together!

Lesli said...

Oh, Lisa, healing thoughts & prayers!!

xoxo
Lesli

Jen Feeny said...

So sorry I missed this! Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Do I ever know how you feel girl. I'm so sorry this has happened to you, I thought I was the only one that had bad luck with stress fractures. :( Sending lots of healing vibes your way. If you want to vent, shoot me an email any time!!!

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

(((((())))) I track what I'm eating on myfitnesspal .