After Fire on the Mountain, I took an entire week off running to hopefully completely heal whatever is going on with my foot. A week, as in 7 days, not 3 or 4 which is typically how I've defined 'a week off' in the past. By Wednesday, I'll admit I was itching to run but continued to hold off. This week rolled around and I pretty much knew there was still something going on with the foot, but decided to try a short run again. It's certainly not any worse but I can't say it's a whole heck of a lot better either.
I tend to be fairly anti-doctor all the way around. I tend to think most people go rushing off to the doctor way too prematurely. And, in my experience, even if I go to the doctor, I likely won't do whatever they tell me, won't take whatever medicine they prescribe and won't end up at whatever next appointment they suggest. I end up wasting a bunch of time and come out frustrated.
However, since I've been dealing with the whole foot problem for more than a month, I'm starting to accept the fact that there might be something else going on. The pain I have is in the ball of my left foot. I've actually had this once before. Same foot, exact same pain. It happened during a race I was doing as a way to get a long run in when I was getting ready for the Pittsburgh Marathon. That time, it went completely away in a few days and I got through the marathon plus an entire summer of running with absolutely no problems.
This time around, it started right after Megatransect. I thought the week off (4 days) took care of it, but I was in pretty bad pain by the end of Ragnar. I tried the whole rest and take it easy for the rest of the month just to get me through Fire on the Mountain.
This week, I decided to accept the fact there is something wrong and actually break my no doctor policy. First, I reviewed my insurance to see how it works. I'm not kidding when I say I don't really go to the doctor. I go once a year for the whole routine physical/womanly check stuff thing but that's it. After confirming that I can go to whatever doctor or specialist I want, I decided to make an appointment to see a podiatrist. My decision for which office to go to was easy. Pick the one that sponsors local races since you know the people there run.
So, I'll see what they have to say tomorrow and go from there. That's why it's a little quiet around here again!
On a positive note, I'm really looking forward to hanging out at the JFK 50 Miler this weekend, playing spectator and support crew. Good luck to all those running!
Good luck at the doc! I hate going as well, but sometimes, if the problem just won't go away, it's a good idea to go. I hope you get good news!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get some good news from the podiatrist. I've been off my foot since Saturday's marathon and I'm eager to get back running. This is the first time I have had an EXCUSE to take a break from exercise.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and I hope it's just overuse and nothing serious. I'm really anti-doctor too, but I think in this case you're making a smart decision.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. I hope they can figure out what is going on! I am a pro-doctor person, but that is mostly because I unfortunately am a sickly person who doesn't seem to have much of an immune system. This has always been the case as I was sick often as a child, too, so not going to the doctor or not taking antibiotics is not an option for me. :(
ReplyDeleteI hope it's nothing too bad for you!
ReplyDeleteI have two friends running JFK and a handful going down as support. Should be a great weekend for it!
Good luck with the podiatrist - I hope they can give you some answers!
ReplyDeleteI don't like to go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary either. I don't have a family doctor and there is usually a big waiting time at the walk-in here plus I have not found them helpful AT ALL when it comes to running issues. Glad you are going to a specialist, I was going to suggest going that route! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I hope that it's just an overuse thing and that another week or so off will take care of it!
ReplyDeleteI hope the foot is just the means to get you into a dr for a good checkup and he says everything is just fine! I'll keep the prayers coming that it works out and you are back running in no time.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy cheering JKF!
I can totally relate - I hate going to the doctor as well. I'm sorry you're foot is still bothering you - keeping my fingers crossed for you that rest is all you need (I know how hard that is though!). Hope to see you at JFK - I'll be wearing blue shorts, a black top and an orange Texas head band.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the podiatrist. I will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, good choice to select a "running doctor" they understand :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear your foot's still giving you trouble! Hopefully they can at least give you a diagnosis. And that it's nothing too serious!
ReplyDeleteI think you will feel better knowing what is going with your foot. Hopefully it's nothing too serious. Have fun spectating this weekend!
ReplyDeleteHopefully this doc is worthwhile! I know EXACTLY what you mean about worthless docs. Sometimes I think "what will they diagnose / prescribe anyway" - I'm not gonna take a round of antibiotics or pain meds for no real reason. Plus it seems like most docs push certain meds which makes you think they get a kickback. So, I like the way you think! Too many people rush to the doc for no reason which is probably part of why healthcare sucks.
ReplyDeleteI hope the foot issue can be solved with a shoe insert or something!
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm not too delirious to recognize you if I see you at the race!
I like your criteria for picking the podiatrist! I hope you get good news :)
ReplyDelete(I'm behind on commenting)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the way you chose your podiatrist!! I do think it's good you're going to the doc, and I know you've probably written about it already, so looking forward to reading the post-doc post. :)