Surgery

First off surgery was never on my list to have done while I was in my thirties but guess it was in the books.  I have an impingement that is congenital.  I did have to look up what congenital meant, basically I have had it since birth. Weeks before the surgery I was getting stressed trying to figure out the insurance portion. I was not worried about the surgery itself but what I would have to pay and what insurance was going to cover.  Thankful the individuals at Mercy Ortho helped me through it.  The procedure I would have is a hip scope and labral tear repair.

Due to COVID I had to get tested no more than 48 hours prior to surgery and that was nerve racking waiting to get the results.  I was negative and was able to move forward with the surgery.  I didn't know what to expect in this surgery as this was my first procedure.  I'm thankful for modern medicine, normally this surgery they would have to cut you open but now this procedure can be done as a minimal invasive procedure which means they will make small incisions (three to be exact) to complete the procedure.  The night prior to surgery there were things I couldn't do such as couldn't eat or drink past 11 pm, couldn't use lotion after my shower and then the day of I couldn't have my contacts in.  I made sure to follow all the direction given so that I could get the surgery.

Waiting for the nurse to call me back.

Surgery day!  My surgery was schedule at 8 am and had to check in at 5:30 am.  It was a weird experience going into the hospital as COVID was happening as it was empty.  They limited the amount of patients but also there were no visitors allowed.  Once the nurse called me back, I knew I was walking in but going to be wheeled out.  That was a weird realization.  I got into my room and changed into my gown.  At least five different people came into my room at various times: two nurses, the doctor, the anesthesiologist and the OR nurse. The first nurse took my blood pressure and it was very high, she was a little worried but when I shared that this was my first procedure she gave me some time to calm down before taking it again.  The second nurse was the one that was going to prep me for my surgery.  She was a lot of fun to have around as she lighten the mood.  The funniest thing was when she tried to give me a pill and I asked if I could eat it.  She just stared at me.  I shared that I couldn't swallow pills and she was in shock.  She was able to give me a tiny bit of water to get it down but nothing more.  Then she goes to put an IV in me and the first hand didn't work well so she went over to my left hand.  I said something about my body being difficult and she was like I'll beat the vain out of you.  That made me laugh.  She was finally able to get it in.  The surgeon came in to answer any questions and mark my leg of the side that I will be getting the surgery on.  Last but not least was the anesthesiologist, he shared that he will be doing a nerve block, which will block the sensation in the regional part of my body.  After that he will control the rest of my anesthesia.  He shared this is the best way to do it.  Is it too late to turn back?

My new swag and bed for surgery.

After my little talks, the OR nurse was ready to take me away.  I'm glad she wasn't driving the surgery as she accidentally bumped my surgery bed I was on into the walls all the way to the OR.  I was told it is heavy from friends later.  Once I got into the room, it was just a weird feelings that I'm doing this.  It all happened fast but I believe there was six people in the room.  They wheeled me up to the bed.  First up was the anesthesiologist, he did the nerve block which was taking a needle with some type of drugs and putting it directly into my hip.  The needle was not the best feeling but he said that will be the worst part.  He then shared that when I started to feel tired it was him making me go to sleep.  He then asked if I can move myself onto the operating table and I said yes.  I moved over and within a second of getting myself onto the OR table I was out.  I don't remember anything about the surgery.

Ready for surgery.

The next thing I knew was the nurse asked me how she can put my mask back on my face and that my toes were cold.  I was groggy from the surgery and it was hard to move my right leg.  The nurse shared that everything went well and there was water and crackers for me next to my bed.  I started to eat the crackers and the second one I had I dropped on the floor, which made me feel sad.  I wish someone had that on tape. Haha.  Within 30-40 mins of returning to my room I was being wheeled out to the car, where my amazing friend KJ was there waiting for me. I was really appreciative that he took time off of work to take me and then pick me up.  I'm not the type of person that ask for help so I'm glad that he was there.  If I could have drove home I would, but that wasn't the case.  Tune in later when I go through my recovery.

Getting home from the hospital.

Journey to Surgery

After an amazing 2018 season I started having pain in my right hip while I was on a trip to California. 

First run that I felt the pain. 

Thinking it was overuse I kept going until the pain got a little worst. I ended up seeing a running doctor when I was back in OKC.  After an eval and x-ray he figured out that I had an impingement that caused a labral tear.  He suggested that I get an MRI to double check, and when the results came back it was confirmed.  Luckily in 2019 I was able to rehab my hip and finish all of my scheduled races without a DNF thanks to my amazing doctor and physical therapist at PT Central. 

2020 didn't start well as the pain came back.  I knew this could happen but was holding out that it would keep me running for longer without any issues.  I took another chance and rehabbed it but it wasn't working.  I would continue to have pain and even had trouble sleeping.  At that point I knew I would have to get it done within the year.  I figured I would get through my planned races and get the surgery done either in the summer or after my fall races of 2020.

Picture from a ten miler, and almost exactly at mile 7 I start to feel my hip.

After my race in Atlanta at the Publix half marathon, where I finally broke 2:30 half (which had taken me 5 years to reach) Covid was becoming more prevalent in the US.  With the disappointment of races being postponed I reached out to another ortho surgeon and got an updated MRI but also a hip injection to 1) to make sure that the injury did not get worst over the last year and 2) if the hip injection works then it isn't the tear that is causing the pain.  The next week I came back and the tear was not worst than the previous MRI and the hip injection didn't work so he recommended surgery.

 With the Olympic Marathon Trial winner Aliphine Tuliamuk

After several talks with friends and my current PT I decided to go to another surgeon at Mercy Orthopedics.  Dr. Brantley reviewed my recent x-ray and recent MRI, then finish the visit with an eval on the hip.  After he was done he said he believes he can help me (once elective surgery resumed).  He didn't pressure me but shared that it looks like I have tried many different options and nothing was working.   With OKC Marathon being postponed I decided if elective surgery started up in a certain time period that gave me the option to run in the fall that I would go for it.

Elective surgery started at the end of April.  I knew that I could potentially get a call soon.  Mid May I got a called and the nurse stated if I was still interested.  I was like yes I am.  We scheduled my surgery for May 22.  Up until that day I ran like I wasn't going to run again.  It was a crazy two months and was able to set a PR in miles per month with 112 in April and also run a couple of virtual half marathon.  I was told it will be a process to be able to regain strength and to run again but decided that surgery was the best option as I didn't want to have pain at all.  The story will continue on the next blog. 

Publix Atlanta Half Marathon

This race was on my to do list, for two reasons.  The first reason is I am trying to complete a half marathon in each state.  The second reason is that the race partnered with the Olympic Marathon trials, so if I went down to Atlanta I could see the best US road racing runners race to make a spot on Team USA.  Once registration opened I signed up and I was ecstatic.  We decided to arrive on Thursday to make sure we had enough time to see the city but also be able to participate in some of the extra activities that were brought to the city because of the Olympic trials. 

The first night we decided to go to a social run with Saucony, as they were releasing their new shoes which were the Endrophin Pro and having a Q&A with some of the Saucony endorsed runners.  I was sad I wasn't able to try on the Endorphin Pro because I have wide feet.  I did hear some good reviews from others runners there and some even purchased the shoe.  I didn't know much about the Endorphin Pro but it was awesome to hear that Jared Ward was part of the design of these shoes and he wouldn't stop until it was perfect.  We were able to meet some of the athletics afterwards and I decided to get a picture with Jared.  Jared was such a nice and humble guy.  I was excited to see him perform that Saturday.  

Flash forward to Sunday and the challenge ahead of me, which was running a sub 2:30 half.   This was a scary goal as I've been trying for 5 years for this sub 2:30.  Also this was one of the most difficult course because of the hills.  We started the morning by going to the Half Fanatic/Marathon Maniac tent to drop off our gear.  Then it was off to the start corral. 

The start corral very crowded, I tried to move up to the 2:30 pacers but it was hard because of the crowd so I decided I'll take on the challenge by myself but make sure that I keep an eye on them.  Sadly I forgot to print off a 2:30 pace band so I decided to calculate the time in my head.  I knew I had to run a sub 11:30 per mile but also take into consideration if I did not run the tangents that could add distance which would then add time to the clock.  The course was beautiful, it showcased the city well while also keeping us on our toes with the rolling hills.  I think calculating the time helped take my mind off the hills, being tired and how many miles I had left as I had to make sure I had my numbers correct.  I had some doubts of my ability to calculate time while I run so I made sure I had some banked time just in case there were any issues.  Once I got to mile 12 I knew I had a chance.  I didn't want to get too confident as all runners know anything can happen.  Once I saw the turn to the finish line, which was the same finish line as the Olympic trials I knew I had it in the bag.  I crossed the finish line with so much excitement and joy.  I couldn't believe my eyes, a sub 2:30.  Official finish time was 2:29:29.  The picture below was taken right after the race at the finish line.  

I decided to enjoy my finish by grabbing some coffee and wait for my friend to finish.  During that hour of waiting I was able to reflect on my run but also cheer on other runners while they finish.   The people of Atlanta were amazing and the race organizers did a great job in managing the race.  I felt safe from traffic and well sported while I run.  On the way back to our hotel I really wanted a finisher pick with the Olympic rings.  Little did I know that I would get a picture with Aliphine Tullamuk, who won the Olympic trials the day before.  She was so nice, she asked me about my race and how it went.  Just to be right next to her was an honor and can't wait to see her crush the marathon in Japan in 2021. 

I would definitely recommend this run for anyone who wants to check off Atlanta on their journey for all 50 states.  From the swag, to the course, to the people of Atlanta and lastly the medal it was an amazing experience.  I can't wait to the next Olympic Trials so I can cheer on the best of the best.