![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/physiatry.jpg\" "\\"physiatry'\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nI had another follow-up appointment with a sports medicine doctor this morning. The guy I was seeing left the practice so I had to see a new person today. I was okay with that because second opinions are never a bad thing.<\/p>\n
She went through my history, my injury, what I’ve been doing to rehab it and she gave me some new exercises I can do specifically for my IT band. That’s cool…but other than that it was yet another waste of time in my opinion.<\/p>\n
I’d finally decided to be opened minded about a cortisone shot. Last visit my doc and I discussed it as an option in the future if I didn’t improve. I was wary but open to it. I’d gotten a cortisone shot in my ankle years ago and it gave me 9 pain-free months.<\/p>\n For the last month since my knee flared-up again I’ve remained at 3 miles only when I run and not running fast. I’ve been okay with that. At least it’s running. And at least my pain is minimal. But I want to get back to bike riding (seriously) and I want to be able to hike again.<\/p>\n The sports doc I saw this morning didn’t think a cortisone shot was a good idea. I got upset. I felt like I had wasted sick time at work to go in and pay for an office visit to get the same handouts on how to stretch. Seriously?<\/p>\n And another thing–if I have one more doctor DISMISS me and my injury as a “Oh you’re 31 and a runner? That’s why”<\/strong> I am going to officially lose it. That is NOT okay. That is NOT a diagnosis. Don’t dismiss, practice medicine and help me.<\/p>\n I expressed my frustration with her (and others) dismissing my injury because of my age. I saw there is NO reason that at 31–in the BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE–I should just settle for the “I’m old and my body is going to hurt” thing. That’s not acceptable to me. She said that it’s not necessary the age but the wear and tear of the body by a the 30’s…like professional athletes who retire at 36 because of injuries. As much as I work out I am nowhere near a professional athlete and there’s no way my body is just breaking down at 31 because of that. Ridiculous argument. Should I just quit everything and get a WALKER?<\/strong><\/p>\n She did say one leg is a little longer than the other and could be causing my problems. After a bunch of testing she sent me home with a 3 millimeter heel lift in my left shoe. I hope that helps because I’m done with these appointments.<\/p>\n If Western Medicine and Eastern Medicine is out…is there a third option? I’m ready to try something else!<\/p>\n Rewinding a bit…Before my doctor appointment I went to the gym for another AM workout. It was a lovely experience. I “slept in” until 6:15 or so, had a few bites of plain Greek yogurt and headed to the gym. It was dark, freezing cold out and my car was covered in ice but it was a nice experience. The place was empty and I ran a faster 3 miles than normal and shaved about 4 or 5 minutes off my time.<\/p>\n After my run (it was pain free so I am blessed in that aspect) I did some core work and then had plenty of time to lift weights. I wasn’t rushed like I was last week during my morning workout.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n