Ericka Andersen

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Herniated Discs Are Very Uncool

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UnderArmour

I thought I’d include a complete unrelated photo for this post – colors draw you in right?

Sick of the injury wagon, yet? Well, buckle your seat belts because it ain’t over yet. I finally got my MRI results back and as I expected, I have a herniated disc in my lumbar spine.

When my back issue flared up back in September, I continued to marathon train because it didn’t bother me while running. As you may know, I had to drop out of my marathon four days short because things had gotten significantly worse. Then, a week before Christmas, it took a really bad turn.

I’ve been dealing with constant pain from my mid-lower back down past my knee on the left side since then. Sitting down for more than 5 minutes is awful and I can’t get a good night’s sleep because I wake up in pain. The middle part of my left leg is completely numb. Also, I’ve taken four different kinds of prescription paid meds and they literally do NOTHING to stop the pain. It’s like they are placebos!

Today, I’m heading back to the doctor to get the dirty details of how to fix this. From what I’ve read, there’s a high probability that I will need surgery. This does not excite me. I’ve never had surgery and I don’t want to start a lifetime of back surgeries! My friend, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, told me surgery was a bad idea for that reason.

Missing Out

In the meantime, I’ve had to forgo many fun things. The most sad thing on that list is the ASICS L.A. Marathon. I was chosen by ASICS to complete the race with fully paid flight, hotel, personal training and more. To have to miss something that amazing is crushing. I’ve seen a couple others who were picked and I can’t even get myself to read about it because I’m SO disappointed. What a cool opportunity. I know, I probably sound like a brat. I can be that way when I’m hurt.

Additionally, there is no race planning and no run to relieve stress. I’m coping okay and I know that not having exercise as a crutch in some instances is actually good for me. But it’s never been just about burning calories. In the past four years, I’ve changed for the better and come to love running and Crossfit in such a wonderful way.  Nonetheless, I’m sure I will look back on this time and realize what I learned about myself when I was injured.

What I’ve Been Up To Instead

1. Reading: I’ve been reading like crazy. A few that I’m working on now:

All are on totally different pieces of subject matter and all are very good. Instead of fitting all my reading in on my commute, I’ve spent a lot of outside time reading thoughtfully and really taking in the wisdom in these books. They make me so hungry for more knowledge and have forced me think about things I never have.

2. More Work. I’ve been spending more time focused on my job, simply because I’m not rushing out the door every morning after fitting in my workout. It’s not that I didn’t do enough work before, it’s just that now it’s a little more calm because I have some extra time to finish my to-do lists and plan carefully.  I’ve found I’ve gotten more excited about what we are doing as well. I like strategic thinking and dipping my finger into marketing — it’s fascinating — and I never knew that I liked it until now.

3. Spending Time on my Spiritual Life. Unfortunately, one of the first things to go when I have workouts in the morning is often my quiet time reading the Bible and praying. Because I’ve had more peaceful mornings and more time, I’ve been reading the Bible everyday and spending time in prayer. I feel closer to God now than I have in a long time — and I love that feeling. Like any relationship, the one with God takes spending time together to remain close and hear His voice.

4. Thinking. It’s not as silly as it sounds. I’ve had more time for critical thinking and brainstorming when it comes to my professional and personal life. I definitely have that “can’t sit still syndrome” where you are always on the phone, computer, treadmill and never stop to just think. It’s a worthwhile endeavor and something I never did when I was going going going.

5. Writing. This morning I woke up and felt inspired to respond to a little controversy brewing on the Internet. Because I had my whole morning before work, I took that time to write a thoughtful response on a blog I’m on guesting on sometimes. It’s been so long since I did something like that or focused on opinion pieces other than fitness. It’s not bad or good, but it felt fulfilling to write something and get it out there.

When I get back to my old self (have faith, Ericka!), I hope I will take from the worthwhile things I’ve found during this time. It’s good to find balance and reflection is more important than we give it credit for.

Have you dealt with a long-term injury? How did you deal? Have you experienced a herniated disc specifically? 

Comments

    • Thanks for reading and the encouragement! I am enjoying keeping up with your pregnancy updates! (and very happy for you…I may soon be writing my own infertility issue post)

  2. I hate reading this 🙁
    I've dealt with injuries on and off for years and I know how extremely frustrating they can be. I also tend to go into super-jealous mode when I get online and read bloggers doing everything I can't (usually running.) I hope you get good news at the doctors today!

    • Thanks! I got the news just now….apparently it's a genetic thing, so crazy. Next up, a shot of something and a month of PT. IF that doesn't work, surgery. They say it's a simple, quick one though.

  3. Oh wow – so sorry to hear this. I really hope you recover quickly. I had a blood clot last year that sidelined me from anything for about a month. I sat, sat, read, thought, sat some more. In hind sight, I should have spent more time getting back to my writing roots. Sometimes being forced to slow down can be a good thing. Positive thoughts!

  4. 🙁 Oh wow! Not fun.
    Have you thought of going to a chiropractor? I work for a chiropractors and believe me, you start going and get on a care plan and they can help you out so much! Its ten times better than taken loads of medications. See a chiro before you get surgery. Options are the best! 😀
    I hope you get the help you need! http://chiropractor.com/chiropractic-treatment-he…

    • I have seen a chiropractor in the past and may go back but I think I'm going to try physical therapy first right now. I just found out what the issue is and that's what the doctor suggested. We shall see. A chiro definitely helped me get well three years ago when I had an issue!

  5. I'm so sorry to hear that your back has been getting worse and that the results of the scan are not good. Have you been cleared to swim? Adding swimming back into my life has made a huge difference in how I feel. It allows me to increase my intensity and training volume without risking injury (since I am high risk with dislocating joints and bad bone density due to celiac).

    I hope things get better soon! And if you need a good spine doc, the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston is amazing. They did everything possible to help me avoid surgery on my neck!

  7. I had lower lumbar surgery in 2002 due to a severely herniated L4-L5 disc. I was 25 and had no history of back problems. My doctor attributed it to years of playing sports (softball and basketball). I was super hesitant about surgery but have been so pleased with my results over the last 11+ years. The ‘ole back has handled three pregnancies and I’ve become a runner again…I am so grateful! It’s discouraging, frustrating and so painful but you will return to your old self again eventually. You are strong and healthy and that will only help you as you rehab and recover. Hang in there!

  8. I feel your pain! We have very similar stories too. It really sucks and I feel for you. I injured mine about four months ago and haven't even been able to walk more than a mile. I was also training for my first marathon and a crossfit competition. It was heartbreaking when I had to drop out of both. Its gotten to the point where surgery is my only option. I'm really hoping that you have a speedy recovery and never have to deal with this injury again. Good luck!

  9. What did you think of "7 Principles For Making Marriage Work"? I'm on the hunt for a marriage book to read with my soon-to-be husband.

  10. Sounds like you're on the right track, both medically and personally. I've dealt with upper and lower back pain off and on over the years. I've had times when moving from sitting to walking involved several minutes of walking like Groucho Marx before I could fully straighten up. Physical therapy got my spine back in line and strengthened my back and abdominal muscles to make it less likely to get out of whack again.

  11. Ugh. I hope you doctor had some good options and that whatever you decide to do WORKS! I had to not run for 6 months after I had my DVT. It was hard at first but then I adjusted. So true what you said about relationships needing time. I am trying to remember to spend time with God by keeping a gratitude and prayer journal.

  12. Oh, man, that's a bummer. Hope it's a quick fix with a quick recovery.

    Good for you for finding the positives. I'd probably be a whiny lump on the floor…

  13. So sorry to hear about your injury. I had (have) 3 herniated disks in my lumbar (l4, l5, s1) and a stress fracture (l5). I am dumb and ran on it for 7 months, including a marathon before I finally did a full run stop. I stopped for 4.5 months. I was told by one surgeon I needed surgery, by my PT, who I trusted completely, that he wanted me to give him 6 weeks to see improvement then think about surgery, and a second surgeon who agreed with my pt. NOT having surgery wwas the best move I’ve ever made.

    I worked REALLY hard those 4.5 months. Therapy 2-3 times a week, yoga 1-2 times a week. I swam every single day and also did deep water running 5-6 days a week. I vowed to maintain a high level of fitness while dealing with my injury and making sure I healed completely.

    During this time, I decided to work on getting lean. I went from 16% body fat to 7%. And when I was allowed to run again, I was only about 15-20 15-20 off my marathon pace starting out. I ran my first 5k at 20:50 5 weeks after starting to run again and my first half marathon 10 weeks later. I swear it all is because I did approved cross training – and all of my exercises prescribed by my therapist religiously.

    I’m 14 weeks back now and am full in training mode for Boston and an Ironman. Every once in awhile my back hurts a bit, but I have exercises that straighten it out. I go to yoga and get a massage once a month at least.

    It is a long process but I am stronger and more in tune with my body than ever before. I know when to back off and when I can push harder. If this old body can come back, you definitely can.

    Good luck@!!!

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