Crushed

There was no more putting it off.

Yesterday I saw a new doctor for my Morton's Neuroma.

He is an osteopathic doctor.

Morton's Neuroma is basically a benign tumor at the nerve between your toe bones.

I have them in two places on both feet most likely from

*wearing heels and/or non-supportive shoes

*wearing flip flops

*using an elliptical machine (way too much)

*working out like a mad woman

*being on my feet a lot (I used to teach, and now I run around with the twins.)

*running, running, running

I got two shots on both feet last March, and they helped.

However, I need to continously get these shots if I want to stay active.

Can you say, "espensive?"

My toes feel like they're literally on fire after running about four miles.

First they're numb, and then they hurt a lot.

On a scale of 1-10, it's definitely 7-8.

Ouch.

So on to the doc visit...

He asked some great questions about my feet.

Here goes the conversaton.

Doc:  Why are you here today?

Me:  I have Morton's Neuroma on both feet and on two places.

Doc:  When does it hurt?

Me:  When I get to 4 miles running and every once in a while during the day.

Doc:  When did this start?

Me:  March of this year.

Doc:  Is there something else you could do for exercise? Like swimming? Running is really hard on your feet.

Me:  I really love running. I'm not a good swimmer at all.

Doc:  How much are you running? Maybe you shouldn't run more than 4 miles.

Me:  I'm actually training for a half marathon in November.

Doc:  (slightly laughing) I don't think so. You shouldn't be doing something that causes so much pain.

It's your body's way of telling you to stop.

Me: (almost in tears) I was afraid you were going to say that.

I got some accupuncture on my feet and also a microcurrent treatment.

I'll let you know how it all works out.

Well... I think my hopes and dreams of running and finishing a half marathon are gone.

That dream is probably gone for good unless I get surgery to cut out the neuromas from my nerves.

That means the doctor would also have to cut off the nerves.

There's a possibility of permanent numbness to the areas affected.

Even with that surgery there is no guarantee.

I've been doing some research on it, and sometimes there are even worse problems when they cut the nerve.

I signed up and paid for my 10K in August a while ago.

There's no way I'm going to miss it.

I also have a friend who is doing it with me.

I'm so completely crushed by this news.

I've worked so hard to get to this point.

The longest run (last week on Wed.) I've done so far is 8 miles.

I've never even dreamed of running that far.

To be honest, the last half of those 8 miles was run in excruciating pain.

My toes hurt even hours after that run.

The pain was crippling.

I have no choice but to give up my dream of the half marathon, or I will risk some serious nerve damage.

I'm going to follow the doc's advice and run shorter distances.

I will see if I can run 5 miles for my long runs without pain.

I know I can run 3 without pain.

Maybe those will be my short runs 3 days a week.

Today's Food and Activities

30 minute stationary bike

30 minute walk

upper body with weights

1 cup Kashi, 1/2 cup 1% milk

7 almonds

2 slices multigrain bread, 1 TBS BB spread, 6 slices thin turkey deli, basil, tomatoes

7 almonds

grilled chicken and veggies

Thank you for your kind comments, love, and support.

I hope you're having a happy and healthy day.