My New Armor

Today and indefinitely, I'm sporting this lovely piece of armor on my left knee. Aren't you jealous? Don't you wish you had this awesome accessory? Be glad you don't because the pain and hassle are so not worth it.

 

Tennis and running have not been kind to my knees. But just like in middle school when eczema threatened to become an end to my love of swimming, I am not going to let some knee issues keep me from two of my favorite activities.

Last fall, I sprained my knee doing too many lunges. Well since then it has been a roller coaster ride as far as if it will work or not to run. Last week, after what I thought was a great short run, my knee decided it was done.

For more than a week my knee was so stiff that I could hardly bend it. It was so swollen. It felt like when you have a fat lip, only I felt like I had a fat knee. And it was moving and crunching and just plain painful.

So after a visit to Urgent Care followed by a visit to UPMC Sports Medicine plus multiple X-rays...the prognosis is there is fluid around the knee, possible cartilage damage and a shifted knee cap (gross I know.)

According to the doctor, I WILL BE RUNNING in the Great Race in a few weeks so to make that happen I have water exercises to reduce the swelling (if that doesn't work I have to be drained) and a stabilizing brace, hence my new armor to help the knee cap. Plus an MRI soon.

At first I was pretty down about my latest running setback but I'm trying to be positive and I will overcome this challenge. I missed the Great Race the last two years because of late registration. This is my year! I'm going to run this city with the help of my new armor!