This past week has been a different week in all aspects. A recurrent pain/injury that has been coming back and forth for the past year finally came back and decided to stay around for a bit longer.
Let me mention that 3 weeks before this pain showed up again, I had already gone to see a general doctor in Alamosa who diagnosed me with a Hernia. My next appointment with an specialist for Hernias in pueblo is schedule for February 28th.
Sunday, February 19th: "Dear stabbing pain.. You really hurt and it's not fun when you block the air ways. If you don't stop, emergency care will be a must. I appreciate you letting me do a long run. Also, could you please let me eat and shower first" That was the status on my facebook for that Sunday.
That day I ended up heading to emergency care and to my surprise I was diagnosed with Costochondritis.
Costochondritis: is inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone or sternum. The condition causes localized chest wall pain and tenderness that you can reproduce by pushing on the involved cartilage in the front of the rib cage. Costochondritis is a relatively harmless condition and usually goes away without treatment. The cause is usually unknown.
That night I went home with set of instructions for the following day. Ultra sound 3 x a week and Iontophoresis.
Monday: I was able to work out once in the Alter G~ 70 minutes at 80% body weight.
Tuesday: I tried to do Alter G again, but the staving pain would not let me. So, I jumped on a bike. In the afternoon, I tried to do a second workout, but was impossible. I could feel the staving pain even when I walked or took a breath. So, I opted for sheering for my nephews while they played some basket ball.
Wednesday: Had to take the day off. Pain was there. Went to get some therapy, this time around we avoided ultra sound and just went for Iontophoresis. After that I went to see the chiropractor and he did some adjustments. By this time, with the help of Coach Martin, I had already scheduled and appointment with a great Chiropractor from Colorado Springs Dr, Jeffery Mathews to see what he had to say.
Thursday: Day off. Staving pain was still there. Drove to Colorado Springs (3 hour drive) and visited with Dr. Matthew. Hi diagnosis was:
An adhesion on the upper right lateral rectus abdominous. and thorac lumbar fascia. He treated me with ART (Active Realease Techniques) By the time I left his office I could breath close to normal again (90%)without pain.
Thursday night, I got a message from Dr. David Pascal a certified Quantum Neurologis,confirming that he was going to be in Albuquerque for the USATF Indoor Championships as medical staff for some of the athletes. So, I did not even think twice and Friday after my first ART therapy with Dr. Josh Merrick in Alamosa and a visit to the Chiropractor, Steven S. Sussex I was on my way to Albuquerque.
Dr. Pascal worked on me for the past 3 days. He believes the root of all my problems are my kidneys. After a few test we he found out my body has been resisting water. So as of Friday, I was allergic to water. Yes, as crazy as It sounds he found an organ problem (kidneys) and it was all related with water. He treated me for that allergy and in that area I should be ready to go. He also found scar tissue and misplaced ribs. he did his best to get all fixed, but advised me to keep working with my other doctors, so that we can get rid of all scar tissue and we can fix my misplaced ribs.
To see how Dr. Pascal works click here for a link of a video of Dr. Pascal working on Bernard Lagat.Im back home. After, a lot of traveling and therapy, I am so ready put on my training shoes tomorrow and see where I stand.
In many ways, Im very thankful this hidden injury came back. Its been on and off for a year now and all my performance suffered because of it. It was about time for me to stop being stubborn and acknowledge I have an injury to take care of. Its recurrence has made me realize how fortunate I am to be surrounded by knowledgeable and caring individuals. To Dr. Matthews, Dr. Josh Merrick, and Dr. Pascal thank you so much for taking the time to treat me. To my Chiropractor in town Dr. Steven S. Sussex, I can not thank you enough for all your patience and support. Like you said " We are going to get to the bottom of this and get it fix, even if I have to drag you in for care"
PD: As for my very first diagnosis "Hernia" and my appointment with a specialist in Pueblo on Tuesday, I have a feeling that is going to be cancel.
