I don't believe in quick fixes, nor do I believe in anything that is sold late night - you know, that propaganda that will make you look 10 pounds lighter by next week. But there comes a point in life where you will try just about anything (within limits) to relieve knee pain.
When I was in 7th grade PE class, we were playing a game and there needed to be an even amount of players. There was an odd number of students in class that day, so I volunteered to sit out. I remembered telling the coach that my knees were achy, and he replied with - "Typical excuse... have your mom write a note." (Yeah thanks - way to encourage a 12 year-old female to be physically active!) This is my first recollection of knee pain, and from there, I do not remember a day since that I have not had knee pain. My patellas (knee caps) sit outside of where they should. This is also called lateral patellar tracking. This is more common in women than men. Lots of stretching and certain weight bearing exercises can help, and sometimes even surgery. I have done all three but to no avail, there was still pain.
I am an athletic trainer by trade; I went to college for sports medicine. I have two medical degrees, but NOTHING in my medical background could resolve the knee pain that I have had for the past 31 years of my life. This included the weight loss, the countless hours of yoga, the NSAIDs, the weight training, the icepacks, the wrapped knees, the stim units, the countless squats at 10º to fire the VMO (The smallest muscle in your quad to pull back my patella), even surgery. NONE OF IT! I was compliant with surgery, did everything I was supposed to. But sometimes, it just does not work out. But I believe in my orthopedic surgeon. He and his team are amazing. I spent countless hours on sidelines with them. I trust my life, and my family's life with him. So I knew I needed to seek his guidance again with the marathon on the horizon. I went and saw his Physician Assistant in January. It was recommended that I receive PRP Treatments. PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments is a procedure where your own plasma is centrifuged out of your blood and injected into your joint. Apparently it can be used for baldness and other conditions as well. Who knew? Anyway - I have attached a link below. There are many articles out there on the web, scary ones - this one is legit, but like with all medical concerns - please check with YOUR doctor prior to making any medical decisions. I am not a doctor nor do I claim to be one.
There is a physician in his practice that completes this treatment. This past Monday I completed the first treatment. After he drew the blood from my arm (I will spare you that image) I waited twenty minutes for the blood to be spun in the centrifuge. The doctor and his team came into the room. He is such a soft spoken man - so sweet. He had me sitting up on the exam table with his hand on my knee and he says, "I am going to stick this needle underneath your knee cap now. Are you ok?" Now - I am not a wuss. I have had scoliosis surgery where I have 2 rods that infuse my spine together. I have even had brain surgery - NOTHING can prepare you for a doctor telling you that he will stick this needle in your knee. I told him I was fine, but I wished he would have knocked me out. At that moment, I realized how I survived the other two major events. Drugs. Really REALLY good drugs.
While his nurse assisted him with this voodoo-style procedure on both of my knees, he had a medical student in the room. Florida State University has a medical program. This student, I am sure, would much rather have assisted the doctor. Unfortunately for him, I was the patient. His job on Monday was to talk to me, as I made it his job. I quickly found out he was local and had attended a local high school, while I was the athletic trainer at a rival high school. So we talked sports while the mother-of-all needles was somewhere in my knee. We talked baseball and glory days, while I was seeing stars and deep breathing; trying to be brave, but not doing a good job. All I can say is - that really hurt. A lot. But 5 shots later, 2 in the right knee, 3 in the left and it was over. A couple of band aids and I was out the door - with the instructions to move move move - no ice, no NSAIDs, swim, and to see him in 6 weeks.
I felt like the Tin Man who needed oil in his legs; as my legs were stiff for about 24 hours, but I was compliant, and kept moving. While I was tempted to use the WD-40 out in the garage, I did not. I did not sleep that night as I could not find a comfortable position, so I would get up and move. But it was worth it. Around noon on Tuesday, something miraculous happened.... I was still the Tin Man, but I had the knees again of my 12 year-old self. The 12 year-old the day before my PE Coach degraded me. Now - it is not an overnight fix by any means. This will take time to completely heal. And this is not an end-all fix. I know this is just putting off knee replacements. But my knees have not felt this good since I was 12 years-old. Literally!
Once again, I will be compliant with what the physician has told me to do. I do have a 5K/10K in 13 days/14 days respectively; I will walk them - as he has instructed me as I am not allowed to run yet. But I am on my way to being marathon ready.
As I am wrapping up today's blog, I just heard from a dear friend who ran her first 8K this morning. She had negative splits (her miles were faster than the ones before). KW - I am so dang proud of you girl - You are inspiring so many people including me! Just proof that all of us are ready to get out there and put our best foot forward!
All of my love while racing out of my comfort zone - Clara
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