Thought for the day...

Why do I like watching ultrarunning videos so much?  Hmmmm. Not sure.

Inspiring?

Beautiful scenery?

A little dose of reality?

Hmmm. 

Thought for the day.

Slow recovery time

I never took my running for granted, I always felt so grateful to be able to do it.

Well, after having this procedure and going through the recovery process, I'm really not going to take it for granted!  I've never seen time go by so SLOWLY!  It's only been two weeks and I'm wondering how I'm going to make it through the next four weeks!  And even then I don't even know if I'll be able to run.

I see the doctor on July 18, so we'll see how things are by then.

Sling procedure accomplished!

On June 21, 2018, I had my urethral sling procedure or "pubovaginal sling" as they call it.  I was very apprehensive about this in so many ways.  It was, of course, not as bad as I thought it would be.

Now, I'm a pretty private person.  I don't really like to talk about myself, but when I was researching this procedure (it took me eight years), I didn't find a whole lot of information...at least practical.  There was a lot of negative information, which was part of the reason it took me so long to have it done.  So I hope someone will read this blog and benefit from it. 

So, I am four days postop, feeling pretty good.  I am a little sore with a lot of bruising and a feeling of pressure "down there", which I'm hoping will subside after a couple of weeks.  Nothing major.  But I have made sure to take it easy and not overdo it...when they say not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds, I've done that.   They said not to bend or stoop, etc, I've done that.  I think we women don't like to give in to the idea that we might need help...I definitely don't like that...but I've taken advantage of my family's help and they have been great. 

I did go home with a catheter on board, but removed it the next day without any problem.  I hope with taking my time with recovery I will be back running in six weeks with no problem! 

It's really happening #sling #bladderissues #running #hopeful

I'm hopeful.  This is really happening.  I'm probably making a bigger deal about it...but that's my way.

Good or bad...we'll see.

Update on sling procedure

So, it's finally scheduled.  It took a few months, but it is scheduled for June 21st.  The moment of truth is here.  All the misgivings and uneasiness of having this procedure done are hitting me all at once.  It could be the best thing I've ever done or the worst...I'll let you know.

So now I just have to get preop things done, EKG, blood work, etc.  I'm praying that this will go well.

As you can tell from this blog, running is important to me.  But life is important too and living it well is something that having this procedure done will help.  I figure I have quite a few years of living left and I want to stay active, whether that is running, hiking, walking, riding a bicycle...whatever.  Just not ready for the rocking chair yet.

http://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/patients/health-conditions/stress-urinary-incontinence/mid-urethral-sling-procedure.html

Still waiting...

So, an update on the procedure--still waiting.  I noticed I didn't say what kind of procedure it is.  Well, it is a urethral sling procedure that is supposed to fix the relaxation of the pelvic floor that happens with childbirth and, well, age.  But by the time they get this thing going I might just change my mind.

But...still waiting. 

Sling procedure

This post is going to deviate from my usual run blog.  I'm going to post about the trials and tribulations of having a procedure done that hopefully will make running easier...hopefully.

So, after years of thinking about having this procedure done, I'm finally going to do it, have the urethral sling procedure.  I went to my primary doctor, who referred me to the urologist whom I have seen twice already.  This was not an easy decision.  All the negative things that can happen have been going through my mind, but I'm trying to focus on the positives. 

How does this relate to running?  Well, it's either going to make running a whole lot better or...well, I said only positives.  Having to worry about finding a bathroom is a do or die thing for me with running.  If I don't find a bathroom and use it before I run, well, let's just say I can't let that happen.  And using a bathroom before some of these runs is quite challenging.  Either the lines are so long that you're not sure if you're going to make the race or there just aren't enough potties for everyone.  If I don't do that pre-run potty it's a panic until I find one I can use.  If my plumbing worked the way it should I wouldn't worry so much, but...

So today was my second visit to the urologist.  It was not fun.  You have to drink as much water as you can beginning two hours before your appointment and you can't use the restroom.  Then they do tests on your very uncomfortable, full bladder.  Fun.  Now I get to wait for authorization and scheduling.   The doctor says that's about eight weeks, so that will actually work out well with my running schedule.  Stay tuned!  :)