I feel old today.
I developed sciatica in my right leg about 10 months ago and can I get rid of it? Well, no, I can't - despite several visits to the physio and more stretching exercises than Mad Lizzy got through in her entire TV-am career.
The problem forced me to withdraw from this year's London Marathon but I am entitled to run next year. After that, I'll have to put my name back into the ballot with no guarantee of getting in for another five years - by which time I'll be 43 (and if you think that sounds ancient, it's because it is).
So, what to do? Retire gracefully? Not really my style. Go and seek more physio at £30 for about half an hour with no guarantee of success? I'd rather not, thank you, although it might have to happen eventually.
So I've decided to go for option three i.e. tough it out.
There's a new 10-mile race in Bradford in October which is essentially a practice event for next year's inaugural Bradford Marathon (which I'd also quite like to enter). It's only seven weeks away which should be just about enough time for me to try to get moderately fit, certainly fit enough to get around - albeit very, very slowly.
I went for a four mile run on Thursday and again yesterday and my leg is sore although, on the positive side, still attached to my body.
Jamie didn't get to witness me running the London Marathon in 2008 as Vanessa's womb was simply too thick for him to see out of. It would therefore be nice if he could be in Bradford to watch me struggle over the line on 18 October.
So, tomorrow morning, for better or for worse, the running shoes are being laced back on. Sure life would be dull if you didn't take a chance once in a while.
It sounds to me that you are in need of Andrew Stanley (podiatrist)at the Rebound Clinic in Settle.
ReplyDeleteSometime ago Dot had problems (and pain) with the cruciate ligament in her knee and visits to the GP and Physio didn't seem to help that much. We tried Andrew Stanley, and after two or three sessions, he prescribed built up inserts in her shoes, which seem to have solved the problem.
To find out more just put Rebound Clinic into your search engine.
Thanks Malcolm, star as ever!
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Barry,
ReplyDeleteI am currently ' on the sick' with sciatica after having collapsed 6 weeks ago, and have every sympathy with you. I was initially taking 5 different painkillers (tablets)every 4 hours, as well as using a TENs machine. Having had 2 weeks in the Tunisian sun, 4 lots of physio and 4 lots of holistic 'no hands' deep massage in my right butt cheek i am almost better!!!! i wouldn't wish my worst enemy to have the pain i have had, it was worse than giving birth!!. I do recommend the massage, it has worked for me
Rachel x