Rhett

If this were a facebook entry, I would click "Unlike." (There really isn't an unlike button to click on facebook.)

I'm sorry that the news wasn't better.

While the blood work will not make it heal faster, do you think there are any underlying issues as to why you keep getting injured?

This is so sad! Is your doc a runner? Does he understand what he is asking of you?

Duuuuude! Six months seems a little extreme. Is the doc just being overly-cautious or is it a really bad stress fracture?

Are you kidding me????

Were you able to see what they were talking about on the MRI? Was it a tibial stress fracture? How bad?

When I had my pelvis stress fracture they had me do all of those things as well. All the blood work came back fine -- but I was still glad I did it. Did he ask for a bone density test or scan?

Unfortunately, my pelvis stress fracture did take 6 months to heal. BUT ... I truly believe that was because I kept testing it out every time it started feeling better. Once I truly took 8 weeks off it healed.

What kind of background does this doc have? Has he dealt with many runners? Personally, I would take the MRI results and get a second opinion. But that is just me.

Oh yeah ... did the MRI show any soft tissue damage?

So so sorry. I get very frustrated when being told to simply take time off. Of course we know that doing nothing will help things heal, but the point in going to a specialist is for them to help work through the injury. I am so sorry.

Ooh, that just made me mad! If he can't come up with a rehab plan or prevention education, or any treatment, what good is his service to you? Not xtraining is not an option!

I am so sorry for the frustration! I know you will overcome this as you've been down this road before.

I would get a second opinion. Occasionally one of my patients goes elsewhere for a second opinion and occasionally someone comes to me to get a second opinion. I never take offense and actually respect them for being that concerned and thorough. Problem is it means more time off work and more cost (depending on your insurance). But knowing how much you love to run I have a hard time seeing you sit out for six months without having heard it from two different doctors.

Sorry to sound so opinionated...I just wanted to throw in my two bits.

I don't see you taking 6 months off. Did you mention the "you-know-what", that you might be "you-know-whating" to him...or is that just our little secret? I'm bummed for you Rhett. I just don't see you calling it quits for 6 months, especially with Doone's debut coming up. I'm sure you'll find a way to bounce back..keep you normal, extremely positive attitude....Dude.

Burt- Thanks, I needed a laugh

Andy- This is my first stress fracture, so this isn't a recurrent injury. I'm just done with the docs.

Kathie, I don't think he has a clue about working with runners. Unfortunately non of the docs here do.

Dale, I think he is being overly cautious. I read the MRI report while he was out of the room and it suggested "Early Stess Fracture Syndrome". When talking to me he made it sound way worse than the the MRI report said it was.

Teena, I saw the images and you can see the stress fracture. To me it just looks like a white line. In the report it called it cortical edema. Yes it's in the tibia, no there is no soft tissue damage.

Paul, I agree. I don't think I'll go back. I called my bro in law who is an athletic trainer for the University of Georgia track team. I went over with him what they do with there athletes that get this. I guess it is pretty comon with their runners. I think I'll just use him as my rehab consultant.

Smooth, tell me about it. He is so conservative he wants me to use a leg float when I swim so that I don't even kick. My bro in law said that was dumb and that I can swim normal and deep water run without a problem

Mack, thanks for the imput. If there were someone in town that dealt with athletes more I would see them. I think I'm just going to do my rehab on my own.

Mark, no I didn't mention the "you know what" that I'm taking. I am sworn to secrecy about where I obtained it and I just don't what to have to explain. I hope you're right about bouncing back quickly.

I know this is a different injury but isn't this your 3rd serious, debilitating injury in the past 3 years? Sounds like your brother is a good resource for your recovery plan. Good luck!

It is my second major injury in 2 years. These are the first 2 times I've had injuries bad enough to keep me from running. I really think this one was brought on by not recovering properly after Boston. The other one started after my sub 3 after SGM. Maybe it is the price my body pays to run a sub 3. I have to take 6 months off. You know what though. I would do it over again if that is what it takes for me to go sub 3.

:) :) :)

You know that we all think the world of you! DANG YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Sorry for the bad news, Rhett. Being injured sucks. I know you'll get through it stronger than ever.

Brett - sorry to hear about your misfortune. Keep you head up. I have read many times of runners coming back stronger after an injury.