July 2011

Like many of us this summer, one word sums it up. I won't even say it, because it's just that redundant and obvious.

I have been feeling a little better on 10 mgs of Prednisone for the past few weeks. I am not running yet, but I hope that I am getting close. I still feel somewhat symptomatic, a few of the hallmark symptoms that seem to show themselves whenever I get inflammed are still hanging around. Mainly, I have a constant tingling sensation in my back. Pretty much all of my major back muscles are involved, especially in the upper back, through the shoulders. I still have a hint of a face rash, and my quads feel very stiff and heavy.

I am able to ride my road bike, which is pretty much as good as anyone can do in the current heat. My joints are still a bit achy and I still have some injury issues that don't seem to be healing on their own, but as I mentioned, they seem to be getting better, albeit on their own timeframe, not mine. Not there yet, but hopeful. I missed the Midnight 50K, which was a bummer. I have a few things up my sleeve for the next year, though. I've already signed up for Memphis, so that's no secret. The rest of my intended runs are in the spring, so I've got a bit of time to pull it together, as long as this body cooperates. I am spending a few hours a day on rehab, primarily massage, stretching, and strengthening. I am also trying the Galloway approach to building back mileage, which involves intervals of running and walking, rather than just straight-up running. I can only continuously run about 20-30 minutes until the pain kicks in, but with a few minutes running/few minutes walking interval routine, I can make it close to an hour. Better than nothing, but a long way to go.

On the up

CPK, that is. I clocked in somewhere around 350 this time, and I had been feeling it for a few months. The inflammation had been ramping up a bit, and I was starting to run a little hot. I had developed a rash on my face and hands, achy muscles and joints that were making it very difficult to be active on a day-to-day basis, and a swollen lymph node. I had lost a few steps, dialed exercise way down, and was feeling generally uncomfortable.

So for now, sweet relief. I love Prednisone. I hate it that I love it. But I feel so much better. Am in a better mood, have energy, am excited about tomorrow and the next day and the next month. Aches and pains go away like they should. Body parts don't hurt for no reason. My skin looks vibrant ahd healthy. It's hard to feel worried about being sick when I'm manic on steriods. I catch myself enjoying the feeling, but it's deceiving. The hell to pay is that Prednisone speeds up the aging process. A pleasant thought.

I am also wide awake (again). There was popcorn popping just underneath my eyelids when I tried to go to bed just now. I tried reading, but that activity seemed a little too calm for my racing mind and eyeballs. I don't think the computer will help, but at least it's more interesting than my bedroom ceiling.

Goodnight to most of you. I'll be up for a little while...