The Hip.

It all started 11 months ago.

I was training for what would have been my 4th marathon. Now, I had taken some time off in the winter and spring and probably jumped back into running too quickly (translation: I ate a lot of cookies in the winter time and got lazy). But the first half of my training went so smoothly...all until that 17 mile run one day in September.

I noticed my hip was a little achy after that run. Immediately I diagnosed myself with bursitis (every doctor must really hate WebMD, thanks to people like me). I've diagnosed myself with it before, and after taking off a week or two, taking ibuprofen, and icing my hip, I had been just fine. So, I did just that. Only....it didn't get better. I tried to do an 18 mile run the next Saturday and made it only a half mile down the road before bursting into tears. I knew something was wrong.

I couldn't afford to skip too many long runs, but I took another week off. STILL not better. The first sports medicine doctor told me it was bursitis. Ha! I knew it! I should be a consultant for WebMD! Or maybe go to Med School?? He gave me a cortisone shot, told me to do Physical Therapy, and sent me on my way. He said no running, but the elliptical and/or walking was okay. I was bummed about the marathon, but excited that I could continue my exercise.

All winter, my hip refused to get better and stay better. I went to a chiropractor who adjusted me...still not better. Went back to the doctor who gave me another shot...still not better. I even tried a different doctor to get a second opinion - he told me he didn't know what it was. His guess? A muscle strain. Sigh. What is this, an episode of "House" or something?? If so, were is Dr. Chase? I would like to be examined by HIM.

The one thing that has brought some relief in all of this is acupuncture. I am not getting the "traditional" acupuncture, but electroacupuncture. The needles are inserted directly into the areas that are painful, hooked up to electrodes, and varying electrical pulses are then sent to that area for about 10 minutes. This doctor (also a chiropractor) also gave me a lift to wear in my left shoe, because that leg is shorter.

I've also decided to take time off from the only cardio I had been doing (the elliptical and walking). It will be 4 weeks tomorrow. I'm itching to get back in the gym, but I am terrified that it will make my hip worse again.

I just hope and pray I'll be able to run one day. SO many people have given me the, "Oh...well, you will have to find something else to do!" or, "Well, running IS so hard on your body! How about walking instead?" But running was my passion, where I sorted out all my problems, and the only physical thing that I feel I am good at.

Okay, I lie. I can do a kick ass tripod headstand like you wouldn't believe.