7 days so far

Well it's been a week and really no worse for wear.   Trying to be smart and I am just running one of my regular loop courses but only running 2 miles.  Sunday the shins were a bit tight so came home and googled stretches for it.  Today while at PT, I mentioned it to Dan and Ian, who actually taped my shins.  Tonight although having to work myself back in shape the shins were fine.  Not that I am going to tape them all the time, but will have to look for some arch supports or maybe look into some orthotics.
But the neck feels good, really haven't noticed it at all after runs, more than the post-surgery soreness, but even that is going way down.
Well that's it for now.  Planning on taking Tuesday off and heading back out on Wednesday.
Be Well - Sank

FINALLY!

Well after weeks on the shelf, and 45 days since my last posting (didn't really want to bore those of you that actually read this with nothing but the same old day to day stuff) at 10:45 this morning I got the all clear sign.
I have to admit that part of me wants to run right out and do 5 miles, but my head tells me to go off slowly.  I am SOOOO out of shape, but excited about hitting the roads again. 
My Physical therapist says to start on the roads as the trails, being uneven surfaces, may be easier to start off on.  Either way I am going to lace them up tonight.  No Garmin (dont want to get to depressed right off the bat) and just take it as it goes.
As always, Be well - Sank

WELL I DID IT - 2 MILES ! :)  AND I DID USE THE GARMIN !  IT WAS AWESOME
~ Sank

Very Cool (stolen from Derrick Stafford's blog)

Good News and Bad News

First the Bad News - I was originally hoping that I would be able to run starting May 1st, but the doctor told me yesterday that date has been pushed back to May 14th.
Now the Good News - the Collar came OFF yesterday!  And although my running date was pushed back, I can get in the pool. 
All and all I have to say that I am really happy with the progress and that I decided to have the surgery.  I haven't had a headache now in 3 weeks, the pain in my elbow and upper arm is greatly reduced, and it seems like I have almost all of the feeling back in my ring and pinky finger in my left hand.
Dr. Weller said that there was narrowing of the nerve-ways and that there was substantial bone spurs, but that what he wasn't able to take care of in the surgery (bone spurs), should continue to get better over the next few months.
Here are the X-rays (or pictures I took of them from my cellphone) of the surgery.  Simply amazes me that just 3 weeks ago, I had the surgery; where I am now, and my new "bionic" neck.

Be well, run an extra mile for me - Sank

16 days later

Well it's been 16 days since the surgery and figured I would check in to anyone that actually wanted to kill some time and read.
After 6 days of absolute torture with muscle spasms, I think I am headed in the right direction.  At some point right under my left shoulder a muscle spasm developed that would actually bring me to tears.  Nancy at one point, and this particular spasm was a beauty, asked me if I was laughing or crying and I couldn't tell her which it was.  Well the doc gave me a perscription for muscle relaxers, coupledwith the Percocet, and the great massages from Nancy and here I am today actually optimistic about my future neck (and running again) health.

Went to work on Friday for a few hours, mostly to connect back with my Midtown Family and get some of the papers off of my desk.  Will be doing half days this week, as I see Dr. Weller on Friday.  Hopefully I will get off this baby.  Which I have become quite friendly with since I have to wear it 24/7 (yup even in the shower).

If I can do it I am going to try to get a copy of the X-rays with the plate and will post. 

But enough for now.  Be well - Sank