This past year has by far been the most difficult year of my life. It’s been over a year since I’ve been able to run and began this wild goose chase to figure out what was wrong with my leg. I went from marathon running to being in chronic pain just doing the simplest of activities.
Santi and me before the Manchester Road Race in November 2016.
Ellie and I after the Cambridge Half Marathon in November 2016
I started graduate school last summer still not having any idea what was going on with my leg. All I knew was that I was in constant pain. I was in pain walking to and from the train station, I was in pain standing up for hours in the cadaver lab, I was in pain just walking up the stairs to get to class. I remember telling my mom that I couldn’t make it through another semester like this. I was absolutely miserable.
It was pretty shocking to find out in the middle of the semester that I had a rare medical problem causing my right popliteal artery to become completely blocked and my left one to become problematic as well. Then it was just icing on the cake to be told by my doctor during finals week that he didn’t know what to do. The ultrasound showed that I had small veins, which wouldn’t be great to use for a bypass. Granted to say, I had to leave school to find some answers.
That’s some pretty crappy circulation
I’m now so thankful for what I used to take for granted. I’m thankful that my foot isn’t numb after walking up a few flights of stairs. I’m thankful that I don’t have to grit my teeth while I’m driving because I’m in so much pain from pushing on the pedals. I’m thankful that I can go hiking and walking outside again. I’m thankful that I’m able to use the elliptical, and will hopefully begin running soon. I’m thankful that the first surgery was successful even though there were some complications. I’m beyond thankful to just have some answers and a clear course of treatment.
This is what the incision looks like now. Not too bad after gaping open a few weeks before.
Samson and I love going to this park.
I’ve got the next surgery date scheduled; February 12th! I’m looking forward to just getting it done, so that I can get back to my normal life. 2018 has to be better than 2017, right!? It feels like my life has been flipped upside down this past year. I learned that life doesn’t always go as planned and that some things are just out of my control.
In 2018 I want to get back to running. Even if that means just running a few miles a day instead of marathon training I’ll be happy. I want to do more backpacking and bike touring adventures. I miss that just as much as I miss running. I want to get back to school to become a physical therapist.
Most of all, I just want to be happy.
Feeling happy standing on the Continental Divide during our 2015 bike tour.
Good riddance, 2017! And here’s to a good 2018!
Here are two videos I made from trips I took in 2016. I hiked the Long Trail and bike toured in Alaska. Hopefully there’s more times like this to come in 2018!
Joy Runner 
So proud of you Sweetie! Sounds like you’ve really come a long way on all levels. Can’t wait to see you again.
Love you,
Sandy 🙂
Thanks, Sandy! I can’t wait to see you again too! ❤
Loving who you are sweet girl!
Thanks, Aunt Di! Oh, and I’m really enjoying the books. I’m reading Ellen Foster right now. Thanks so much! Love you
Here’s to you, Laurel, for a very happy and a very healthy New Year! Good Lord willing, the worst is behind you and you’ll have a fun and adventuresome New Year! We’re so proud of you! Love Beryl and Millie
Thank you both! Here’s to a happy and healthy new year for you too! Love you.
Hey!!! I am also having surgery for the first time in February 12th with Dr. Sarkar and Dr. Packer…. I am a bit scared but I have hope that it all go well! If I can move after the surgery and you are in the hospital too maybe I can drop by and say hi! 😊
Hey Sole! Wow, that’s so funny! I don’t think they do surgery for PAES very often. They must be doing back to back surgeries that day. And yes, that would be great if we could meet up after. It’d be cool to finally meet someone else with PAES! Fingers crossed that all goes well for us. If you want to stay in touch or if you have any questions my email is laurel.c.cole@gmail.com.
I will be thinking positive thoughts for both of you. I am down the road in Northern Virginia – I did debate heading to UM for the surgery (they had to only videos I could find online) but ultimately decided to get it done down here with a surgeon recommended by my ortho doc who has had 2 other patients with this problem. I don’t think any surgeon does a lot of these. As I told Laurel in a previous post – I had my left leg done on 12-18-17. I have my right leg scheduled for 1-29-17 (was hoping for the 12th but that did not materialize). My email entered in your blog – feel free to email me or share with Sole. The irony of it all now is I realize how bad my right leg feels now that the left leg is under control!
I had the same thing happen after my surgery. I told my doctors that my left leg didn’t hurt at all and was surprised to find out it had PAES also. As soon as I had surgery, though, and I had to start using my left leg more while crutching around I noticed the cramping. I guess my right leg was so much worse off I didn’t notice my left before. I’ll be thinking positive thoughts for you too!!! Good luck with the surgery and keep us posted.