It's with a heavy heart that I am finally confessing the death of Sixpack Chopra. You all know that I was in training and really enjoying my Five Fingers shoes. I still love them. However, genetics have struck a fatal blow.
What you don't know about the story is that I started having hip pain last summer. My right hip made it very difficult for me to do my job. Interestingly, if I went for a run, working was easier. So, I kept training and finally went to see a doctor when I could afford health insurance. That was in late November. X-rays were done and a diagnosis was made.
The news? Degenerative Joint Disease (read Arthritis) beyond my age group in the right hip and DJD in the left hip. Yep, kids, at the age of 40, I'm already well aware that a hip replacement will likely be necessary in about 20 years, if not sooner.
We are currently working on treatments, and I will be getting a cortizone shot next week. Yes, I know they operate on a principal of diminishing returns. If the shot works we try a new shot (Synvisc) that my mother has had much success with. Yes, my mother and I will have the same arthritis medication. I got kicked in the ass by genetics. I'm also in Physical Therapy, yet again. It's offering some pain relief, but not quite enough.
The short version of the story is that at the beginning of training for the Madison Marathon, I was told I shouldn't run. Basically, I can run, but it's not going to help me out when I'm 70. So, I need to find another outlet. Bicycle, swimming, whatever, but I can't put my joints through that kind of strain anymore.
This has been really tough to deal with. I'm not going to lie. I can't put into words what it's like to know that I should never run again. No more 20 milers over the Golden Gate Bridge, no more smack talk about Pooperella and Dr. Deetschei! I was really looking forward to this next race, and actually had 3 on the books for the next 12 months.
So, with moist eyes and a sore hip, I bid you all farewell.
Peace and Beers to you all.
What you don't know about the story is that I started having hip pain last summer. My right hip made it very difficult for me to do my job. Interestingly, if I went for a run, working was easier. So, I kept training and finally went to see a doctor when I could afford health insurance. That was in late November. X-rays were done and a diagnosis was made.
The news? Degenerative Joint Disease (read Arthritis) beyond my age group in the right hip and DJD in the left hip. Yep, kids, at the age of 40, I'm already well aware that a hip replacement will likely be necessary in about 20 years, if not sooner.
We are currently working on treatments, and I will be getting a cortizone shot next week. Yes, I know they operate on a principal of diminishing returns. If the shot works we try a new shot (Synvisc) that my mother has had much success with. Yes, my mother and I will have the same arthritis medication. I got kicked in the ass by genetics. I'm also in Physical Therapy, yet again. It's offering some pain relief, but not quite enough.
The short version of the story is that at the beginning of training for the Madison Marathon, I was told I shouldn't run. Basically, I can run, but it's not going to help me out when I'm 70. So, I need to find another outlet. Bicycle, swimming, whatever, but I can't put my joints through that kind of strain anymore.
This has been really tough to deal with. I'm not going to lie. I can't put into words what it's like to know that I should never run again. No more 20 milers over the Golden Gate Bridge, no more smack talk about Pooperella and Dr. Deetschei! I was really looking forward to this next race, and actually had 3 on the books for the next 12 months.
So, with moist eyes and a sore hip, I bid you all farewell.
Peace and Beers to you all.
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