Short Story of a minor Struggle and Successfully overcoming it
May 2024
Flare up of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), caused pain in multiple joints, tendons and ligaments.
Sudden break on running after three and half years.
Even walking was difficult- every step was painful.
1/n
May 2024
Flare up of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), caused pain in multiple joints, tendons and ligaments.
Sudden break on running after three and half years.
Even walking was difficult- every step was painful.
1/n
Waited for a day or two for pain to reduce/subside; as that was the norm earlier (during the past 34 years, after the most severe relapse in 1990, when I was hospitalized for more than three weeks at CMC Vellore).
Pain did not reduce, instead, it became more severe.
2/n
Pain did not reduce, instead, it became more severe.
2/n
Consulted a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon;
Investigations confirmed a relapse of AS (enthesopathy, tendinopathy, joint inflammation, etc)
Was suggested complete rest; pain-relief medications and specific medications (biologicals) for AS.
This appeared depressing..
3/n
Investigations confirmed a relapse of AS (enthesopathy, tendinopathy, joint inflammation, etc)
Was suggested complete rest; pain-relief medications and specific medications (biologicals) for AS.
This appeared depressing..
3/n
With my previous experience, I knew that rest could aggravate the situation and could jeopardize the recovery process.
Muscle mass and strength can rapidly reduce with complete rest.
Despite suffering from intermittent pains over the past 34 years, I had not taken SICK leave
4/n
Muscle mass and strength can rapidly reduce with complete rest.
Despite suffering from intermittent pains over the past 34 years, I had not taken SICK leave
4/n
Decided to continue coming to hospital. My residents were shocked to see me limping during ward/ICU rounds. I still used stairs/ramps and avoided elevators.
Decided against starting biologicals, however, took pain-relief medicines (occasionally).
Continued my morning walks..
5/n
Decided against starting biologicals, however, took pain-relief medicines (occasionally).
Continued my morning walks..
5/n
Walking was laborious, painful and needed great efforts. Took 13-15 min per Km (For a runner who could comfortably run at 5-6 min/Km, it was a setback).
But I have a lot of patience and positivity.
Continued to show up daily for walk & work despite the pain.
6/n
But I have a lot of patience and positivity.
Continued to show up daily for walk & work despite the pain.
6/n
Weeks passed, a few months passed.
Pain did reduce, however, running was still impossible, as pain started with running just 50-100 meters.
Walking pace gradually improved to 9-10 min/Km.
Was doing regular strength training too.
I thought running may not be possible ever....
7/n
Pain did reduce, however, running was still impossible, as pain started with running just 50-100 meters.
Walking pace gradually improved to 9-10 min/Km.
Was doing regular strength training too.
I thought running may not be possible ever....
7/n
December 1st week (Chicago)
Started for a morning walk (planned 5 Km). It was very cold (minus 6-8 C), so thought it is better to run and return to the hotel room sooner.
After 500 meter walk, ran the next 4.5 Km- I could do it (pace 7:30 min/Km)
Ran after a gap of 7 months..
8/n
Started for a morning walk (planned 5 Km). It was very cold (minus 6-8 C), so thought it is better to run and return to the hotel room sooner.
After 500 meter walk, ran the next 4.5 Km- I could do it (pace 7:30 min/Km)
Ran after a gap of 7 months..
8/n
December 2024
Ran on 16 days (and covered about 125 Km, including two 10 Km); walked on the remaining days.
Pace was 6 Km/min for a 6 Km run on Dec 31st.
2024 began well, ran 6 sub-2 hour half marathons (Jan-Mar 2024).
Temporary struggle during May to Nov, ended well in Dec
9/n
Ran on 16 days (and covered about 125 Km, including two 10 Km); walked on the remaining days.
Pace was 6 Km/min for a 6 Km run on Dec 31st.
2024 began well, ran 6 sub-2 hour half marathons (Jan-Mar 2024).
Temporary struggle during May to Nov, ended well in Dec
9/n
Take Aways
1. Do what is possible, rather than worrying about what is not possible,
2. Struggle is temporary, it always ends,
3. When suffering from pain, negativity may creep in, but regular work and workouts bring positivity,
4. Complete rest/bed rest may not be the best option.
1. Do what is possible, rather than worrying about what is not possible,
2. Struggle is temporary, it always ends,
3. When suffering from pain, negativity may creep in, but regular work and workouts bring positivity,
4. Complete rest/bed rest may not be the best option.
(Disclaimer: This was my personal journey and the choices that I made. These may not apply to or work for all. Always follow your doctor's (rheumatologist's) advice regarding treatment of ankylosing spondylitis or any other painful condition)
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