|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Houston area
Posts: 21
|
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Houston area
Posts: 21
|
I read your whole post and was so impressed with your writing and grammar, especially when I read that you are only 17. It all made sense when I got toward the end where you talked about wanting to be a writer. You're obviously well-spoken (written?) and intelligent.
I agree with the suggestions to take a year off if you can - this is one injury where you can't do anything to rush your recovery. That can be hard to accept and one of the most frustrating things for an athlete. We're used to pushing our bodies and I know I always loved the way I felt after a challenging workout or race. I miss the physical part as well as the social aspect.
It makes sense to take next year off - it's fairly easy to explain a gap year at that point in your education, you'll still be on your parents' health insurance, and it will give you time to rest while you explore your limitations as well as your interests. Is there somewhere you could volunteer that would allow you to use your writing skills?
Also, even though walking bores me and sometimes just reminds me of how much I miss running, I find that I feel better overall if I get some mild exercise. I've been trying to go out with a better attitude and appreciate the sights and the fact that I'm alive!
Best of luck,
Diane
__________________
What happened: I was on my Triathlon bike doing an easy ride through my neighborhood just a few weeks after completing Ironman Texas (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). A driver on a side street pulled up to a stop sign but didn't see me and pulled out in front of me. I tried to make a sharp turn alongside her but fishtailed and went into the side of her car with the left side of my body at about 17 mph.
I walked away with a headache and a whiplash, a sore shoulder, and some bruises but was counting my blessings. I did several months of PT for my shoulder and neck, and I still had problems with headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. My PT insisted I be evaluated, and I was diagnosed with a concussion. I was still in denial, but then I transferred to a vestibular/neuro rehab specialist and learned that my eyes weren't focusing properly (nystagmus, convergence disorder). I was discharged from that PT on June 10, 2014 - exactly one year after my accident - because I was no longer making "significant progress." I did more PT for my neck/shoulder, and on Dec 16, 2014, I had shoulder surgery. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I might never do another Ironman, but I'm not giving up on returning at some level.
|