~29-30 weeks. Estimated due date; July 13, 2007
I'm so excited. Can't wait to hold him!!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Thoughts of cancelling surgery...
Prior post regarding the lack of knee pain was premature.
At 2am, I was awakened by significant knee pain and it has been aching ever since. Before I took a handful of ibuprofen this morning I was walking with a little limp. Still aches, but manageable for now.
My surgery stays on the to do list.
At 2am, I was awakened by significant knee pain and it has been aching ever since. Before I took a handful of ibuprofen this morning I was walking with a little limp. Still aches, but manageable for now.
My surgery stays on the to do list.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Bayou Bash relay
Heard a lot of talk about the distance of today's race. Runners with GPS units seemed to consistently read 2.11 miles. My garmin registered 2.10 miles.
My teammates included: A-leg: Dusty Cook, B-leg: George Moriarty, C-leg: Vic Kaiser, and D-leg: Bill Cox
Overall team time: 1:28:32 (11:04 pace)
My time: 19:28 for 2.10 miles. 9:16 overall pace.
Notes about the run:
Kudos to the Houston Striders. 100 runners in attendance! Seemed everyone had a good run. Super congrats to JulyBug on her first sub-9:00 minute mile. Kevin Cox ran two, sub 8:30 minute miles. Steve Bezner ran a 6:30 and 6:40 respectively. Those are some freaking' awesome times! The comment of the morning came from Strider favorite, Ruben Coryat. I asked Ruben how he did on the race. His reply; "I had a good exchange from the c-runner. I ran as hard as I could all the way to the finish line. I wasn't wearing a watch, but my legs feel like it was a good run."
Gotta get back to the Penn relays on ESPN.
My teammates included: A-leg: Dusty Cook, B-leg: George Moriarty, C-leg: Vic Kaiser, and D-leg: Bill Cox
Overall team time: 1:28:32 (11:04 pace)
My time: 19:28 for 2.10 miles. 9:16 overall pace.
Notes about the run:
- Zero knee pain. This is complicating matters. Part of me wants to cancel the surgery.
- Weather was awesome.
- I only dropped back ~10 seconds between mile one and mile two.
- I had a hard time breathing, as a result of poor cardiovascular fitness.
- Didn't finish hard. I couldn't see anyone ahead or behind me, so I took the easy road. Simply cruised into the finish line at a maintainable pace.
Kudos to the Houston Striders. 100 runners in attendance! Seemed everyone had a good run. Super congrats to JulyBug on her first sub-9:00 minute mile. Kevin Cox ran two, sub 8:30 minute miles. Steve Bezner ran a 6:30 and 6:40 respectively. Those are some freaking' awesome times! The comment of the morning came from Strider favorite, Ruben Coryat. I asked Ruben how he did on the race. His reply; "I had a good exchange from the c-runner. I ran as hard as I could all the way to the finish line. I wasn't wearing a watch, but my legs feel like it was a good run."
Gotta get back to the Penn relays on ESPN.
Friday, April 27, 2007
10k on moutain bike
6.2 miles though the Greenbelts. Average speed: 11.6 mph. Also going to workout my upper body later.
The weather is really nice.
After yesterdays run-workout at work; I showered, blogged the run, and started supper. Just as I was cutting up the veggies we got an apartment fire. I was already exhausted and the fire did not help matters. The bottom line... I'm whooped. Everything is sore. It's a shame that one-mile kicked my ass.
Wasn't sure of the "smart" thing to do today. The short distance bike ride did me good. I feel better and my legs have loosened up.
I never posted my second MRI transcription results, cause frankly, there wasn't anything new. There IS NOT a cyst as suspected. Even though I was inactivity that week, the MRI revealed lots of inflammation, primarily between the illiotibial band and the muscles on the lateral side of my knee. The surgery is still warranted and scheduled. But now, with the lack of pain on yesterdays run, I wonder it I should try a little more time. Doctor said, with complete confidence, there is a lot of "garbage" under my patella, which needs to be cleaned up.
Any ideas out there? I'd like to hear them.
The weather is really nice.
After yesterdays run-workout at work; I showered, blogged the run, and started supper. Just as I was cutting up the veggies we got an apartment fire. I was already exhausted and the fire did not help matters. The bottom line... I'm whooped. Everything is sore. It's a shame that one-mile kicked my ass.
Wasn't sure of the "smart" thing to do today. The short distance bike ride did me good. I feel better and my legs have loosened up.
I never posted my second MRI transcription results, cause frankly, there wasn't anything new. There IS NOT a cyst as suspected. Even though I was inactivity that week, the MRI revealed lots of inflammation, primarily between the illiotibial band and the muscles on the lateral side of my knee. The surgery is still warranted and scheduled. But now, with the lack of pain on yesterdays run, I wonder it I should try a little more time. Doctor said, with complete confidence, there is a lot of "garbage" under my patella, which needs to be cleaned up.
Any ideas out there? I'd like to hear them.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Test run
Went for a one-mile run at work. Time was 9:29. I'm both shocked and confused..... zero knee pain. Afterwards, I completed a mid-body workout.
I feel good.
I feel good.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Road bike
Took the new road bike for its first double digit ride.
10.52 miles through Forest Cove. Average speed ~14.1 mph.
10.52 miles through Forest Cove. Average speed ~14.1 mph.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
RUN Kingwood!
Interested in a leisure Sunday run?
Boy, do I have a deal for you!
Bill Cox emailing you from scenic Kingwood, Texas. Runnings have been hit and miss for me secondary to knee pain. Long story short, minor surgery scheduled May 7, 2007.
GOOD NEWS: The doctors have an excellent game plan to get me on the roads again!
BAD NEWS: I can’t resist the temptation to squeeze in one last pre-surgery run.
All of my Strider and blogging friends are invited to a group run through my neighborhood. Everything is in full bloom, which makes for an exceptional backdrop. You will not be disappointed!
Where: 1911 Lake Village Dr, Kingwood TX 77339
When: Sunday, May 06, 2007
Time: 7:00 am
Distance: 5.25 +/- Design any distance you like, its all good.
Why: Cause Strider’s Rock!
Price: In true Houston Strider form, admission and drinks are FREE.
Parking is plentiful. Foster Elementary is within eyesight of my house.
Breakfast to follow by majority vote. Hmmmm breakfast!
Please shoot an email to; http://www2.blogger.com/williamwaynecox@yahoo.com if you plan to attend
Directions from Houston:
Hwy 59 North
Exit Kingwood Drive
Turn right on Kingwood Drive
Drive approximately 1.7 miles
Turn right on Trailwood Village Dr.
Trailwood Village Dr dead-ends into Lake Village (my street)
Turn left on Lake Village Dr.
Foster Elementary located immediately on right hand side.
Park at School
My house is located 200 yards away
BAD NEWS: I can’t resist the temptation to squeeze in one last pre-surgery run.
All of my Strider and blogging friends are invited to a group run through my neighborhood. Everything is in full bloom, which makes for an exceptional backdrop. You will not be disappointed!
Where: 1911 Lake Village Dr, Kingwood TX 77339
When: Sunday, May 06, 2007
Time: 7:00 am
Distance: 5.25 +/- Design any distance you like, its all good.
Why: Cause Strider’s Rock!
Price: In true Houston Strider form, admission and drinks are FREE.
Parking is plentiful. Foster Elementary is within eyesight of my house.
Breakfast to follow by majority vote. Hmmmm breakfast!
Please shoot an email to; http://www2.blogger.com/williamwaynecox@yahoo.com if you plan to attend
Directions from Houston:
Hwy 59 North
Exit Kingwood Drive
Turn right on Kingwood Drive
Drive approximately 1.7 miles
Turn right on Trailwood Village Dr.
Trailwood Village Dr dead-ends into Lake Village (my street)
Turn left on Lake Village Dr.
Foster Elementary located immediately on right hand side.
Park at School
My house is located 200 yards away
1911 Lake Village
More bike
18.3 miles on the mountain bike. Average 10.4 mph. The wind was in our face most of the ride.
i. am. tired.
Small poll: Would anyone be interested in a Sunday run in Kingwood, the day before my surgery (May 6, 2007)? I'd love to show everyone my 'hood.
i. am. tired.
Small poll: Would anyone be interested in a Sunday run in Kingwood, the day before my surgery (May 6, 2007)? I'd love to show everyone my 'hood.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Bike
8.31 miles on the mountain bike, towing Alison in the bike trailer. Held a 9.8 mph pace. That's better than my usual bike with trailer pace of 8.8-9.0. Yay me. My knee likes the bike.
I'm worried about next weekends relay race. I want to try a run this week. I figure it might loosen everything up, but fear I'll go into the race with more than normal knee pain. My only goal is to run without stopping.
Side note: Ryan Hall ROCKS!
I'm worried about next weekends relay race. I want to try a run this week. I figure it might loosen everything up, but fear I'll go into the race with more than normal knee pain. My only goal is to run without stopping.
Side note: Ryan Hall ROCKS!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
More knee'd to know stuff
My knee went through a 3-4 day silent period only to rear its ugly head once again. No activity, so I'm confused what is irritating it. Whats even more odd; I have two bruises. One is the size of a quarter and located anterior side, medial aspect, slightly superior to patella. Second bruise is smaller and located diagonally from the main bruise. Anterior side, lateral aspect, and slightly inferior to patella. The pain at night (during sleep) started again as well.
What tha fuck?
What tha fuck?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Second MRI
Second MRI with contrast completed today. Actually they did an MRI with and without contrast. Anyone care to see picture(s) of my knee? Below is a link to a photo album I created of today's MRI. Its not all the pictures, but the maximum that Shutterfly would hold.
Link to my knee pictures.
Link to my knee pictures.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Its never simple
Received a phone call from Dr. Muscat today. He told me he was reviewing my case and looking over my MRI. During Friday's appointment, he referenced the transcription made by another doctor and not the actual MRI.
There is some paraphrasing here, but the conversation went something like this....
"Mr. Cox, I'd like to get a second MRI of your knee. This time I'm ordering the test with contrast. Your pain and history are not matching the injuries. I'm concerned with the possibility of a cyst. In rare cases, you can develop small tears on a tendon and the body responds with a fluid pocket around the area. Some cyst go away with time, but frequently they don't. The fluid pocket is further irritated by use of the joint. My assessment plus your description of signs and symptoms would better be explained by a cyst. An MRI with contrast will help us know what we are up against"
Once again, another diagnosis. Actually it was listed in the MRI result as a " rare possibility".
I did a little web-searching and came across a decent article about ganglion cyst. Its worth your time to read. Both informative and entertaining (they explain how ganglion cyst got the nickname of, "bible bumps"). The most insightful part was:
"The cause is unknown. No one knows what causes a ganglion cyst to form. Some of the theories include:
The body responds to injury, trauma or overuse by forming an internal 'blister'. "
There is some paraphrasing here, but the conversation went something like this....
"Mr. Cox, I'd like to get a second MRI of your knee. This time I'm ordering the test with contrast. Your pain and history are not matching the injuries. I'm concerned with the possibility of a cyst. In rare cases, you can develop small tears on a tendon and the body responds with a fluid pocket around the area. Some cyst go away with time, but frequently they don't. The fluid pocket is further irritated by use of the joint. My assessment plus your description of signs and symptoms would better be explained by a cyst. An MRI with contrast will help us know what we are up against"
Once again, another diagnosis. Actually it was listed in the MRI result as a " rare possibility".
I did a little web-searching and came across a decent article about ganglion cyst. Its worth your time to read. Both informative and entertaining (they explain how ganglion cyst got the nickname of, "bible bumps"). The most insightful part was:
"The cause is unknown. No one knows what causes a ganglion cyst to form. Some of the theories include:
The body responds to injury, trauma or overuse by forming an internal 'blister'. "
Friday, April 13, 2007
MRI transcribtion
1. There is a moderately severe abnormal soft tissue signal seen interposed between the iliotibial band and the lateral femoral condyle and this has an appearance suggesting a moderate-sized hematoma or possibly an unusual ganglion cyst.
2. There is mucinous degeneration to both the medial and lateral menisci
3. There is severe diffuse chondromalacia patella
Comments: The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, the medial collateral ligament, and the patellar and quadriceps tendons are within normal limits. The lateral collateral ligament is also within normal limits. There is soft tissue inflationation, possibly representing hemorrhage deep to the iliotibal band as described above. This may be post traumatic. The bony structures are within normal limits in signal. There is a physiologic amount of fluid seen within joint space. There is a moderate-sized popliteal cyst.
There you have it, in black and white from the consulting doctors.
Surgery scheduled May 07, 2007 at 7:30 am.
2. There is mucinous degeneration to both the medial and lateral menisci
3. There is severe diffuse chondromalacia patella
Comments: The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, the medial collateral ligament, and the patellar and quadriceps tendons are within normal limits. The lateral collateral ligament is also within normal limits. There is soft tissue inflationation, possibly representing hemorrhage deep to the iliotibal band as described above. This may be post traumatic. The bony structures are within normal limits in signal. There is a physiologic amount of fluid seen within joint space. There is a moderate-sized popliteal cyst.
There you have it, in black and white from the consulting doctors.
Surgery scheduled May 07, 2007 at 7:30 am.
Funny stuff!
Correpsondence between Coach and I about my MRI results (white=Coach, green=me):
Dude,
You give me too much credit! I don't know no Greek. Yeah, I get confused... between you knowing Greek and being a GEEK.
Is this running or otherwise exercise-induced? Doctor said there was a traumatic injury somewhere along my path.
It sounds like maybe not, but what do I know? The only thing I can think of was a BAD coffee table corner incident where I struck my right knee a few days before the LLR. It was bruised and sore for a couple days, but never thought it did this kind of damage.
How long's the rehab? Doc will give me crutches. Also stated he wants me to walk on my own as much as possible without them, starting from day one.
What are you allowed to do in the interim? Same as I posted before... anything to the point of pain.
What's the long term prognosis? EXCELLENT! Per Doc, I should be running and able to start a ramp-up within 6-9 weeks. Yes, he used the work "ramp-up"... he's a runner/biker. Bonus points!
Do you need a second opinion? Not unless the MRI scan lied. He still gave ME the option to try a little rehab, but we agreed several months has been long enough to shake anything minor.
Is your insurance adequate? Its, so-so. I have to meet the deductible, before anything happens. After that it looks like it will fair.
Will you be missing work? Yes I will. This is a good thing :-) We have light duty assignments. I called the Chief and he has already taken my off the schedule for the entire month of May.
I assume your out for Beach to Bay, right? Yes, but I still want to attend... if that is OK with you guys.
In for Bayou Bash? Yep, Going to give it my all. Nothing less, nothing more. 235 pounds of raging fury and man-tits!
At least they found the culprit and there's light at the end of the tunnel, right? Too bad my cheap-ass took so long to seek further medical attention.
Let all your fans know what's up when you know!
Cheers, Steve
Dude,
You give me too much credit! I don't know no Greek. Yeah, I get confused... between you knowing Greek and being a GEEK.
Is this running or otherwise exercise-induced? Doctor said there was a traumatic injury somewhere along my path.
It sounds like maybe not, but what do I know? The only thing I can think of was a BAD coffee table corner incident where I struck my right knee a few days before the LLR. It was bruised and sore for a couple days, but never thought it did this kind of damage.
How long's the rehab? Doc will give me crutches. Also stated he wants me to walk on my own as much as possible without them, starting from day one.
What are you allowed to do in the interim? Same as I posted before... anything to the point of pain.
What's the long term prognosis? EXCELLENT! Per Doc, I should be running and able to start a ramp-up within 6-9 weeks. Yes, he used the work "ramp-up"... he's a runner/biker. Bonus points!
Do you need a second opinion? Not unless the MRI scan lied. He still gave ME the option to try a little rehab, but we agreed several months has been long enough to shake anything minor.
Is your insurance adequate? Its, so-so. I have to meet the deductible, before anything happens. After that it looks like it will fair.
Will you be missing work? Yes I will. This is a good thing :-) We have light duty assignments. I called the Chief and he has already taken my off the schedule for the entire month of May.
I assume your out for Beach to Bay, right? Yes, but I still want to attend... if that is OK with you guys.
In for Bayou Bash? Yep, Going to give it my all. Nothing less, nothing more. 235 pounds of raging fury and man-tits!
At least they found the culprit and there's light at the end of the tunnel, right? Too bad my cheap-ass took so long to seek further medical attention.
Let all your fans know what's up when you know!
Cheers, Steve
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Snap
David (aka: Bringin' Sexy Back),
What it Do?
You confusin' my readers with 'Rippin ma Block'. Agree, the H-town stuff is tight. Just threw half a bill fo' black astros 59fifty and Paul Wall cd. Curious of his screwed n' chopped version. Best track, "I'm Throwed". Entire disc is sick.
Crackle.
For those of you over 30, heres a Translator
PW title track on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea8M0WtU7vs
What it Do?
You confusin' my readers with 'Rippin ma Block'. Agree, the H-town stuff is tight. Just threw half a bill fo' black astros 59fifty and Paul Wall cd. Curious of his screwed n' chopped version. Best track, "I'm Throwed". Entire disc is sick.
Crackle.
For those of you over 30, heres a Translator
PW title track on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea8M0WtU7vs
1-step closer 2 dx
The MRI is done. The tech said the results will be in tomorrow afternoon. My next appointment is late Friday. I asked, "did you see anything abnormal". The tech replied, "They don't allow us to say anything". I budded up to him, hoping to get a hint. He never said much, but at one point he stated, "Its NOT a blank MRI". I wonder if blank is medical lingo for "nothing wrong"?
Yesterday Erin, Alison, and I checked in at the LP run. Last year I didn't enjoying running it, but I must say, its one of the best spectator races in town. Plus, the overall race seemed to be better organized this year. Yeah, I know it was the 40th running.
It was great to catch up with some old friends. I took a lot of pictures, but many of them didn't come out. Oh well, I tried.
Yesterday Erin, Alison, and I checked in at the LP run. Last year I didn't enjoying running it, but I must say, its one of the best spectator races in town. Plus, the overall race seemed to be better organized this year. Yeah, I know it was the 40th running.
It was great to catch up with some old friends. I took a lot of pictures, but many of them didn't come out. Oh well, I tried.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Bike ride
16.1 miles on the mountain bike.
I'm losing fitness at a rapid rate, as measured by today's exertion and fatigue.
I'm losing fitness at a rapid rate, as measured by today's exertion and fatigue.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Updating a near-dead blog
Its been more than a week, which means it is time to update the ole blog.
No running whatsoever. Two 30 minute rides on the stationary bike. Two "real" bike rides. Both sessions about 12-15 miles. I don't remember the exact distances anymore. Also a couple weight training days. Nothing serious.
Last Thursday I went to see a new doctor. His diagnosis was "obvious torn cartilage". I have seen three different people (Koala, Dr. Mack, and Dr. Muscat) and been given three different diagnosis. The pain is not going away so I've decided to take the next step and let them do whatever is needed to get me back on the road. Something is not right. At one point during the examination he palpated an area near my patella and I nearly came off the table. That shit hurt!
Dr. Muscat gave me two options. 1) try six weeks of physical therapy and ease back into running. OR 2) Schedule an MRI and see what the problem is. I chose option two, because frankly, I think tendinitis would have healed by now. Dr Muscat thinks the occasional left knee pain is compensatory pain and not worthy of a scan.
After the MRI is interpreted we will schedule (what he called) a Knee Repair Module. Doc ok'd me to do anything to the point of pain... even running. He used the following example; Run until the knee starts bothering you, then stop, walk home, and RICE. I tried his example at work and only made it ~100 yards before the knee was uncomfortable.
Ironically, the knee has been silent the last two days. There again, all I'm doing is sitting on my fat ass. Not much knee action involved with extended couch time. Speaking of "Behind", a few minutes ago I read Vic's blog. Joking with ya big guy! Often Vic and I are on the same wave length, although I whine about stupid stuff a lot more. Wish I had his positive outlook on the little things. Anyways, he summed up how I feel perfectly. Check out his blog.... its a waay good post!
Has blogging peaked? Seems that most running blogs are fading, including this one. Weird, huh? Good thing we still have die-hard bloggers like July Bug and Sarah to keep us entertained! There are so many Houston Strider Bloggers, the club should consider a new annual award; "Running Blog of the Year". That might drum up business for club bloggers to post more and possibly find a couple newbies. When you Google "Houston Striders" a vast number of the hits are from various blog postings. I guess what I'm trying to say is, blogs that mention our club share a mutual relationship with benefits for both parties.
Sorry, I'm thinking out loud. Its just an idea.
In other news: Not trying to put the cart ahead of the horse, but things are going well with Erin. We're enjoying time together and being good friends. I may have let my running and weight slip, but 'I'm staying the course' with my family. That is what really matters to me.
No running whatsoever. Two 30 minute rides on the stationary bike. Two "real" bike rides. Both sessions about 12-15 miles. I don't remember the exact distances anymore. Also a couple weight training days. Nothing serious.
Last Thursday I went to see a new doctor. His diagnosis was "obvious torn cartilage". I have seen three different people (Koala, Dr. Mack, and Dr. Muscat) and been given three different diagnosis. The pain is not going away so I've decided to take the next step and let them do whatever is needed to get me back on the road. Something is not right. At one point during the examination he palpated an area near my patella and I nearly came off the table. That shit hurt!
Dr. Muscat gave me two options. 1) try six weeks of physical therapy and ease back into running. OR 2) Schedule an MRI and see what the problem is. I chose option two, because frankly, I think tendinitis would have healed by now. Dr Muscat thinks the occasional left knee pain is compensatory pain and not worthy of a scan.
After the MRI is interpreted we will schedule (what he called) a Knee Repair Module. Doc ok'd me to do anything to the point of pain... even running. He used the following example; Run until the knee starts bothering you, then stop, walk home, and RICE. I tried his example at work and only made it ~100 yards before the knee was uncomfortable.
Ironically, the knee has been silent the last two days. There again, all I'm doing is sitting on my fat ass. Not much knee action involved with extended couch time. Speaking of "Behind", a few minutes ago I read Vic's blog. Joking with ya big guy! Often Vic and I are on the same wave length, although I whine about stupid stuff a lot more. Wish I had his positive outlook on the little things. Anyways, he summed up how I feel perfectly. Check out his blog.... its a waay good post!
Has blogging peaked? Seems that most running blogs are fading, including this one. Weird, huh? Good thing we still have die-hard bloggers like July Bug and Sarah to keep us entertained! There are so many Houston Strider Bloggers, the club should consider a new annual award; "Running Blog of the Year". That might drum up business for club bloggers to post more and possibly find a couple newbies. When you Google "Houston Striders" a vast number of the hits are from various blog postings. I guess what I'm trying to say is, blogs that mention our club share a mutual relationship with benefits for both parties.
Sorry, I'm thinking out loud. Its just an idea.
In other news: Not trying to put the cart ahead of the horse, but things are going well with Erin. We're enjoying time together and being good friends. I may have let my running and weight slip, but 'I'm staying the course' with my family. That is what really matters to me.
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