October 17, 2013 I definitively proved I don't do anything half-way.
I was over-training and ignoring multiple signs that I was developing a stress fracture in my femoral neck.
What the heck IS a femoral neck? And how in god's name does one go about breaking it??
I can tell you at least one way...
I was running a 5k when I felt what I thought was a cramp. I pushed through the discomfort until it clearly became pain, but I didn't stop. I figured, "If my leg is still working, it can't be that bad..." I kept running even when I felt the clicking of my bone breaking all the way through. Somehow I finished the race! But I promise there is no special medal or prize for finishing a race with a broken hip.
Three and a half years later, I'm a half inch shorter on my left side from the bone I lost. I have had two surgeries, and will eventually have at least one more - a total hip replacement. I've spent an INCREDIBLE amount of time researching my injury, lasting effects, strategies for bone health and longevity. And I've made improving my strength and mobility my part-time job.
I have learned a lot of lessons - lessons I wish I had known BEFORE I broke my hip. I suppose the silver lining is I am now well-equipped with knowledge and experience to prepare my body to age optimally. This has been a life-altering injury, but it could have been a much harder lesson had it happened in my 50's or 60's rather than at 37.
I blogged about it for the fitness academy I attend here in my hometown. These trainers and the group of people who work out there have become my family. They've watched me grimace in pain and hobble up the stairs to join the workouts when I was on crutches and could only do seated exercises. They've been there to cheer me on when I felt like I couldn't take another step.
If you want to read the story, check it out here:
https://sevafitness.com/2016/05/11/my-seva-story/
https://sevafitness.com/2016/05/18/a-psa-regarding-stress-fractures/
https://sevafitness.com/2016/05/27/broken/
https://sevafitness.com/2016/06/05/recovery/
Feel free to share with anyone you feel needs to hear a cautionary tale about moderation and proper workout technique!
Thanks for sharing, it's important that people understand the need to catch injuries early. As a professional musician & writer, I've seen quite a few friends fall victim to bad injuries - usually repetitive stress stuff for music - which, if treated early, could have been prevented.
It's so hard to do it - "But I have a race/gig coming up!" or even worse "I have to pay the bills, I'll lose my paying gigs if I take a week off" - but when it's really getting bad, one simply must take a break and figure it out.
Anything your body repeats becomes easier and easier to repeat. When your technique is bad (as I'm sure mine was), those repetitive movements become particularly destructive.
It's so hard to pull back... especially if you are doing something you love. But you are right!! You have to take a break! All the good stuff comes when your body is resting and healing itself.
It has been a incredibly important lesson to learn. The hard way.
Thank you for reading!!
I have a sister who has off and on suffered with anorexia. At the height of her illness I pleaded with with her to see a physician. She finally did and a bone scan was ordered. She was still in denial regarding her illness when she called me to report that I was over reacting and she was just fine. She only had bone thinning in her neck. I had her read me the report...turned out it was the femoral neck. Being a skinny white woman she was already at risk for osteoporosis. This led to a long discussion regarding anorexia, over training and she agreed to finally get help. Being healthy through diet and exercise is ok, unless taken to extremes. Moderation in all things is best. Thank you for sharing your story.
Sounds familiar. I am a very light-skinned blonde woman... already at risk for osteoporosis. My autoimmune thyroid condition was a contributing factor as well.
It's super scary to get those scans back and start to try to figure out what to do to save your bones. Especially when you are young and are hoping to get many more years out of your skeleton!!
I am sending positive healing thoughts to you and your sister. It's a difficult journey, but she is so much more empowered by understanding where she stands.
Thank you for reading!
Thanks for the reply. Yes not so easy to keep bones strong. Eat healthy, exercise in moderation, and work with medical team. Wishing you good health.
Thank you so much. It has been a very challenging few years. The bright side: I know I am in a much better place to continue the aging process with as much health and longevity as possible. That keeps me optimistic!! :)