A New - Uninvited - Reason to Train

If you are not comfortable reading about 'girly' medical issues, click the 'back' button now! 

As I had previously posted, since running my first half marathon, I have been somewhat of a slacker, but was beginning to get back into my groove. I love cold-weather running; the winter temperatures are refreshing. Yes, I get chilled when finishing a run because of the layer of sweat in combination with the cold air, but there is nothing like a nice hot shower to warm up! I have been determined to build back up my mileage as well as my speed. God had a different plan for me!


I went to see a doctor last week, and will be scheduled for a hysterectomy. It seems that giving birth to three children, and middle age, is causing my uterus to drop. A lot. My family doctor had told me that it had dropped substantially in the past year, and shortly after I began to experience some pretty uncomfortable pressure. Frankly, I felt like my insides were falling out! She referred me to a gyno. Because my mother had had a hysterectomy at the age of 41, this really came as no surprise. The first day of my Christmas break, my sister and mother accompanied me to my appointment.

After the exam, the doctor told me my options, and the one that made the most sense and would have the most permanent results was a hysterectomy. (another option was to be fitted for a 'device' that is worn inside and holds things in place - gross!!!!) Of course, one of my first questions was how long I would not be able to run. Her answer: 6 weeks. I can't even walk for exercise for 4 weeks! Immediately I had visions of being at home alone for over a month, and spending my time grazing in the kitchen. I had already gained about 5 pounds in the past couple of months, so the thought of gaining even more sickened me. It took some time for me to process everything. I have never had surgery, a broken bone, or been hospitalized except for when I had my daughters. This would not be fun!

I came home, and I began to read. I found a downloadable book - something like 'Have a Happy Hysterectomy'! Is that really possible? They are taking an organ out of me! Though the title is hokie, I did find some useful information. The most useful for me was that I needed to be in the best possible physical shape before surgery because that will enable me to have an easier recovery. That actually went against what I was thinking, which went something like this...well, why run now? I am not going to be able to run for 6 weeks, and will practically have to start all over anyway, so I might as well just sit on my butt until surgery. After reading about how to make this a 'happy' experience, I decided I needed to rethink my tactics. I want to heal fast, and I want to heal completely. I am going to do everything I can to make this happen.

I do not yet know the date for surgery. Because I run, my doctor wants me to have a test on my bladder so that if I need any repair work, it can be done at the same time. She said that it didn't appear that I would need it, but this test would give her a better look. As for the test, it sounds humiliating. I won't go into detail, but somehow they are going to try out different scenarios to see if I leak urine. Yikes! What if I do? Once this test is completed, the date for surgery will be set.

And so I begin to train - for my hysterectomy! It was about 19 degrees this morning, but I got out and ran 4 miles. Tomorrow morning will be just as cold, but I am going to meet my niece for a run. I have told my running buddies that I want them to make me run with them. No whining! My daughter got me a Tervis Tumbler for Christmas that has '13.1' on one side and 'Mom' on the other (in honor of my completing my first half marathon in October). I will take that to the hospital so that when I am feeling weak, I can drink from my cup and know that I am strong! I am a runner.

My husband is going to be training for an April 30 marathon. I would like to be able to run the half marathon that day, but it will all depend upon when my surgery takes place. Somehow training for surgery doesn't seem as fun as training for a big race, but I bet the results will be just as satisfying!

Of course, once the decision for surgery was made, I wanted it done - now! It would be much more convenient to get this taken care of in the winter. If my life is going to be put on hold for 6 weeks, I prefer that it be when the weather is crappy and staying indoors isn't such a sacrifice. I am, however, at their mercy. This gives me time to get into better shape, and to prepare my third graders for a long-term sub. I must say, leaving my students is much the same as leaving my children with a babysitter. No matter how good and how reliable, she isn't me. I know my students and their needs; I know who needs extra hugs, and who needs to be reminded to complete their work. I love them. I also want to get my house ready. I need to have a big stack of books to read, and plenty of yarn so that I can crochet. And I will have my computer nearby. All junk food will be removed before surgery and low-cal snacks will be hauled in by the truckload (I guess that low-cal serves no purpose if I devour them by the box!). Thank goodness that I have a super husband. I know that he will be there every step of the way.

As I train for this unwanted, but necessary, challenge, I will work hard. I wll train as if I am training for a half marathon. I will remain positive, in spite of the discomfort that I know I will experience. I will rely upon educating myself, my family, and proper preparation/training. I will run again! And, friends, I will never have to look at the calendar to see if I will be on my period at race time! Or if I will start in the middle of vacation. Ahhh...there's the up side!