Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Down And Out...

By Frank

As some of my friends will know, I suffered a fall a few days ago before the Great Eastern Pacesetters 30KM 2009 race. It was a pretty bad one as I fell at the last 2 steps going up the stairs at home, and landing on both my knees. Not knowing the extent of the damage done, I still went on for the 30KM race. Friends will know my stubbornness that unless I can’t walk, seriously hurt or lying motionless, I will still go for an event that I have already signed up. Not setting a good example here, but that’s just me.

The end results were a ruptured right patella and an inflamed right Piriformis muscle. That explains the reason that I experience severe pain throughout the run.

Things were going fine after the race coupled with stretches and recovery supplements. Still managed to blog about my race experience before going for my recovery nap. It was then when I awoke, I felt an extreme pain on my right knee up till my gluteus. Sensing something bad has happened, I had no choice but to pay a visit to a nearby specialist hospital. Was lucky that it was still open despite it was already in the evening. However, it was still a long wait as most probably, the doctors were away for dinner. Feeling lonely and down, I decided to first break the news to Lynn which kind of caught her by surprise.

After near to an hour, it was time to perform my bone scan before waiting again for the results. Once the results are out, it was time for some “mumbo jumbo” consultation with the doctor in charge which again was a long one. It was confirmed through the scan that my right patella suffered some minor fracture during my fall which was made worst from the run earlier. I refused my right knee to be casted as it will mean going on crutches. Not a very good sight with the festive season around the corner. Besides, it’s going to be tough living the days with it.

A lateral view of the patella and it's surroundings...

The inflamed Piriformis muscle was caused by the pressure from the knee which travelled up the gluteus hence rubbing the muscle wall. At this time, I was just glad that it wasn’t my Iliotibial Band that was hurting as it will mean that I will be sideline for a very long time.

A posterior view of the Piriformis muscle and it's surroundings...

No running or leg exercises for a minimum of 2 months, says the doctor. In addition, I have to limit my leg movements especially at the knee area. I do have to agree with the banning of leg exercises, but as the stubborn person I am, I may be back running again in less than 2 months. At the time of writing this, I have set myself to return on 8 March 2009 to have a test run on a running event I can’t miss, running around the National Zoo compound in a run organize by Choi, the Wild Wild Run 2009.

To Lynn and the rest of the “Platinum Runners”, THANKS for all the concerns and encouragements given. As I become grumpy, you all certainly made my day brighter. Till I return, happy running as I cheer you all from the sidelines.

14 comments:

lionel87 said...

hey, really sorry to hear that...get well soon :)

RunWitMe said...

Sorry to hear that. Stay positive and you will bounce back stronger. For the zoo run, I think better you come with your SLR camera and join me walk and photo taking. :P

Anonymous said...

Frank,
Sorry to hear about the bad news, hope you will recover soon and rebounce stronger after recovery.

Andrew said...

Frank, hope you'll recover soon.
Rest well for now.

I'll pray for a speedy recovery.

C-CUBE said...

rest well and take up RWM offer lah. just practise ur shooting skills. lotsa diff environment for you the test out the lens.

John said...

Get well soon. Perhaps you should try taking more Calcium. It helps when I broke my rib twice!

Anonymous said...

Frank sorry to hear it came to that extent. And being the devoted kaki that you are I can just imagine that REST is really a 4-letter word for you. But I think after a year of splendid performances and PB's you might just deserve a well-needed rest and you'll bounce back stronger (did someone just wrote this?). Rest well and see you at the zoo!

Frank Chong said...

Lionel, Lai, Andrew: Thanks.

RWM & CCube: I have yet to buy the camera. Waiting for ang pow money. Haha...

John: Have been taking Anlene milk all these while and yeah, I was prescribed calcium tablets too.

Haza: If I grow fat over this 2 months, probably you won't event recognise me at the zoo. Hehe...

CapArnabBrand said...

OMG. Just read abt it bro... Take care and get lots of rest, you can prolly do some rehab exercises that don't put pressure on your joint, but maintain your muscle conditioning.. Hope you get a full and quick recovery soon mate!

Chin Chin said...

Hang in there, Frank! I know this is really bad news for you but breaks can be great and I know you will come back stronger.

-Chin-

Frank Chong said...

CapArnabBrand: Thanks and yeah, will do just about that.

Chin: Thanks and am holding on great here. Although feeling uncomfy, I have to admit I'm really enjoying myself now.

victorology1987 said...

30052009 - Got it my friend, the most important date this year (and in your running career). *thumbs up* =D

victorology1987 said...

...and you will always have our support along your way.

Stevie said...

Have a speedy recovery. Hope to see you at the National Zoo for Wild Wild Run. Take care!