It is summer of 2010. I had intended to put this blog to rest, but I have come to believe that the story is not finished. Over the winter I suffered compression to my spinal cord and underwent surgery to repair broken discs in the cervical area of my spine. I am currently 3 months out from my surgery and undergoing physical therapy at MetroHealth in Cleveland.
Triathlon and running are not in the planning right now, but I can dream and use these activities as physical goals. I am using the bike indoors and plan to return to the pool soon. Running is a long way off, as even walking is very difficult due to the nerve damage I have suffered.
My long term prognosis is unclear. Nerves heal very slowly. I was told by my surgeon that the goal of the surgery was to prevent additional damage. A full recovery was not promised to me. I live with symptoms from neuropathy that include: tingling in my hands. feet that feel like they are frozen. My legs are numb, cold or burning. I am unable to walk without the assistance of a brace and a cane. When I switch from a sitting to a standing position I am often slowed by extreme stiffness. I have poor motor control and weakness with my feet and legs. My left foot drags without the brace. These issues are mostly neurological. Structurally I am ok aside from a little extra weight.
My goals are much greater now than ever before. I have every intention of returning to the sport though I know it may take years if this is even possible. I have no intention rolling over in defeat. The will that drove me to ironman remains. I will now return to this blog to update on my progress and struggles as I work toward my recovery. My hope is to one day enter another race report.
Thanks for reading.
