Post Run
There has been just a little bit going on post run.
After learning of my complete rupture of the ATFL in my right ankle, we headed home to Adelaide so that I could start my recovery, both physical and mental.
Even with learning there was no way I could run or walk on my ankle, I still found it hard to accept my run had ended. A run I had dedicated my time to over the past 12 months. I was actually grieving for what I had lost.
By the time I got back to Adelaide my ankle and calf were pretty swollen and sore, I could not get comfortable at all. I had an initial appointment with the Sports Dr, but due to the swelling he could not really do to much at that stage. I just needed to get it elevated and get the swelling down. By the time I was due to see him again a week later, the ankle was the least of my worries. My right calf had become so painful that I was ready for Tim to take me to hospital. It did not matter how I held my leg it throbbed and had a constant cramp in the calf muscle.
Wednesday the 20th, the day before my next appointment, the community, organised by Karmen, Tim and the crew, had gathered to help give me a little finale to the run. This day should have seen me running into Port Melbourne, if things had stayed to the plan. It was a lovely night whereby over 80 friends, family and strangers ran or walked 6 km, (to represent the 6 babies born sull each day), to Celeste’s paver and back to the park where my running journey started over 14 years ago. We had arranged pizza’s for everyone and were lucky to have Olivia Savvas MP, who has recently been tasked with chairing the inquiry into Stillbirth in SA, speak on her experience of losing her brother to Stillbirth when she was 4 years old.
Although I was still battling with my thoughts on how the run ended, I was so very grateful for all the support I received both at the park and through the group run arranged in Strava by Ash.
The following day, after absolutley no sleep, I headed back to the Dr and told him of my pain and concerns. He was concerned that I possibly had DVT, so I was sent immediately for a scan, where it was confirmed quite quickly that I had a blood clot from my ankle to knee. This all made sense to the pain I had started to feel in my calf on the last few days of my run, then the compounding of it after a day in bed in Warrnambool to elevate my ankle, then an 8 hour drive home to Adelaide.
My ankle rehab was put on hold whilst I commenced a high dose of blood thinners for a week, and not too much movement allowed. I have been advised I will be on blood thinners for the next three months, but good news, I am now allowed to commence my ankle rehab, although gently. I will be swimming for awhile, with a pool buoy and have an appointment with a haematologist in January to ensure the DVT was as a result of the ankle injury and the load I kept putting on it.
For those that have read my story of pregnancy, you will know I had a blood clotting condition with all of my pregnancies, it was the leading cause of Celeste’s being stillborn. The Dr would just like to ensure that there is no link to what went on all those years ago, as it was discussed about it being autoimmune triggered.
So for the next couple of months I will be slowly healing my body and mind, and I am thankful that I can still do this in Bali as planned.
I wish everyone here a gentle and precious festive season. Be kind to yourself whatever your circumstances are this year.
Big hugs
Michelle x