GOODMAR

SparkPoints
 

Well, it's been a year...some things are different, now

Saturday, August 18, 2012

I admit, I have not been on here for a really long time. Not too sure how long I will be here; life might get in the way again. But here's my issue(s), and hopefully someone will be nice enough to read and then give me some advice.

Issue number 1: Perimenopause. Right now, I am going through the night sweats, hot flashes, irritibility, the whole 9 yards. The worst is the weight gain. I exercise diligently 5-6 days a week, and try to manage my diet as best I can, but have gotten up to 160. The worst part of the worst part is that I'm getting a belly where before I had a 6 pack...

Issue number 2: Degenerative Disc Disease. I have L5-S1 degenerative disc disease. That means the cartilage between my last lumbar vertebra and my sacrum is almost gone. Some of it is bulging out. I have been told that I need to "transition into another sport" by my doctor. I am currently training for the Columbus half marathon. This morning I did 8.7 miles. There were some symptoms - tingling down my left leg, and my left foot was numb for the last 2.7 miles or so. Does anyone else have this problem, and are you a runner? I just want to know if I can keep running until I can no longer stand the pain, or if I SHOULD stop running...

Molly
Share This Post With Others
Member Comments About This Blog Post
  • SEEHOLZ
    No clue about either, but here's my advice for what it's worth:

    1) I'd go see a chiropractor - one that either is a runner or treats lots of runners and additionally research as much as you possible can about people who run with this and what the consequences might be- ultimately. Maybe stop the "distance" running and run 5K's -- it sounds horrible, but that way, you can still enjoy running... and you could do a lot of water aerobics or swimming or biking or whatever won't aggrevate your bike, but still feel part of the sport. So, let's say you run 100 miles per month, maybe try 50 or 40.

    2) I'd go see a woman Dr- I think when you have hormonal changes like that, it really, really does affect your weight and sometimes all it takes is balancing out your hormones to make sure your metabolism works fine. It's a process and it might be a long process, but if you want those abs back, it might be worthwhile!

    I hope you stay- I like reading your blogs and with any luck, I'll be running the Half as well :-)
    3075 days ago
  • HEIDI-25
    Perimenopause is not pleasant to be sure. I would see if a woman doctor might be able to help you out. You should not have to be suffering. I am taking estrogen and it has helped me. Your disc degeneration is not as simple. I have compressed discs that sometimes give me trouble but I work through it. A chiropractor or other knowledgeable professional should be able to help you. I think that you might want to try the compression socks that go up to your knees, Lots of people wear them while they run for just the reasons you mentioned.
    I really don't think you need to stop running and you don't have to be in pain. I would go for a slower pace perhaps, maybe a walk/run interval or see about changing your shoes. There are so many things to try before giving up on running. Good luck to you!!
    3079 days ago
  • MBSHAZZER
    Hi Molly,

    I can't help you on the perimenopause issue, but I can tell you that if you are having pain with running, you should probably stop. I know that's a terrible thing to contemplate, but you also have to look at enjoyment level and your ability to get around when you're older. My dad faithfully ran 6 days a week for over 40 years, through injury and illness. As a result, he's now 69 and can barely walk. Watching him attempt to sit down or stand up would be comical if he weren't my dad.

    Just my $0.02.

    Hope you find some relief soon!
    3079 days ago
  • PIGLETSMALL
    Hey Mollie,

    Welcome back!!!! So sorry to hear about your back problems and hot flushes etc! Hope you find your answers soon.

    emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon

    I returned about 4 weeks ago (maybe longer) and I've managed to lose 7 lbs so far.

    The largest weight I got up to was 160 lbs so I know what it feels like. My secret to losing weight has been taking a tablespoon of olive oil each morning for my constitpation. However, I have discovered it acts like a appetite suppressant as well which is great. I am able to eat like a normal person without the cravings.

    emoticon emoticon

    You can do this! x
    3080 days ago

    Comment edited on: 8/18/2012 4:45:06 PM
  • JOYFULROAD
    Hey, welcome back, sorry to hear about your back issues - I hope you find relief soon.

    3080 days ago

    • Add Your Comment to the Blog Post

    Log in to post a comment


    Disclaimer: Weight loss results will vary from person to person. No individual result should be seen as a typical result of following the SparkPeople program.