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POP Goes the Tendon!

Knee Hamstring Injuries Anatomy: Avulsion

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If you go back to the beginning of this blog, you'll find many posts about my hamstring tendonitis, which I've suffered from since Little A's birth.  My pelvis shifted and my posture changed so that now, unless I consciously engage my abdominal muscles and do what feels like leaning forward to me, the weight of my torso and pelvis rest on my hamstring tendons that connect to my pelvic bones.  This created so much inflammation that I was eventually in constant pain and sitting (putting weight directly on the area), in particular, was excruciating.  There was some inflammation on both sides, but much worse on my left side.

After 2 years of physio there was no improvement.  Finally, following 2 cortisone shots I got some improvement.  But if the pain at it's worst was a 10, I'd say the best it got until recently was a 5.  I had kind of accepted that I would never be 100%.

Then I inadvertantly found something that helped.  When I began taking L-Glutamine, I discovered that not only did it alleviate my workout induced muscle soreness, but my tendonitis also improved significantly!  It makes sense since L-Glutamine helps with tissue repair and clearly I was someone deficient. 

I was thrilled and relieved that I no longer had to deal with chronic pain.  Just last Friday I was telling a friend of mine, who I was personal training, that I was as close to 100% as I'd ever been since the whole problem began.  Then, later that same day, I decided to do some stretching at home.  Having fallen off the yoga wagon for the past month (yes, I've not held up to my new year resolution to do yoga at least 1x week!), my muscles were feeling exceptionally tight.  I sat down and began my stretches.  Pushing myself a bit deeper into a stretch, I suddenly heard something pop on in my left hip. 

No F-ing Way!  No, this did not happen!  No, please, no!

Oh yes, it so did!!

Within seconds ALL that pain was back.  Sitting is incredibly painful once again.  And now I am concerned that I have gone beyond simple irritation of the tendon to a complete rupture.  Whether this means more long-term - and largely useless - treatment, or possibly even surgery, I don't know.  I have an appointment booked with my sports medicine doctor in 3 weeks time.  I have a feeling the news is not going to be good.

I am beyond bummed (no pun intended) about this.  My consult with doctor Google suggests that if surgery is warranted, it could affect my activity from between 8 weeks to a year!  I ain't no professional athlete, but exercise is such an important part of my life, and fundamental to my physical and mental health. 

Whoas me!  Crying 2

Actually, I woke up feeling much better today, so perhaps I'm catastrophizing and even if I did, in fact, tear something, it's not going to require surgery.

Good thing it's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend.  It's a perfect time for me to reflect on all the things I have to be grateful for.  It's my favorite time of year, favorite type of weather and this morning there have only been two major fights between the girls and Little A has only melted down three times and it's already 8am.  Hurray!

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