Surgery Update

After my initial diagnosis, I had planned to get surgery in Salida.

But after having a day or two to think through things, I put feelers out to doctor friends around the state, described my injuries, and asked them, if it were you, where would you go for surgery? 

The answer was universally the same. Everyone said I should go to the Steadman Clinic in Vail. 

I reached out to Steadman, was able to connect with a foot & ankle specialist right away, and put myself on the calendar for surgery this Wednesday. 

I made my expectations clear: I told them I had about 50,000 miles of running on my legs and that, if it were all possible, I'd love to do another 50,000 miles more.

After looking at my X-rays, and discussing my long-term goals, the surgeon recommended I get two surgeries, rather than just one. An initial surgery to put two screw into my lower leg to fixate the bones to put them where they should be and then a second minor surgery in three months to remove the screws. 

Initially, I had hoped to avoid surgery altogether. Now I had two surgeries ahead of me. Not ideal. That said, if it means I don't have metal in my legs the rest of my life, and if it means a better long-term prognosis, I'm willing to do what it takes.

So that's what's happening. 

I had my first surgery on Wednesday. The clinic came highly recommended, but the quality of service and treatment at the clinic still exceeded all expectations. From the nurses, to the PAs, to the anesthesiologist, to the surgeon himself, I was just blown away by their seriousness and professionalism. It was all very reassuring. I'm very confident I got the best treatment possible. And the surgeon seems optimistic that a full and complete recovery is on the horizon. 

Back at home now and things are fine. 

I might actually try to do this one of these days, just to keep from going stir crazy.

I'll see if I can hop my way to the finish line over at Run Through Time next Saturday. Perhaps I'll see
some of you there.

Best of luck to all and stay safe. There will be snow and ice on the course this year.

Update: Just heard from the RD that there are going to be re-routes on both courses to minimize snow and ice exposure. Definitely the right call.