Only managed one short run in July, don't know when I'll be fit to run again.

[BettyJane]

I only managed a few runs in June. June started off really well, on the 1st I managed a PB of 27:27 at Parkrun, then on the 8th I ran the 10k Bedgebury Trailblazer (and raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support), the next couple of runs were hard work, felt achy, slow and my lower back was niggling, so took 3 or four days rests between runs. I flew out to Ibiza on 29th June and by this time my back was causing me concern. All through my holiday I was doing stretching exercises a few times a day, but sitting for any length of time was uncomfortable. On the flight back I made the decision that I would not be fit enough to run In the National Lottery Anniversary run one week later. I made an appoint at the Doctors on the Monday, I was referred for Physio and had na X-ray the next day. The X-ray shows Spondylosis (osteoathritis of the spine), my physio appointment is next week.

In the 2 weeks since I've returned from holiday my back had worstened, I've had 2 set backs where I've bent too far and felt a sickening pain, the muscles in the left thigh/butt keep going into spasm and the sciatic nerve hurts all the way down to my calf. The back of my thigh hurts all the time and I'm finding it a real challenge to roll over and sit up to get out of bed in the morning.

I'm really missing running and I just hope the physio can give me some hope of getting back to running.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Yikes BJ you have my sympathy I suffer from Sciatica and its crippling when it flares. I do hope the Physio can help you. I rattle with pain killers when I have it its the only way I can cope. Take care.

[BettyJane Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Thanks Oldgirl, yes crippling describes the pain well. I'm trying some stretches that I found on youtube, they work for a while. co-codemol had some effect last night.

[dottiemay Graduate]

Oh Betty, that sounds terrible. I do feel for you, as someone who has suffered from back problems in the past - I know just how painful and exhausting it is.

Please take your time to recover and get some proper exercises to help strengthen your back. One thing I've found very helpful when I get a twinge is to hang over the back of the sofa, with my toes just touching the ground and my body hanging down towards the seat, with my arms dangling down. Sounds strange and probably looks ridiculous but it takes all the weight off and stretches the spine. Works well for tension headaches as well. Check with your physio first though!

I really hope you find a solution - you were doing brilliantly and it's such a shame this has happened. I wish you well and hope you get back running or at least into some other activity you enjoy as much before too long.

[BettyJane Graduate in reply to dottiemay]

Exhausting is an interesting word. Normally I walk at a very fast pace, the pain has slowed me down, but I feel walking such an effort now. Also find the constant pain quite depressing. I joked yesterday that's it's also giving me Torrettes as I'm finding myself swearing whenever I jar myself or sneeze.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I have the same condition in my neck and hips. The physio was my life saver. The only advice I would give you is ask for stretch exercises (which they should give you some ). And do them religiously. Physio works, if you work with it. If I feel my pain again I go back to my stretches and ice packs and hot water bottles. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope your back on your feet soon. Rfcx

[TJFlute]

It's really sad to hear that you've been in so much pain. I have back issues off and on, and it's so painful and frustrating. Please let us know how you get on with the physio, Theresa x

[SBG356 Graduate]

So sorry to hear this BJ I really hope you can get back to running soon, very upsetting and frustrating for you.

I too missed the Anniversary Games due to being ill......sooooo disappointed!

Sue x

[Hidden]

awwww I'm so sorry to hear this