I recently graduated and was feeling on top of the world about my achievement until I received a dreadful knock back. My doctor told me that I should not run or do any vigorous activity as I am at risk of a detached retina!
Running had given me a purpose and the opportunity to set myself goals and achieve them. I really don't know what to do...I was on my way to a better me, not only health- wise but mentally too. My friends had all noticed my confidence and self-assuredness had sky-rocketed.
I am so lost now that I cannot run...
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AELP
Graduate
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27 Replies
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I am really sorry to hear your bad news. Did the doc have any suggestions for alternatives? Is it the impact that is the issue? Speed or Nordic walking could suit you perhaps, if that is safe to do?
I am sure that you can find a way around this. Good luck and warm wishes x
Hello, He did say that I could cycle but this is not something that appeals to me. I am afraid to do anything that is too jerky...it is like living with a time bomb. Thanks so much for your kind wishes...
Oh no ☹️ it is so disappointing to be told not to do something when you are enjoying it but your health must come first. Take the doctors advice and when and if the time comes that you can run again take it steady. Can you do swimming or any other exercise?
Good luck and give yourself the time you need and don’t be too hard on yourself 🤗
Thanks for your support. I was told that I can cycle as this does not involve strong movements of the head but this doesn't appeal. I shall have to make myself do it, however, so that I maintain my level of fitness. I have a stationary bike but this is such a poor substitute to the highs of running. Patience, patience, patience. The C25K has taught me that I am capable of anything so I shall NOT give up on myself!
Thanks for your support. I was told that I can cycle as this does not involve strong movements of the head but this doesn't appeal. I shall have to make myself do it, however, so that I maintain my level of fitness. I have a stationary bike but this is such a poor substitute to the highs of running. Patience, patience, patience. The C25K has taught me that I am capable of anything so I shall NOT give up on myself!
Hi. Yes it's to do with the vitreous gel in the eye clumping (due to my old age!!) and attaching itself to the retina. It is apparently pulling on it so any strong movement of the head may detach the retina. I have looked it up on line and there is no evidence that vigorous activity is detrimental but once the doctor told me not to run I am reluctant to take any risks...
I would try to get advice from a specialist. Giving up running seems like a drastic measure and I can't help thinking there must be something that can be done. I am sure you can find a different exercise that you will enjoy but it's such a shame about the running.
oh gosh..maybe..see as Hidden suggests.a specialist Optometrist??? We are not experts..but a specialist opinion could be useful. A GP has to be belt and braces..🙂
Hi. It may improve with time but I am obviously susceptible to this problem and it could reoccur at any time. Since I am only really aware of it in the dark (I see flashes of light like a camera flash bulb), I wouldn't even know, during the day, if it had come back!
I would never advocate going against a doctor advice, especially on such a serious issue, but is it worth getting a second opinion or seeing a specialist?
Yes, I am thinking of seeing another specialist just to make sure that there is no hole in the retina (which is correctable by surgery). This in-between situation is somehow worse, as much as I wouldn't like to have a surgical intervention
Detached retina can be corrected by surgery, so surely there must be some procedures that can be done to rectify the situation. There is obviously no point in taking any risks.
I found cycling a pretty good second choice when I could not run recently and managed to cover more ground than when running.
Explore the possibilities of treatment would be my approach, and maybe get a second opinion.
As I just wrote to BartonWalker, you are correct...detached retina can be corrected by surgery but it is an emergency procedure when it gets to the state. I would have thought that there would be drops or something to thin out the gel but haven't found anything. Strongly thinking of getting a second opinion. Many thanks for your good wishes. Cycling here I come!!
Hello, yes, this was the specialist. We don't need to go through GPs here in Switzerland...we may go straight to the top guy. To be told that if I start to lose vision or see shadows I should go straight to the Emergency at the hospital doesn't make me feel very comfortable!
Hi, don’t despair, it is really disappointing but it’s not the end of your fitness. I have only just started running but I have been cycling for about a year and I do still enjoy it. You can sign up for cycling events near you and work towards them some go as far as 100 miles, there are charity events and there are cycling clubs you can join to meet other people. It’s not the same as running I know but when you have been for a cycle outside it still makes you feel like you have achieved something. Good luck, I hope you find something you enjoy doing.
Thanks. Not sure about cycling on the roads...think I will probably stick to the indoor bike for now. Strong, brisk walks in the mountains perhaps as a second best but I will so miss running!
Good luck on your running journey, I am sure it will give you many buzzes and plenty of highs.
There are some great virtual cycling routes on you tube... when I broke my ribs and used the cross trainer to keep mobile, I watched some brilliant running ones... I travelled all over the world.. without leaving my studio
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Week 6 Complete
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Runniversary one! 😀
I guess I don't run as slow as a tortoise, after all
