Oh my aching gallbladder
That's it! I've had enough. Pooey on the gallbladder. I made an appointment with my doctor next week to discuss having it removed. I was getting so sick and tired of the constant dull ache today that I was seriously considering eating a large pizza with extra cheese to send my gallbladder into emergency mode, so I could make a trip to the ER to have it removed. *sigh* After expressing this wish to Paki and my boss, I realized I really shouldn't. I keep trying to convince myself that I really really shouldn't.
Needless to say, my running has suffered. I'm glad I'm in recovery mode! The miles aren't crucial right now; resting is. Perfect timing to have the gallbladder removed; I'll have plenty of recovery time before OP50.
Speaking of OP50, I am seriously considering changing my training plans. Instead of one 16-week cycle culminating in the Soul Run 50k followed by a 16-week cycle culminating in OP50, I think I will take more time off now, in the hot hot summer. Get my gallbladder taken out, take a rest season for the first time since I started training. Then I can begin training for OP50. My thoughts are to do two cycles, both leading to 50+ mileage weeks. Hopefully, the second cycle will have close to 75 mpw during the monster month of mid-Jan to mid-Feb. It will also hopefully include a very cool marathon as a long run. (Here I go again, promoting races on my blog! This one is put on by a fellow blogger with whom I am planning on running around Lake Superior with - 135 miles in 5 days. Okay, that's a total tangent. Back to the marathon - it's Jess's first shot at being an RD, it's in SoCal, it's trails, and it's put on by a fellow blogger. Run it!)
During this rest time, I think I'll focus on hiking steep trails on the weekends with Johnny and Ash, maybe throw some backpacking in there, and then do nice, easy runs with Paki two mornings a week. Maybe start doing spinning once or twice a week, and really focus on yoga. Of course, during recovery from gallbladder surgery, I'll have to really rest, not just cross-train rest.
Thoughts? Ideas? Advice?
Comments
sounds like you have a good plan! Cross training is always a good thing! "Hiking steep trails" - sounds sooo nice, I wish we had those around here...
Posted by: Jennifer | June 20, 2006 07:02 PM
I'm ignorant about the pros and cons of having your gallbladder removed, so will avoid that. I think the hiking and cross training will keep you in good shape for when you start your OP50 training. Sometimes a stop back will allow you to spring forward much faster.
Posted by: Jack | June 20, 2006 10:14 PM
You've been suffering from that darn gallbladder for some time. I'm so sorry---and amazed how you've kept up training and racing in spite of it. Hugs...
Posted by: susie | June 21, 2006 03:18 AM
I say remove the dang thing and get it over with! then again... I'm not sure what removing your gall bladder means... But you are probably right that taking time off now during the hot summer could be just the right timing.
Personally I also need to have a surgery. Only it's probably going to happen in Spring next year - after the trail marathon. Means I'll miss S&S but the timing is best then I think. It's all about timing!
And thanks for the plug. I think lots of people will want to run the race now! I'm starting to work on getting permits so I can make it more official. I'm also glad to see you are still planning on the 135 in 5 days some day :)
Posted by: Jessica | June 21, 2006 07:39 AM
Ang, get it done. Michelle says she feels 200% better, not to mention her times are going lower. No reason to suffer. You'd still have to avoid some foods, but you won't bend over with pain. And the timimg IS perfect.
Posted by: olga | June 21, 2006 08:30 AM
It seems like you've really ramped up your mileage and races quite dramatically over the past year. A recovery "season" would probably be good for you, especially if it puts the GB issues to rest.
Posted by: Donald | June 21, 2006 08:51 AM
I'll repeat what most have suggest, get it REMOVED! We know you have tolerance for pain, but you shouldn't have to put up with pain that affects your running.
I say great plan, go hiking, backpacking, etc. :)
Posted by: Bella | June 21, 2006 10:11 AM
I missed you this morning! I had a perfect 2.5 mile run. I'm glad you didn't eat the pizza!
Your cross-training schedule sounds good. I think starting yoga and spinning after your surgery is a great idea to help you get back to normal. Let me know and you can be my guest again at Bally's. Another thought I had is swimming. Doing some laps and water aerobics would be great for you! This allows you to kill two birds with one stone - cardio and toning.
Posted by: Paki | June 21, 2006 12:01 PM
Thanks for pointing out all the really cool trail races/runs. I, for one, certainly appreciate the direction.
Posted by: Anne | June 21, 2006 12:55 PM
Laparascopic GB removal really makes it much easier for recovery these days...go for it.
And yeah for the yoga!!
Posted by: Kim | June 21, 2006 04:11 PM
Get that gallbladder removed, run a marathon, train for the 50, and then conquer the 135 in 5. The world is your oyster (I think that is the saying).
Posted by: Rob | June 21, 2006 04:14 PM
I agree with getting the gall bladder removed. Better now than later, methinks
Posted by: Rafael | June 21, 2006 06:10 PM
In my utterly unprofessional opinion, everyone is right - it's time to have the damn thing out. If I remember correctly, you originally were very happy with the decision to leave it, because it forced you to make wise choices about foods, and even inspired you to become an athlete! But I think that now, having achieved both of those goals, it's holding you back - you are obviously not going to return to your previous lifestyle just because the gallbladder is out. You're an ultrarunner now! So make the decision that feels right for your body. It will always be your best guide.
Posted by: Liv | June 21, 2006 08:52 PM
I think you've got some good plans - especially the hiking, spinning and yoga - and Paki's idea of swimming - maybe lifting too. I think strength-training and a variance of cardio can do amazing things anytime, and especially during a hot summer or during surgery rehab.
Posted by: Ginger Breadman | June 21, 2006 09:47 PM
Do it Girl!! The trails will be there.
Posted by: Lora | June 22, 2006 02:41 AM
Angie,
Go for it!
I'll email you about surgery and recovery.
Posted by: backofpack | June 22, 2006 08:57 AM
Sorry to hear about the pains again. I thought you had gotten the better of your gallbladder, but maybe not. For the time being, make doubly sure you recover properly from your last race.
Posted by: Thomas | June 22, 2006 09:02 AM
Hope the gall is behaving for you. It sounds like you have a great plan through the rest of the year!
Posted by: Rae | June 24, 2006 02:22 PM
Liv makes a great point. Get it removed and move on with your life. Hope you feel better soon.
Posted by: jkrunning | June 25, 2006 05:01 AM
ah that sucks about the gallbladder acting up again! my mother had hers removed back in the '50s, and then never had any problems eating whatever she liked. I'm sure things are more sophisticated these days. I like your plan for rest and recovery though...sounds just like what you need and deserve!
Posted by: jeanne | June 25, 2006 05:06 AM
I had my gallbladder removed a little over a week ago. I hd the dull pain for months on end and did not know the cause. I feel SO much better now even though I am still in a recovery state. I believe that 2 weeks in the minimum to be fully back to pre-operative state. My doctor says no wieght training for at least 3 weeks. I am a fit 51 year old. I did not know how miserable I was until I had my gall bladder removed. My main advice, at least to those my age, is to not expect miracles for the first week and TAKE IT EASY.
Posted by: Tom Warner | October 15, 2006 06:51 AM