Return to Running after Pleurisy & Partial Lung Collapse?

[MrsStrider]

Hi RMers,

So, I'm hoping for any information regarding recovery time and returning to running following pleurisy and a partial lung collapse. Anybody experienced this?

On Sept. 30th, rather than driving to Corning, NY (as planned) to run the Wineglass marathon on Sun., Oct. 2nd, we were at the hospital @ 4 am as I had excruciating pain in my chest on the left side. As 11+ hours in emerg/observation and many, many tests, I was diagnosed with pleurisy, put on lots of meds and rest for a week. When I followed up with my doctor a week later, she read the details of all tests. The CT Scan also confirmed that I had a partial lung collapse which the hospital didn't inform me of. Anyway, 2 1/2 weeks later and I still have breathing pain. My doctor (who is wonderful) managed to get me an urgent referral with a respirologist which is next Monday.

In the meantime, I'm not allowed to run or do anything other than walking. It was a HUGE disappointment after the months of hard marathon training and feeling ready. I have my sights on the Athena, Ohio marathon on April 1st, but that means that I would have to begin training in December.

I'd love to know if any of you has experienced this and if you think it's within reach. Looking for any guidance.

Thanks all!

[Jo-Jo]

I don't have any experience with this...but I'm having a phone visit this evening with my former coach Mike who coaches lots of people...I'll ask him if he's ever had an athlete with this issue and what the comeback road was like.

Stay tuned. And darn...I wish I'd know you were the photographer in Sydenham this weekend ...I would have come out for a visit with you!!!!


((((Kim))))

[MrsStrider]

Hi Jo-Jo,

Thanks so much for offering to ask Mike if he has known anyone. I really, really appreciate it!

Oh, I'm m so sorry that we didn't let you know about Sydenham yesterday. At first, we weren't sure that I'd be going with David, but everything worked out that I could be there. As I couldn't run, I wanted to be useful so I just decided to take pics of all the finishers and the start and the prizes.... it was an unplanned photo shoot. Sara did an awesome job on the pics too. There will be 2 sets.

Darn it. I would have loved a visit with you Jo-Jo. Rats. Next time for sure.

Thanks again & huge hugs back.
Mrs

[Jo-Jo]

Kim,

Just got off the phone with Mike...alas he has had no athletes with this issue so he sends his regards and vibes...but no advice

I'm going to get in touch with Mike's coach (Randy Zab...he lives in Kingston) because he might be of help...and also...he knows someone in Embrun who he sends athletes to for testing...and this guy is a real pro...and may be of some assistance to you.

Stay tuned!

[MrsStrider]

Thanks Jo-Jo and please thank Mike for me too. Okay, I'll stay tuned and hopeful. You are SOOOO kind Jo-Jo. Thanks tons.

[Sandra]

Wish I had some information to give - just wanted to send out some ((((((((orange healing vibes)))))))) to a speedy recovery! Please keep us updated on your recovery. take care!

[DonnaRigs]

I did have a situation two years ago where I had pneumonia and no breath sounds on the right, but nothing as severe as yours. I did not know that I even had it, I just know I walked up a flight of stairs and was out of breath, which seemed very weird since I thought I was in better shape than that!

The return was really slow. They gave me an inhaler, and told me to take it easy and listen to my body, but it was easily a few months before I could go back

[Cupcake Girl]

Oh good gravy Kim. This sucks.

I too am of no help, but I'm sending out hugs and hope you get some answers soon.

[Jo-Jo]

Kim,

Alas Mike's coach does not have any athletes who have experienced this.

I'm going to phone Pierre Boulay (I think it's his name) in Embrun...he is an exercise physiologist who works out of Ottawa U and has his own clinic out of his home. Super nice guy (Randy Zab...coach of Iron Stride has sent athletes to him for testing) Pierre may some ideas.

Stay tuned!

[HCcD]

Not sure if you've read this yet, but just posted recently .... http://www.medicinenet.com/pleurisy/article.htm

[Tori]

I hope you feel better soon Kim.

My only experience with a really bad lung issue was when I had H1N1 and it did some real damage to my lungs. It literally took all my breath away and left me gasping for breath. I was told rest and had a steriod inhaler and a regular inhaler prescribed to deal with the inflammation.

I did lose a lot of aerobic capacity and had to take it really easy coming back. I could only do short little runs at first and not at a fast pace. I would get exhausted really easily and have issues getting a full breath in. It took a couple months before I felt normal again.

[Samantha]

I think every person is different and their recovery is different. If you are still having pain while breathing you really need to take it easy until you recover. I'm sure it's disappointing but would you rather have a relapse or for it to lead to something else? Your body will heal. Just give it time.

I was never a runner of your capabilities but I had a pulmonary embolism in January of 2010 which was excruciating in terms of pain and fatigue. In reading about it on line I learned that people heal at their own pace and your body will not be rushed. Let it heal. It will get better. And listen to the doctor!

[Strider]

.. If you are still having pain while breathing you really need to take it easy until you recover. I'm sure it's disappointing but would you rather have a relapse or for it to lead to something else? Your body will heal. Just give it time. ... Let it heal. It will get better. And listen to the doctor!

I AM MAKING SURE SHE DOES THIS!!!!!!!

[Avis]

So sorry to read about this. What a bummer! Sending healing thoughts your way...

[Cupcake Girl]

I'm sure "being patient and let your body heal" is not what you want to hear, but just remember, races are held every weekend. Once you are healthy, pick one and then get to work. Until then, keep the race calendar clear and just let your body do what it needs to do.

This is a lesson I have had to learn myself. 10 weeks and counting and still no running. I'm not patient, but have had to become so.

[PinkLady]

No expertise here either, but sending you hugs and patience vibes.....tough thing to have to deal with. I echo the above posts about taking the extra time now to rest and recuperate. Feel better soon!

And just think, you're only sitting out yet another nasty winter anyways......

[Dr. S]

That's tough so close to the marathon Sorry to hear you've had such bad luck with your health.

Good luck with your return to normal and running eventually.

[Dr. S]

That's tough so close to the marathon Sorry to hear you've had such bad luck with your health.

Good luck with your return to normal and running eventually.

[Double Bellybuster]

No knowledge here Kim. Just best wishes - get well soon! But April is early in the season, there are tons of marathons beyond that point if you need to give yourself more healing time before getting back at it! We'll be sure to drive you nuts here checking in for updates...

Dave

[MrsStrider]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate everyone's comments and support. I'm feeling very discouraged.

It was 3 weeks ago yesterday when the pain started and I still have pain and can hardly do anything. I started back to work last week and by the end of the day, I'm absolutely exhausted. Tuesday night, I had a relapse of very bad pain and then again during the day yesterday, but today wasn't as bad. I'm just baffled that I went from completing a full marathon training program and primed to run to not being able to anything. I just can't believe that the recovery is this long.

Feeling very frustrated. My body aches from sitting. I'd much rather it hurt from good, solid training.

Okay, I"m done whining and I'll try to be positive now. Thank you ALL!

[MrsStrider]

Kim,

Alas Mike's coach does not have any athletes who have experienced this.

I'm going to phone Pierre Boulay (I think it's his name) in Embrun...he is an exercise physiologist who works out of Ottawa U and has his own clinic out of his home. Super nice guy (Randy Zab...coach of Iron Stride has sent athletes to him for testing) Pierre may some ideas.

Stay tuned!

Jo-Jo - you are so amazing. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it and staying tuned.

[MrsStrider]

Not sure if you've read this yet, but just posted recently .... http://www.medicinenet.com/pleurisy/article.htm

Thanks Andy! I'll have a read through. I did do a lot of googling. Mostly, I read that it takes a minimum of 2 months to recover, but I was hoping that maybe it would be shorter if you're a runner and in good health otherwise. Thanks!

[MrsStrider]

I hope you feel better soon Kim.

My only experience with a really bad lung issue was when I had H1N1 and it did some real damage to my lungs. It literally took all my breath away and left me gasping for breath. I was told rest and had a steriod inhaler and a regular inhaler prescribed to deal with the inflammation.

I did lose a lot of aerobic capacity and had to take it really easy coming back. I could only do short little runs at first and not at a fast pace. I would get exhausted really easily and have issues getting a full breath in. It took a couple months before I felt normal again.

Hi Tori - Oh my, that's exactly how I've been feeling with the terrible lung pain. As I have asthma, I've been on a combo steroid/broncodilator called Symbicort for year and last year, my asthma specialist put me on Singulair which I take daily. I feel easily winded and so tired all the time just like you describe. Thanks for the info.

[MrsStrider]

.. If you are still having pain while breathing you really need to take it easy until you recover. I'm sure it's disappointing but would you rather have a relapse or for it to lead to something else? Your body will heal. Just give it time. ... Let it heal. It will get better. And listen to the doctor!

I AM MAKING SURE SHE DOES THIS!!!!!!!

Yes, he does! Gotta love him.

Thank you Samantha.

[Jo-Jo]

Kim,

Alas Mike's coach does not have any athletes who have experienced this.

I'm going to phone Pierre Boulay (I think it's his name) in Embrun...he is an exercise physiologist who works out of Ottawa U and has his own clinic out of his home. Super nice guy (Randy Zab...coach of Iron Stride has sent athletes to him for testing) Pierre may some ideas.

Stay tuned!

Jo-Jo - you are so amazing. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it and staying tuned.

Kim...
I'm in Ottawa this weekend...and will phone Pierre.
I'll PM you.

This must be incredibly frustrating

(((Kim))))