Thursday, March 11, 2010

Friday: Judgement Day

I have two big doctors appointment tomorrow.

Well, let me qualify that: one is big, the other is relatively minor when compared to the other.

Appointment #1:

It is with my sports doc. I had a 2nd MRI of my foot done earlier in the week because of persistent problems in my left foot. While I have been running on it, I've been keeping it very conservative. Frustrating to say the least, but I need answers. Is it the development of another stress reaction/fracture? Or is it muscular/tendon related?

Either way, she's going to give me the green or red light for the LA Marathon. And beyond.

I don't wanna sit on the sidelines any longer. There are big things I'd like to do running-wise this year. That I NEED to do. And I may only have a small window to do it. Because of the following..

Appointment #2:

A few posts back, I alluded to having some health scares. Long story short, for the past few months I've been experiencing involuntary twitching in my left pinkie. At first, I thought it was pretty innocuous. But it never went away. The symptoms persisted. So I did the thing no hypochondriac should ever do - I Google-d it.

What pops up? A whole host of potential neurological disorders: ALS, Parkinson's, Brain Tumor, etc, etc.

Ok - sufficiently freaked out. Then exacerbated when I told my older brother over the holidays and he cavalierly informs me that our aunt in Korea is suffering from Parkinson's. (WHAT?!?)

I Google some more and look up the story of the most well-recognized figure with Parkinson's outside of Ali in Michael J. Fox. The first symptoms he experienced leading up to his official diagnosis? Yup, a twitchy left pinkie finger.

After allowing myself to freak out a little bit, I decided to regain control of the situation and do what was within my means to get answers. I consulted with a neurologist. Underwent a nerve study/test on my arm. Got an MRI for my brain done. So now I wait.

I don't know what they'll come back with. At this point, I just want answers. I hate not knowing. I'm prepared for the worst, but guardedly optimistic for good news. Whatever happens next, I just hope I come out this a better person.

To be continued...

23 comments:

Marathon Maritza said...

((((hugs))))

((((good vibes))))

((((healthy mojo))))

((((runner love)))))

Stuart said...

Ditto what Maritza said!

Sending my strongest runner voodoo and mojo!

greydawn said...

healthy thoughts coming your way now! Peace

Zoƫ said...

Sending you good health juju, Billy. Stay strong.

aron said...

exactly what M said and all of the above.

Josh said...

will definitely be thinking about you tomorrow. keep us posted!

Lisa said...

ditto on all counts.

Good thoughts coming your way.

Jules said...

All of the above!!

Alaskan assassin said...

That is terrible. The Hone fam will say a prayer for you tonight that everything turns out okay.

Stay strong.

A Toronto girl out West said...

I'll be praying! And sending a myriad of happy thoughts your way! :o)

Anonymous said...

Prayers and good healthy thoughts!
Deirdre ;)

The Green Girl said...

Oh, Billy, I am sending you tons and tons and tons of positive energy. ::big big hugs::

Heids said...

I'm a new follower (from Danica's blog) but wishing you the best and good health!

miguel said...

Hoping for only good news tomorrow!

Rachel said...

Big hug being sent your way. Will be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping that you receive good news.

Kathleen said...

Wow -- all that's pretty scary. Here's hoping for happy news tomorrow.

Gundy said...

Praying for your dr.'s appts and some good news; no matter what, I'm sure you'll take it as an opportunity and a door opening.

Lauren said...

Thanks for letting your readers know. That's a tough thing to do (boy, do I know about freaking myself out by googling symtboms!)

You will be in my prayers -- sending positive thoughts your way.

Keep us posted.

Glenn Jones said...

Mojo dude! Good luck and hoping for good news on all counts!

lindsay said...

hope both appointments go well! may you feel peaceful and relaxed, not stressed or nervous. thinking of you today!

Dwayne said...

Thoughts and prayers heading your way!

Dave Chan said...

You are strong Billy. That will never change. I hope that the appointments go well.

jen said...

Hey buddy. This stuff is no fun at all! But you know what? You're going to be ok no matter what. A big ol' mob of friends and a good sense of humor and we can get through anything. :)

My mom was diagnosed with parkinsons last year. Turns out there's an incredible amount of treatment options and some awesome research breakthroughs happening all the time. Think positive! :) it's gonna be fine.

Much love. Keep us posted!