u/WasabiPast5407

Hello all - happy to find a community, (although sad for us it exists).

Sunday: Suffered bilateral complete ruptures landing a controlled "box jump" on a springy gym floor. (For context - Did a half ironman 2 weeks ago, Was 5 weeks out from my 4th full - feeling in the best shape I've been in - in a long time and pop/pop....)

Went to the ER immediately. Officially a disposition nightmare (live alone, home is not accessible) - was admitted to the ortho service as an add-on case, they operated Tuesday (so injury to surgeey < 48 hours) and I was discharged home that evening with a wheelchair, knee scooter, walker, and two braces- completely non weight bearing. I have accessible and comprehensive medical coverage due to the nature of the work I do and the place I do it.

MRI done before the OR hadn't been read yet formally but came back after I got home (the surgeon looked at it, but there was also a talar dome injury, joint effusion and complete tear of the ATFL on the right). None of which made sense with the mechanism of injury to me.

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I requested a rheumatology referral. Interestingly I was seen by rheum about a year ago- [in my 30s, multi-focal joint pain often out of proportion with activity / often unrelated to any use (like my thumbs or wrists will randomly hurt, feet, knees, ankles, hips). Have had nagging injuries ever since a major index injury in 2020 (torn labrum - which led to significant deconditioning) and then have never been able to stay healthy more than 4-5 months since.

- chronic fatigue/ idiopathic hypersomnia with brain fog. ]

At that evaluation (a year ago) I circled too many items on the check list, my ANA and RF were negative and they said I had fibromyalgia and anxiety and discharged me....

Curious about the likelihood of a systemic illness given the randomness/ somewhat atraumatic nature of this injury and the preceeding injuries. EDS or maybe marfans? Anyone been diagnosed with a connective tissue or autoimmune disease with this as the catalyst for evaluation? (I am long/lean but not awkward Michal Phelps big, I am hypermobile but only hit a 4 on the Brighton.) I was willing to just blame myself for being tired and lazy, and maybe a hypochondriac with all the other symptoms the last 4-5 years, but I definitely didnt exaggerate this injury, and maybe it hasnt all been in my head...

Anyone have similar experience and any breakthrough moments with their medical team?

Feeling like the end of the sport for me, end of the season for sure.

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Prepping for a full in 5 weeks and tore both achilles, completely, landing a controlled jump at the gym.

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In hospital now and opted for surgery tomorrow. No idea what I will do after discharge. Live alone, full time job requiring a commute, cannot put any weight on either leg for the next two weeks, and I dont live in an accessible home (steps / stairs and tight corners)

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I don't feel like there's any coming back from this... it just feels impossible and like a sign from the universe. I know life isnt fair but this just feels.... meh.

IM Ottawa is coming up quick in August - build has been average, but i made the (intentional, not so rookie) move of racing a 70.3 this weekend and the mental anguish of thinking about doubling that effort has me wishing I had different hobbies.

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For context, I've done 3 fulls, many halfs, not new to racing - but definitely in a new season or racing

(Any of my mid-life folks out there know what's up...)

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I hit just at 6 hours in the half and the only part i red-lined was the last part of the hot-hot run course otherwise kept myself in check most of the day. Feeling totally wrecked today though, and reliving the mental slog of one more km, one more km, and thinking about that for a full marathon, knowing im only going to be more tired, for longer... idk.

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I'm almost jealous of the people racing their first full IM - because I think its even harder to get back in the chute KNOWING what youre in for and doing it anyway.

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Anyone have similar struggle? or a key workouts or strategies that gave you a mental boost? Or just want to commiserate about poor life choices 😅

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