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HELP...Post Race Issues- what is going on?

Hi all,
I am hoping someone can shed some light on what might be going on. 
BACKGROUND:
So I raced an Xterra (1 mile swim, 20 mtn bike, 6.2 trail run) on Saturday in Alabama....it was a good race- no issues during the race- finished strong but just HOT. I was dehydrated for sure. After awards- raced back to the hotel to get my bike apart. Hard time getting things off - feeling low from racing, and i was rushed- that's when I started to feel it in my legs- I really wanted to sit- no time. But they started to feel crampy.
Finally got all my gear and bike apart- into the rental car- and off to the airport. This is where I jacked myself up. I had to lug my bike, suitcase, triathlon bag, backpack a mile from rental car place to terminal in airport.  I would walk 50 feet and have to stop because my legs started burning.   By the time I got to the check in desk I could barely lug my bike bag and gear (totaling way over my body weight)
So then it was 6+ hours home....

Next day (Sunday)- cannot walk down the hallway without my legs burning (like feeling like they are filling with lactic acid) and almost cramping.  The feeling begins at my hips/glutes then down my legs. Then I get pins and needles in my feet. It wasn't a typical muscle soreness at all. 

Its now Thursday and it has not gotten better. I have eaten and drank A TON all week....and got a massage....and rested more than I ever have in FOREVER. but I couldn't even easy spin 1/4 mile this morning.

What is wrong with my legs? They do not work at all. I am totally freaked out. I have to stop coming up the stairs at work.

Any thoughts?? Neurological? Still recovering? May be vascular as I have an issue there already. But this race was not that long- it was not an Ironman. and its not the typical my muscles are sore feeling....this is something i have never felt.

Any input would be greatly greatly appreciated.

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Comments

  • @Laura Becker I'm no doctor and not trying to play one here. A couple things come to mind: Are you used to mountain biking and trail running? Did you used muscles you normally don't use? Did you over do it?

    I finished a half marathon a month ago in which I exceeded my ability. I pushed way harder than I should and I surely paid the price. Same symptoms you are describing: Extremely soared, struggle to go upstairs, hurt like crazy going downstairs, and struggle to ride. Just like you I hydrated, massaged, etc.

    It took a full week before I started to recover. I was able to ride and go for a short run at a slow pace 7 days after the race.

    Hope you start feeling better soon. 
  • As a vascular surgeon, with your symptoms I'm curious what your vascular issue is?  Have you ever had iliac endofibrosis?   Are your symptoms only with activity, or are they present at rest also?  Any discoloration of the toes / feet area?  Swelling?  Feel free to message me if you wanna keep it off the books etc.
  • @Jeff Horn I just messaged you
    @Jorge Duque thank you- I am currently admitted to the hospital- my illiac arteries are completely blocked. So I found what’s wrong 😢😢😢😢
  • @Laura Becker I’m so sorry to hear that. I was hoping for an easy solution. Get well soon
  • Hope things are getting better.  Let's us know when you can @Laura Becker
  • wow - just looked up your symptoms on Google - that is some serious stuff!  Get better soon and updates are appreciated.  
  • Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
  • Thank you for your thoughts!! Here’s the update:

    So last Thursday I was admitted to Hartford hospital because Both of my iliac arteries are completely occluded (blocked). This was a sudden and critical change in my condition (iliac arterial endofibrosis) they are not sure what exactly causesd this and  its very unique because BOTH of my legs are equally and completely blocked. So surgery was Wednesday. They did an endofibrosectomy with patch angioplasty. Basically they will cut into my artery and scope out the thickening and stuff and patch it up. this will open passage and I'll get all my blood circulation back. so surgery took 5+ hours on one side. Long time under..... but surgery was successful!. They had to replace my artery bc after clearing it all out it was too thin. And They only did one side since it was too much time under 😔but I'm 1/2 way to recovery now and I'm happy about that!!! ❤️💪🏻😊 I get to go home tomorrow but have to come back in a week or 2 for round #2.

  • @Laura Becker Good to hear you found the issue and are on the road to recovery. 
  • Oh, wow, what a predicament. Your positive attitude and genuine good spirit will go a long way to ensuring the best recovery possible.

    The first I heard of this condition was in this VeloNews article from two years ago. It was scary then, and it's scary now. I'm glad you had a quick diagnosis, and a quick journey to surgery. Good luck as you get ready for the next operation.

    http://www.velonews.com/2016/06/feature/power-iliac-artery-endofibrosis-cycling_409438
  • All the best to you @Laura Becker ! You are in touch with your body and that carry you a long way.

  • That is NUTS @Laura Becker !  Good job knowing something "wasn't right" and getting it checked out.  I had to Google the diagnosis and the first hit was the article @Al Truscott referenced. Sounds like a lot of folks get the runaround and aren't diagnosed quickly - hopefully that's a silver lining for you that it was sorted pretty quickly. Bummer you have to go for round two but SO GLAD you are in good hands!  


  • @Laura Becker Wow, that is very frightening. I'm happy to here you've successfully cleared half of the surgery. Good luck with the upcoming procedure, take care!
  • Thinking of you Laura!
  • Glad to know they figured out what was going on and know how to resolve it. I hope the second surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery.
  • @Laura Becker that is one heck of a curveball! I’m glad it got pinpointed so quickly and is being addressed. Keep that positive attitude and know it will work out (even on the days when it feels like it never will). We are here for you! Sending mojo, good thoughts, you name it!
  • Way to stay positive and good luck with second stage of surgical repair.
  • You got this!  You'll be back at it in no time!
  • @Laura Becker

    Thinking of you, your strong spirit, inspirational smile, and HUGE contribution to this team.

    KMF, mojo from Texas sent your way.

    SS
  • Very scary @Laura Becker. You’ll be great through this, though, and your spirit will inspire us all. 
  • Everyone is grateful Jeff Horn is on EN, but I'm sure none more than you.  So glad your problem was caught in time and your surgeon team is so skilled.  All my best for a full recovery and return to all the activities you enjoy.
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