This morning, my wife confirmed my self-diagnosis of an inguinal hernia. A slight bulg that is only painful when touched. I’ve searched similar past posts and I saw nothing to show that racing next weekend would be a big risk. Any thoughts on the following plan would be greatly appreciated.
try to get into my Dr. before I leave for Wednesday (hopefully tomorrow) to confirm/dispute the diagnosis and hear his thoughts on next steps, surgery, etc. – I’m sure he will advise me not to race.
Proceed with a normal training schedule this week as I’ve yet to have any pain during training.
I’m not a doctor, but I’ve had a hernia and I’ve read up on this. If you’re not in a lot of pain I’ll bet you can race. I’ll even bet your doctor will “allow” you to race, so long as you agree to quit if you have sudden significant pain. I’d see the doctor if you’re worried about it, of course. Good luck with the race.
It’s not like you have to take his advice, but just know what you’re getting yourself into and what you should be on the lookout for as far as complications during or post-race. And he might not tell you not to race. You never know.
I have had the same kind of hernia for about three years now. I have raced a fair number of times with it, 10 halfs and 10 olys, and I don’t even notice it so your doctor my not cancel your race, it really depends on the severity. Mine never has hurt but sometimes gets slightly more sensitive then others but still very minor. I did see a doctor and his thoughts were that if it didn’t hurt I could go either way, fix it or live with it. I am also a woodworker so I lift heavy stuff all the time and still it has not been a problem and it has remained the same size. If yours is painful then it may be a whole different thing, see the doctor, be mindful of the way you lift things and how fast you get up from sitting or lying down. Good luck
I am going on 10 years with a double (one side much worse) and no issues with racing. Every winter I think about surgery (for about 1 second). I say go for it.
I lived with one for a year or so until I finally had surgery. Obviously, have a doc check you out ASAP but, at least in my one anecdotal case, the inguinal hernia was not a race-stopper. Good luck at LP.
I am currently sitting at home recovering from inguinal hernia repair that I had done on Friday. The hernia developed in March while I was training for the SD Rock and Roll Marathon. It did not cause any problems during training or during the race, just a little discomfort…and I finally went to a doctor once the race was over. It defiantly got worse as my training progressed. Just listen to your body during the race. If the hernia causes pain during the race…its not worth the damage your are doing. Let me know if you want more details about the surgery…I know I had a ton of questions before going into it. Good luck
ok, for SURE get to the Dr before. No question, no doubt.
However, like others have said it’ll likely be ok if pain if only if you poke it… in which case, don’t poke it.
A hernia is really on a life-threatening deal if the stuff coming OUT gets twisted and/or clamped and cuts of circulation (i.e. some intestines come out, blood flow cut off, it dies, you are in world of hurt).
this kind is very common in men to varying degrees and often undiagnosed. I had one repaired years ago, easy repair if done laproscopically with the mesh on the INSIDE although recovery will be funky. No pain, no pain, no pain, OUCH. the muscles embeds within the mesh and every time you move in a new direction for the FIRST time, boom a little tear. Eventually it settles. I was a huge fat out of shape slob and mine took 6wks. Active, I bet 3 or less with a ramped up schedule.
Anyway, you’re probably good but what the heck do I now, I don’t even pretend to be a Dr on TV
Saw the Doc today and after turning my head and coughing he asked me if I’ve had any recent cuts on my leg. I showed him a scab from a recent cut and he informed me that I have an inflamed lymph node. I’m a very happy person today and heading to lp tomorrow.
