Sacroiliac

Herself went back to the orthopedist today to follow up on her ongoing and intermittent hip/lower back pain.  It has been a  frustrating issue for her.  She's evaluated herself carefully, and has come to a few conclusions about her abilities as well as her limitations.

It appears that her days of taekwondo are likely over:  even one class of helping to instruct was enough to put her pain level back to its very worst for several days in a row.  On the bright side, though, she has fortunately been able to go walking regularly; to do a little light backpacking; and to sleep in a tent on the ground.  In the grand scheme of things, it is far more important for her to be able to climb mountains and to go camping than it is for her to return to kicking or sparring.  The red and blue foam of the mats cannot compare to the feel of leaves or rocks underfoot.

The orthopedist seemed a bit stumped at first.  There is no obvious problem:  imaging studies of her back and her hip have come back 'clean'.  Pressing on her back in certain places does yield pain, though, and so today, the orthopedist suspected a problem with the sacroiliac joint.  He offered a cortisone shot into the joint to see whether that alleviates the pain. 

Ack! Ack! No time to research or contemplate!  Herself agreed.  The shot itself was brief and not terribly painful. We shall see whether it helps. 

At home, after studying up on SI joint pain, Herself thinks that they might, in fact, be on the right track.  Wikipedia, the source of all generic and slightly questionable human knowledge, indicates that certain signs may be symptomatic of SI joint problems:  dull unilateral low back pain; mild to moderate ache around the posterior superior iliac spine region; pain becoming worse or sharp while standing up from a seated position; low back pain that increases with prolonged sitting; occasional referred pain into the hip and groin, or buttock and back of thigh.  Check, check, check, check, check.  Such a problem would also be consistent with the physical therapist's findings of pelvic instability.  Time for more pelvic strengthening exercises.  Do your Kegels, everyone!

One amusing moment from the visit:  after Herself explained her frustration with not being able to do taekwondo for exercise, the orthopedist said, "But you look great.  And how does that saying go: 'It's better to look good than to feel good?'" 

Hahahaha.  Herself's tiny, pathetic, neurotic sense of self (despite knowing the statement is probably a line the doctor uses regularly to bolster his patients' spirits) is secretly relieved to receive a rare compliment implying that she is not quite the repulsive heifer she suspects she may be.  She would feel better, though, if she could exercise more often or more vigorously.  Or perhaps she should just exhibit a molecule of self-control and abstain from drowning her sorrows and stresses in carbohydrates. 

With time, a bit of encouragement, and with incremental but steady and increasing efforts, hopefully better strength, less pain, and more willpower will come. 

Try, try again. We shall get there someday.

 Thank you, Wikipedia, for the pelvis.