Well, I think my shingles outbreak has run its course. I feel very fortunate that I got into the doctor and he knew the right medications to minimize the symptoms and long-term risks. I wish I had as much confidence in the diagnosis of my hip pains. I'm confident the sacral stress fracture diagnosis is accurate. I can feel pain in the affected area when I lift too much or overdo it, and the pain is minimized or eliminated when I where my sacroiliac belt. The pain that I can't explain is the pain I generally only get in my right hip after running 4+ miles, sometimes not until 9-10 miles. The MRI showed a labral tear, but the hip specialist at the U of U Orthopedic Center, after examining me, said I was not showing any sign of pain in the location of the tear and didn't recommend hip surgery to correct it. The diagnostic cortisone injection in the hip also had no affect, indicating the pain is not from the tear. I've decided for the time being to stick to walking or stationary bike. I went 20 minutes on the bike this morning. I've never worked out on a stationary bike before so I took it kind of easy. Our bike has 4 pre-programmed workouts and I did #4. The resistance got as high as 5 (out of 10). I barely worked up a sweat by the end. Karen customizes her own workouts. I may have to do the same. I can gradually push the resistance higher and go longer. It may be a long, boring winter, but I want to err on the side of doing too little rather than too much. I really want to be healed by spring. | 