When anyone asks me why I run, and a short reply is expected, I always answer "because I can". I have always enjoyed my runs, except maybe for some of those short runs fitted around work that just keep one fit for the real running. Watch a dog tearing about and woofing for the sheer joy of being free and you will understand what I mean.
I saw the consultant again after my MRI scans, the scans confirmed his (and the Nuffield physio's) initial diagnosis. I have tears to the medial meniscus of my left knee. Unfortunately this will require surgery to sort out. I do feel some relief in knowing that this diagnosis is demonstrably correct.
I spent £60 on the Nuffield physio appointment, £200 on the consultation and £300 on the MRI in the belief that the previous physio and my GP had failed me. Money well spent as it turns out, even if I should not have had to spend it. The consultant is referring me back to the National Health Service in the hope of saving me the £3020 fee for the knee arthroscopy. He is of the opinion that the wait should not be too long, as he will emphasize that I had the injury for some time (between 18 and 24 months) before it was diagnosed . Either way it will be he who performs the procedure.
If I do not get an appointment fairly soon I will probably find the money. Three grand is a vast sum to me, but I cannot think of many things that would improve my quality of life more than an early return to the fells. I am also looking forward to being able to eat as much as I want with impunity. I have had to moderate my food intake much more than expected to keep my weight constant.
Getting it right
I missed a lot of running due to my injury, last year. I have missed even more, so far, this year. Whether it was three months abstinence, the fact that I am older and appreciate stuff more or the careful long run planning, I don't know, but I have enjoyed what running I have done this year more than ever. One only has to read the relevant blog entries to know that this is not a rose tinted retrospective view.
