The Verdict is in...I need surgery on both legs. :(

On Wednesday, I headed back to Duke where they completed the compartment syndrome testing on my legs. They do this by measuring the pressure within the muscle compartments of the leg before and after you exercise. So, pre-run I had 12 needles stuck in my lower legs (6 needles in each leg), then I went and ran 6 miles & then they stuck my legs w/ 6 more needles. The result is that I most definately have compartment syndrome in both legs & both legs will require surgery.

In addition, they did xrays on both legs & stated that they looked good. I will have a f/u appointment w/ the Dr. to discuss the surgery, rehab, etc. as well as discuss if there is any nerve or muscle damage or if that's something she won't know until she opens me up. (I'm concerned about the right leg due to the pressure measuring so high). With all that said...

What is compartment syndrome?
"Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells and it can lead to muscle, nerve and blood vessel damage".

"Your arms and legs have several groupings, or compartments, of muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Each of these compartments is encased by a thick layer of connective tissue called fascia (FASH-e-uh), which supports the compartments and holds the tissues within each compartment in place. The fascia is inelastic, which means it has little ability to stretch".

"In chronic exertional compartment syndrome, exercise or even repetitive muscle contraction causes the tissue pressure within a compartment to increase to an abnormally high level. But because the fascia can't stretch, the tissues in that compartment aren't able to expand sufficiently under the increased pressure. Imagine shaking up a soda bottle but leaving the cap on — an enormous amount of pressure builds up".

"As the pressure builds up within one of your muscle compartments, with no outlet for release, nerves and blood vessels are compressed. Blood flow may then decrease, causing tissues to get inadequate amounts of oxygen-rich blood, a condition known as ischemia (is-KE-me-uh). Nerves and muscles may sustain damage".

What kind of surgery will I be having?
"A Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure to reduce pressure around muscles, nerves, tendons, or blood vessels. These structures are encased by a thin connective tissue capsule (compartment) that may not be able to expand enough to accommodate swelling inside the compartment (compartment syndrome, or CS). The connective tissue capsule is called a fascia, and fasciotomy is a surgical procedure that cuts the fascia open, usually to relieve pressure. Swelling and increased pressure may result from fractures, damage to blood vessels (vascular injury), crush injuries, or other trauma. When pressure builds within a compartment, the blood supply to the local nerves and muscle is disrupted. If the pressure is not relieved, tissue and nerve damage can result".

When will I have surgery?
TBD after I speak w/ my Dr. Likely this Fall so I can play some rugby this summer and complete the races I'm already registered for. I've got another 5k & a 10K to conquer!!!!