PMS Symptoms

[Bethany1]

Saw my doc today.

I had hurt the back of leg last week (on going problem with my cycling) and it was aching again after a ride and asked him about that. He said it was my hamstrings and that I need to stretch it out more before I ride, don't ride so long that it starts hurting, and to cool down for about 10 minutes. He said for as inexperienced as I am, I should only be doing about 5 miles round trip. (He said he cycles some). He also said the route I take is too much for me and to take another (gave me the road) and take it to the airport and back.

He said he was proud that I've started exercising and for coming in. Most people let the pain go until something really serious happens. It's so nice to know he does some cycling and could help with some questions.

I also asked him about the PMS thing. He's giving me a low dose of Celexa and see if that helped. Hmm..bipolar and SSRI's are not always a good mix for me, but I'll give it a try as I haven't been on Celexa but it helps my DH. After you've been on nearly every bipolar and seizure med for the past 14 years, you pretty much know what works and what doesn't.

I had hoped to lose some weight but the scale came in at 216 today. Well, at least I feel better physically and I know I'm stronger than I was a couple of months ago so I'll take that instead.

[Crankin]

Celexa was exactly what I was going to mention, but, of course, I am not a doctor, but there has a lot in the psych literature about using it for PMDD.
I do question the 5 miles thing. I once had my doctor tell me to ride 5 miles, when I was having medical issues that had nothing to do with riding. He also "was a cyclist," but he just had no idea that he was talking to someone who would have had real issues if I couldn't ride my usual miles. Of course stretching is good, and warming up and cooling down important. But, how does he know the route you were doing is "too hard for you?" That sounds like a real condescending attitude. Find a good PT who knows about cycling and can treat your injury.

[Bethany1]

Actually the route he said is much easier. I just hadn't driven that way for awhile and thought there wasn't any shoulder as the same road out of town going west doesn't. The bonus is that there is a new quilt shop that way about 10 miles. That would make a good goal over the next few months or so. Will bike for fabric.

Since it's too hot to ride, I just walked a mile today.

Took the celexa last night and it just made me loopy, but it will take a couple of weeks to get into the system unless I get lucky and it only takes a week.

[Crankin]

Why does he think you should go easier? I mean, resting an overuse injury is good, but it sounded like he was saying "Little lady, you are doing too much... just ride 5 miles." It sounded a bit condescending, you know cyclist doctor telling a woman to "go slow," when maybe all you need to do is rest a few days, do some stretching, etc. The only way to get stronger is to do more.

[Dogmama]

Crankin - according to the OP, the doc "cycles some" - so how much is "some?" Five miles?

Just to throw more into the mix, I'm wondering about a hamstring injury being aggravated by cycling in a new rider. New people typically don't use hamstrings that much because they push (quad dominant) on the pedals. I agree with your advice to find a good physical therapist.