Updates

I haven't posted for a while. Here are some updates.

- I have taken time off from ballet classes and have been going to Pilates mat class 2x per week.
- The latest advice from a doctor was to have rocker bars put on my shoes and to get a pad for my ballet slipper. From what I read on the internet it relieves pressure on the big toe. I hope this will help. I have been putting off going to the orthodic place for that for a while.
- My doctors don't agree on what is wrong with me. One says I have hallux rigidus and the other says I simply have arthritis and doesn't think the rocker bar would be the greatest idea
- I have to find out if I will be having any prolotherapy / PRP injections in the future.
- One of my Pilates mat teachers is going to stop teaching my class! I will miss her.
I hope they don’t cancel the class, attendance has been pretty low lately (good for me but not so go for the school / teacher). I am looking into other schools for Pilates (reluctantly at this point).
- I have to see a Hematologist because one of my blood tests came out off the scale (my platelet count is too high. Could it be from the PRP injection???). More on that after I see the doctor.
- I got some cool exercise pants from the Danskin outlet.

Due the lack of dance I might start touching upon other subjects from time to time, like my new guilty pleasure, watching the Real Housewives of Organge County, season 4.

Prolotherapy Video and venturing into PRP

I thought I would share a video I found - Is Someone a Prolotherapy Candidate? Dr. Ross Hauser, Medical Director of Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services.

Today I had another Prolotherapy injection, this time in a slightly different area (by the joint capsule whatever that means). The doctor mentioned that maybe I should stop going to yoga for a while since it is pretty taxing. Maybe I can go to ballet next week but I am not sure. I miss it. I am looking forward to going to my usual pilates class later this week though.

Since the Prolotherapy does not seem to be having much of an immediate effect, we are going to try Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in a few weeks. I am a little nervous because I heard that the injections hurt more than regular Prolotherapy injections. I have posted some links (on the sidebar) if you are interested in learning more.

I welcome your comments or questions at inamorataballet@gmail.com
Have a good week.

Still absent from class

My foot is still a little sore and swollen from my latest prolotherapy injection so I have to skip class tonight. I am hoping I can go next week. Not to mention that my “good” foot has been pretty sore as well but it is better today. I will go to pilates as usual tomorrow.

Meanwhile I am trying to eat healthy and take my vitamins.

The DVD for Divertissement Everyday Dancer’s stories came in the mail the other day. I don’t have a lot of free time these days but I hope to watch it as soon as possible. I am sure it will be great. Check out the website and view the trailer.

Somewhere between recovery and quitting

I stopped blogging when I got injured (and a little depressed). However I would like to continue posting and share my story. I think that maybe if I can help one other person that has a similar problem then maybe I have done some good.

Here is my story so far in (barely) a nutshell:
Feb 08 – Began feeling stiffness and discomfort in my big toe.
Mar 08 – Had MRI. Was diagnosed with cartilage loss / arthritis in the toe and it was suggested by the Dr. that I consider quitting ballet.
March 08 – Really cut down on dancing, began doing more pilates mat classes
May 08 – After much research I decided to begin prolotherapy with a highly regarded Osteopath.
Now (June 08) – After two prolotherapy sessions the toe feels a little better. I am going back in three weeks for a follow-up visit and maybe another injection. There are no guarantees but I have hope. I am still taking ballet but much less frequently.

I am starting to enjoy the extra pilates mat classes more and the teachers are very supportive (I no longer feel like wearing an "I'd rather be in ballet class" t-shirt). My ballet teachers don't understand why I have an injury that won't go away.

Now my “good” foot is beginning to feel a little sore maybe from putting all that extra weight on it since Jan and hopefully it will get better.

Since I can’t take ballet more than once a week, I am planning to add yoga to my schedule. I have to admit I know next to nothing about yoga but I guess I will learn. I will post more regarding my experience with prolotherapy, as I have so far found the experience to be very interesting to say the least.

Stay tuned.