Unfortunately, my boxing career is really in trouble right now, I have a huge dilemma on my shoulders and for some reason I cannot decide.
I just returned from the doctors office with my coach and was diagnosed with carpal tunnel. The right one has developed carpal tunnel, and the left one, on the very edge, has cartilage beginning to wear off. This visit was due to the pain coming from them and because valuable practice time was been missed due to the pain.
Though I was told to realize that I have nothing left to do but quit or else put myself through more pain, and creat a worse situation. I still feel as if I have to box, I cannot for some reason let it rest and walk away. Im not practicing today but for some reason I feel as if I have to.
My head almost feels confused and very tired. This really does suck. ON the other hand, I cannot stop thinking of how great it’s going to feel to not worry about the scale, and how much fun I’ll have improving my body.
First on the list: GREAT GUNS combined with THE NEXT “BIG THREE!”
I’m not at all an expert, but a fellow co-worker (a hard working Columbian with 10 years of bussing behind him) had c.t. surgery three months ago - he had lost the ability to hold even 10 pounds on either hand, but now he is back to full strength and bussing like a bat out of Bogata.
Any chance similar surgeries might patch you up? Then again, if you’re excited to be out of boxing and into other pursuits, who the hell wants to go under the knife, right?
Unfortunately the KB work has done nothing for them. My wrists have bothered me for some time now, just recently they started to give me pain that was really that unbearable.
I would constantly talk to Coach Davies about how much the medicine ball throws would hurt them. This has been for atleast a year now.
On a seperate note, man, not having practice has me on this computer just jacking around. Ive been reading posts and issues for atleast two hours now. Usually Im eating, running, or getting ready at work for practice.
What to do now?
To answer your question: Yes I plan on still training renegade style, I need a rest from it for a couple of weeks though, Im gonna call coach d sometime this week and let him know what’s going on.
The doc did mention something about surgery. Also, the recovery period will be a lot longer for me than others, since punching is something that is extreme to a sugery of that nature, imagine the rehab that has to be done for a boxer.
That time will be way too long for me to sit around and get out of shape and fat.
And yes avoiding going under the knife is something I’d like to do.
Have you thought about going to a chiropractor? I was beginning to get carpal tunnel syndrome from repetetive stress and he was able to tell me some things to avoid temporarily and also the adjustment gave immediate relief. it was a couple weeks before i noticed no symptoms at all, but i’m fine now. (i think it comes and goes every couple years). i’m not saying mine is anywhere NEAR the degree yours is, probably just the start. but a chiropractor may be able to help. just a thought…
I wouldn’t be surprised if Coach D has known a few athletes who have had to deal with CT.
Sorry to hear, Al. I know how tough it is to have to deal with something that has a direct effect to boxing. I may not have ever dealt with CT, but I do feel your pain.
Keep us all updated here. I’m interested in knowing what you find out.
Look into a good ART guy. You might want to try and get Dr. Leahy himself. Where do you live? If you are close to Georgia you need to see my guy. Or ask Irondoc if he knows anybody around you who is really good.
Feel for you, pal. I went through the same thing back in '98. I broke my right hand 3 times, surgery, pins, etc. Doc thought it was best at my age to hang up the gloves and not risk additional injuries. I felt at 33, I still had a few more good years left.
Hope you find something else you can enjoy as much. Good luck to you.
The injury has just developed overtime actually. Ever since my sophmore year of college during football season. I remember during track season when in my stance and upright I would feel sharp pains in my left wrist. Now, it’s so unbearable that punching the heavy bag or anything for that matter kills. I tried lifting today and could not do a chin-up because of it. I could not do any sort of curling either.
Surgery was mentioned at the doctors visit but he also stated that there was no way I would be able to punch anything for atleast 6 months. Also, that if I were to return to boxing there’s no telling what could happen and whether or not they will hold up.
It’s just a real bad situation for me, it’s really unfortunate that I developed this while in my current sport of choice. It’s like wanting to ski without snow or water. Get my drift.
Im really scared of what’s to come actually. My family and friends are real supportive. But after thinking that boxing was my future and now it’s done…??? it just kinda puts on a gorilla on my back. Im trying to see this as positive as possible by telling myself there are plenty of things to do to keep me busy and to keep me entertained. But right now it’s just not helping…
Before thinking that it’s completely over (especially if it’s something you love), I would look into any and all possible methods to cure/treat CTS.
I highly suggest an ART practitioner. If there is no one in your area, travel to find someone good. If you truly love boxing and want to continue doing it, you will go to great lengths to find treatment and/or a cure. Other than ART, you may want to look into some other methods, such as holistic medicine (acupuncture and massage), chiropractic treatment, etc.
There are many people who have faced adversity for a number of reasons, and they didn’t give up because they were determined to succeed. And many of them have come from a much worse standpoint.
You can overcome this, if you are determined and put in the time, research, etc., to find the help you need. Don’t give up Al!
But CT is not a carreer ender, just a slight setback. Surgery is not always necessary, simply keeping the wrists imobilized will cure it. I would also check out ART before surgery. It is definitely worth a shot.
Just think of this as a chance to step back and evaluate whether or not you want to be a fighter.
If you do, then get it fixed and back to work. Your still young, and in good shape. Plenty of time to get in the game.