I have had several guys ask me to write up a log on my surgery and my experiences of Compartment Syndrome, so here you are.
WHAT IS COMPARTMENT SYNDROME
In an effort to avoid a biology lesson in greek, I will try my best to simplify the subject while remaining true to the medical aspect of this condition. If you have the condition, you already know the technical details.
The muscles in your lower legs are all segmented and compartmentalized into different groups. Each group has a housing around it, which is called the fascia. Now the fascia’s job to surround your muscles with a protective layer as well as compact your muscles for bio-mechanical purposes which is beyond the scope of this paper, but it’s worth saying that it gives you strength.
When you run or walk, your muscle gets a pump to allow more oxygen and blood to flow through. The fascia then, expands with your muscle. Unless you have compartment syndrome, which is to say that the muscles want to expand beyond the capability of the facia which causes a build-up of pressure.
HOW DO YOU GET COMPARTMENT SYNDROME
God knows. There is no empirical evidence to show what causes it. It’s not biological, that much is for sure.
WHAT SHOULD I CARE?
Well, there have been claims that Anabolic Steroids could be one of the causes of compartment syndrome. Let me just quickly take a moment to tell you that this statement is not 100% accurate. The problem is not that your muscles are getting bigger, it’s that your fascia is not able to stretch. From the research that I have done, and the many contradictory studies that I have read, I have come to the conclusion that AAS could EXPOSE compartment syndrome, but it certainly won’t cause it.
I have also read claims that creatine can cause compartment syndrome. Once again, it’s all about the muscle size, so yes, even taking creatine could expose the condition, but it doesn’t cause it.
SEVERITY – DIFFERENT SHADES OF GREY
Those with compartment syndrome can get help through their physio by making sure your running technique is perfect, along with trying to stretch the fascia. Worst case, you could get a fasciotomy done which I will explain later in my log.
MY EXPERIENCE
T- 2 and a half Years: I started doing some treadmill work to cut at gym, nothing major, but felt a serious pain in my legs. I dismissed it as being unfit, and didn’t worry about it much. Changed to boxing as my preferred cardio.
T-6 to 8 months: The warrior race was coming up, and I was dead keen to get fit enough to go. Just needed to get my running in order. I started a beginner program, in hopes that my running would be as much as an asset to me as my strength. Problem was, the more I trained, the more it hurt. It got worse and worse and I didn’t understand why. Breaking point came, when I couldn’t run for more than one minute without having to stop because of pain – I knew something was seriously wrong.
I went to the physio, and got told that my shins are incredibly tight and might have compartment syndrome, but she is not qualified to make the diagnosis. I tried a months’ worth of physio to correct my running style a bit, as well as go through dry needling. I didn’t see ANY improvement.
T-4 months: Tried to do the warrior race…didn’t even get to the first obstacle…all-time low.
T-3 months: I insisted on being referred to a sports physician which took one look at me and said that I have compartment syndrome.
T-2 months: He referred me to a surgeon which told me, and I quote, “I have never seen anything like this before. This is the worst case that I have ever seen.” It was so bad, that they didn’t insist on me being tested. The test is about 5-6k and involves running on a treadmill with a big needle in your shin to measure the pressure. I was scheduled for surgery.
D-Day: I booked into hospital. Got dressed and sat in bed. Soon they wheeled me off to the ward. Two injections later and I was out.
T+ 1 day: I woke up, with incredible pain. I signalled the nurse who quickly injected a nice dose of morphine to take the edge off. It felt like I couldn’t move my legs, both of which were covered in thick bandages. They told me it was much worse than they anticipated, and as a result, they have to cut from just below my knee all the way down to my feet, on both legs. He was so amazed, he even took out his iphone in the theatre and took photos. I’m glad somebody can see the pain that I was experiencing, even when just walking a block.
T+2 days: Got booked out of hospital, on my way home with a pair of crutches. I could barely walk but there was no way I was going to spend another night in hospital.
T+ 3-7 days: I was booked off from work for the whole week. I spent my time laying on the couch, with my legs in the air, high on morphine and watching the walking dead. Can’t remember too much to be honest, just a lot of pain when waking up, and being thankful for the pain killers. Slowly but surely, I started moving around the house with the crutches.
T+ 7-13 days: I took the bandages off, which revealed a plaster that I was allowed to shower with. So much better than bathing with your legs hanging off the side! Made incredible progress this week, even to the point where I ditches the crutches.
T+ 14 days: I took off the bandages and the steri-strips. The wounds are very thin, but looks hectic. They healed up nicely and the doc was pleased with my progress. Thank God for peptides!
Today: I am slowly but surely making my recovery, but it’s going to take about 10 weeks for me to go through my rehab and physio. There is a lot of training ahead, but I feel good having the worst behind me. I am seeing the sport physician tomorrow and then the physio on Thursday. I will keep this log running (pun intended) with my progress and for any questions.
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