fixing my legs

Wrexham Hospital- 16/11/11

Unfortunately i have been suffering with 'compartment syndrome' for almost a year now. It has been a very frustrating time because to begin with i had no idea what the problem was and i thought that it was just pain that i could resolve with more training. It was only after a week in Sweden in April that my mum and i decided to visit a physiotherapist because my shins hurt too much to race at the end of the camp! We began with an appointment with a local physiotherapist who gave me some specific shins stretches but could not detect any problems. My coaches were also not sure of my condition and i was told of many peoples past experiences and opinions. My sponsor and owner of 'Bridgnorth Health and Fitness Club' bought me a 'bosu board' (half an exercise ball with a flat top) to work on my balance, as that was thought of as another possible culprit, however after working on balance, technique, stretching and trying insoles in my boots, i was referred to a consultant where eventually i was diagnosed with 'compartment syndrome'- although because my case seemed quite unusual i was then sent for pressure testing in Leicester for confirmation, where i was put on a treadmill for 3mins with wires leading from a machine into my legs. finally it was confirmed and shortly after i was having my operation!

introduction post

Hi, my name's Fern Cates, I'm a 16 year old cross country skier from Bridgnorth, Shropshire in England. I ski with Midland Ski Club, London Cross Country Ski club and the British Nordic Development squad. This blog is an insight into how I manage training and racing with my school life, social life and the difficulties with my location. I travel around the UK in the summer to go on training camps and rollerski races, and around Europe in the winter for snow training and racing. Currently I am the British U16 British xc ski champion in 5km Skate and Classic technique.