I don’t want to jinx it, but I have to say it: I feel amazing right now. Like unbelievably good. It’s been just about 25 months since my adrenalectomy, and though I hesitate to speak too soon, it finally feels like my remaining adrenal gland has caught up. And while running? It’s the best I have felt post-surgery.
There’s virtually nothing out there for endurance athletes trying to navigate a comeback after an adrenalectomy. I know because I have searched high and low for any information I can find. There’s nothing. It’s like I am navigating the experience as the only one who’s ever tried to do it. But in all my searching, I have found information about the general recovery— and it’s what has helped me make sense of what my body’s gone through:
“After surgery, the remaining adrenal gland does not work right away at full capacity; it takes time to recover and ramp up hormone production… it can take up to 18 months for full recovery.”
I had my two-year adrenalectomy anniversary (my GLAND-iversary) on October 19th. It’s now November 15th. Since the end of summer, I’ve felt better and better with every passing week.
The Sydney Marathon was the first time I truly thought:
“Oh wow. I think I’m really back.” Even though it was a 4 hour marathon, it was deliberate and controlled at that pace. It wasn’t hard. It left me thinking my body might be ready to turn it up a little.
And since then? I’ve started running faster — not because I’m chasing splits, but because I can. The effort feels smooth. My legs are responding. My energy is holding up. I feel GOOD.
I don’t know what’s next. I don’t have a race on the calendar right now (other than the local Turkey Trot the day after Thanksgiving), but I’m chomping at the bit to pick something and go all in.
For anyone out there recovering from an adrenalectomy — especially if you’ve been through the hell that is primary aldosteronism — please hear this:
You will feel better.
It takes time. But be patient, stay hopeful, and trust your body.
It’s coming.
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