Iontophoresis is the method of using electrical current to administer drugs to the patient. From all of my research, that's the best definition I could come up with to explain the procedure succinctly. I've been through three treatments thus far. There are two pads with metal connections on the outside. One has a gauze-like pad into which the medication is applied. It is then applied directly atop to the affected area. The other is black and has a identical metal connection. This is placed on a "meaty" area of the body, usually the calf muscle for my knee. Two wires connected to a control box are then connected to the pads. The control box is literally "dialed-in" to the dosage being applied and the amperage between the two diodes. The higher the amperage, the faster the treatment is, but the burning/itching feeling is more intense. It takes me twenty minutes to go through a full dose. It takes all I can not to scratch the pads. Once the time is up, the pads are removed and I'm on my way.
A full course of treatment is 5-6 applications, with symptom relief usually felt in 3-4 applications. Because my discomfort was relatively minor, I think two treatments worked for me. The third today should help as I prepare to bike some more this week based on Sunday's successful ride.
My anxiety of the tendonitis and the ever present doubt was reduced somewhat by two realizations on Saturday's run. The first was finishing the near three-hour run. I can actually run. Doing so after a 112-mile bike is another thing, but at least I can run decently. The final forty-three minutes (miles 14-18) went by very fast. From those that have done marathons, I hear it's the next three miles: 19, 20, and 21 that are the most mentally challenging. My hope is that because there will be so many more miles behind me (132 vs. 18), that my mental state will be one of joy, rather than pain.
The second realization was when Kris (my IronSherpa) stated, "I think you're underestimating...your fitness level." She didn't know it at that time, but that simple comment made my day, week, and pretty much my whole training effort. Although, I'm sure there'll be days when I doubt it, I really am ready. I just have to go prove it. I don't know what will be tougher, the mental or the physical demands of the day.
T-Minus 26 days...
