I have been nursing a nagging injury which I believe to be either a groin pull or mild inguinal hernia which up until now has been managable with good warmups and ice after lifting or running. I have already made an appointment with my HMO doctor to get a solid diagnosis on this but it won't be for three weeks and I am entered in a marathon (5 months of training) this weekend. I have done the obvious and rested to the point where I am running pretty well again...

Question: If I were to have an appointment with a more 'sympathetic' doctor who has a 'fee for service' practice, are there any anabolics that will help me recover quicker and minimize my risk of running with this injury? Are cortisone type anti-inflammatory drugs worth considering? I am not an elite athlete and will not be tested...Just don't want to quit if I can help it!

Any assistance greatly appreciated!