Update on my left foot.

Well, after another horrible night trying to fall asleep in horrible pain, I had my first visit (in my life) with a podiatrist.   He xrayed my foot, etc.  He did what seemed like a really good examination of my foot (since I have no previous experience with any foot doctor, I have no comparison examination to compare it with - but it seemed really thorough). He said I have an extreme case of plantar fasciitis that has even started agitating the surrounding nerves.  He said that normally when it is this bad he would give me a shot in my foot, but that the entire length of my ligament is affected - so he'd have to give me 5 or 6 shots for it to work.   He wants me to (y'all are gonna love this) pack my left foot in ice for 30 - 45 minutes nightly.  I'm sitting here now with feet so cold that I can't feel my toes.  But now I've got to pack one of them in freakin' ICE for 30 - 45 minutes every night.  I wanted to ask why stop there?  Why not just have me stick the foot into a vat of liquid nitrogen?  That would definately eliminate the muscle pain.  He said no more daily hour long walks.  He said that "for now" he will allow me to continue to be "weight bearing".  So he said that I can continue to work, etc as normal - but I cannot do walking for an exercise.  I explained to him my desire to exercise for an hour daily due to my desire to keep up my post-op health, etc.  He said that I could do anything I wanted - as long as it didn't involve bending my left foot at all.  No walking.  No running.  No elliptical.  He suggested swimming and to try not to move my left foot.  (Yea, I know y'all.  That's what I was thinkin' too.) I said that I had not been walking for a day or two already since it had gotten so bad and that had not helped yet.  He said that it may get worse before it gets better.  He said that it will probably take 4 - 8 weeks to heal and he doesn't want me exercising on my feet for the full 8 weeks to ensure that it heels properly.   HOWEVER, he said that I should begin seeing improvement within 2 weeks.  If I do NOT see improvement in 2 weeks, he wants to see me again so "we can talk about putting" me "in a boot".  He also hinted that I may go non-weight bearing in 2 weeks if I hadn't seen marked improvement by then.  He said that, with this degree of strain, he wants to "stay on top of this".   I guess I didn't do myself any favors by waiting a few days until it got really bad before starting to complain about it.  I just really figured it would go away on its own.  Most stuff does.  Oh well.  At least now I know for sure what it is and how to hopefully make it better.   I'm frustrated that I can't walk every day.  I had gotten used to that.  The pool is still so freezing cold that I do NOT relish the idea of getting into it.   He did say I could try bicycling since it really involves moving more ankle than foot.  But the last time I sat on a bicycle I felt like I was being sodomized by the seat.  It's not a fond memory.  But maybe I'll try it again.   I'll let y'all know in the movin' thread what I end up doing or not doing.   Maybe I'll try yoga... people do that with giant balls or sitting down right???  I've been curious to try that anyway. 

Wendy, Glad you found out what is wrong, but sorry about the no walking thing.  I know how important your walking is to you.  I wish I could get that motivated again!!  Battling some depression issues, and life is not so great at this point, hence my not posting much anymore.  Anyway, enough about me, hope you feel better soon, keep us posted!!! Hugs and well wishes,  Rhonda D.

Rhonda I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling blue.   Are your vitamin levels okay?  You know that that can cause symptoms of depression, etc.   I hate it that you won't be there on Thursday and I hate it that you're feeling bad. I hope you're feeling better soon. Wen

From one Rhonda to another......Sending you a great big hugg!!!!!
Hope things are better soon!
RhondaT

Hey Kiddo Yours is the first positive encounter I've heard of about a podiatrist. Remember, I do pedicures for a living and lots of my clients have been to them and have stories very different than yours.  I'm so glad you went and that he seems to be "on top of this".  Pilates is exercising with the big balls....supposed to be VERY good for strengthening the abdomen and back (core) and those I've spoken to love it.  Yoga, on the other hand, needs lots of balance and standing on one foot, which I don't think you'd want to be trying right now. How about putting your foot into the pool???  Better than liquid nitro, and you'll save on ice cubes.  Oh, and the bicycling?  Gary just bought a bike from the pawn shop....then went out and bought a better seat. You made me laugh!!! See ya Thursday!

Wow!  I didn't even know that most podiatrists are horrible.  I'd never heard anything one way or another (that I can remember)!  I'm glad I didn't have that experience! I'm glad I made you laugh!!! See you Thursday!!!

Wen,
So sorry about your foot. My hubby had the very same thing happen to him about a year ago. The pain is very REAL! His Dr suggested a insole with a supportive arch and within about 2 weeks it was so much better. To this day, I buy him new insoles ever so often for his shoes and so far so good. I also sent him to my massage therapist for an hour long massage! He loved that! BTW, you know he is on his feet all day and I put him in Crocs (the orginal kind) for work and that helped instantly!
My Mother told me a long time ago " You have to be good to your feet because...they carry you everywhere you go in life"
Hope you are better soon!
Huggs,
RhondaT

Yep what I went through exactly a year ago, the shots were the only way I got relief, he did two at a time and then repeated it a week later. I am having surgery on my foot on 7-11 to remove the bunion and correct two toes on my right foot, your feet are nothing to mess around with! AmyBeth

Your video is beautiful!  Thanks so much for sharing.

The shots in the foot would have scared me right there.  I am terrified of shots, I take them if I have to and there is no way around them.  I have had so many ABGs and IV's in the last 6 years that I just hate even the thought of a needle going near me.  I cried when I got a steroid shot in my butt a few weeks ago.  But I toughed it out and did it rather than walk out of the Dr's office (which I have done before, but that was a long long time ago, Ive grown up since then, LOL) But I hope it heals quickly, 8 weeks sounds like a long time.  I wonder now if that was what I had when I was having trouble with my feet when I worked 12 hours nightly at the nursing home, because it really sounds like what I was dealing with.  Wish I would have gone to the Dr's, could have gotten some time off from work *wink* Anyhow, all joking aside I do hope it gets better soon, and I am sorry you have to deal with this.  I would definitly try some light aerobics dvds or pilates with the big ball.  I really enjoy doing the light aerobics.  Also just remember that Susan made it to goal weight with a boot on her foot!!  Now that is inspiration right there!!