Keep on keeping on

Bone spurs and planters fasciitis in both feet

As you can see from the x-ray, I've had some hold ups. Ma feet. Is it incredible or ridiculous that these small extensions of our body are responsible for transporting us around?! It's a mystery. I mean, as far ratio and size goes, its not at all logical. I am open for opinion here. Mine is: God knew what He was doing - I've just abused the design. I have high arches, narrow feet and TOO much cargo on board, so we thus conclude...OUCH.

My particular pain bandit: planters fasciitis. No, nothing to do with warts, it's a painful inflammation of the connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. This has been going on since last year, but it's another mystery how we put up with untreated pain for as long as we do. Of course, my ambitious Zumba sessions, along with other various exercises involving high impact foot movements have aggravated it enough to get my attention. So, enter Doc. K.

I show up for my initial appointment and am met by a waiting room full of geriatrics. Great. I've joined the ugly shoe club. You know, those non desrcript colored, Frankenstein shoes? Are they tan? Beige? Nude? Who knows. Ugly? That we can agree on. So, here I am prepared to fight tooth and nail against the hideous shoe suggestion that awaits me on the other side of that door. First, the x-ray. Of course they need you to bend your foot in all these un-godly directions and "hold for a moment". That's nice and then the wait.

In walks Dr. K. Young, glasses, lab coat, sensible hair cut and likes touching feet all day. Perfectly normal member of society. Before this medical professional barely gets a word in, I'm already determined to give him my 10 reasons why I can not possibly wear those "supportive" shoes. Obviously. They are not supportive of my wardrobe. He laughs, "okay, lets take a look". He starts prodding and pushing my heels as though he's testing a mellon. OUCH!!!!! Of course I haven't shaved since August of last year and its a jungle under my pant legs. Whatever, its winter. I have calluses that would put Gandhi to shame and they would be forced to charge me double for a pedicure at the mall. So now, I'm in pain AND humiliated, good thing I've got jokes.

Long story short, its planters fasciitis AND bone spurs. He explains it's really a touch and go process in that monotone, diplomatic way only a doctor or president can do.

There isn't a real quote-unquote cure for it, just pain and inflammation management. Even surgery can be unsuccessful and is not guaranteed. But, along with my vague diagnosis, I get parting gifts. First, a cortisone shot followed by a velcro-strapped contraption that resembles a cast. Good thing the nurse clears up any confusion of "how" I'm supposed to wear it. Finally, a script for some anti inflammatories. Also, NO more Zumba for a season - heartbreaking. I need to stick to Yoga, swimming and weights. Doable. In addition, no flats or flip-flops etc. Look for my entry on "sensible shoe shopping".

Initially, I left with a sense of disappointment. At least there are no flesh colored shoes on my feet, but still, I've come this far and now a step backwards? The more I thought about it and let everything settle, I realized its more of a step sideways. Bottom line, I need to take care of myself. I will do myself NO good to just push and ignore my body's signs of pain. I plan to have these feet for another 50 years at least and taking care of them is vital to my weight loss. So, if you hear a uneven thumping sound in the night, thats just me walking to the bathroom with my night splint and a parrot on my shoulder.

On a serious note, I am believing God for my healing as I make wise decisions to do my part. I know He can do anything! I appreciate your prayers!