Not many choices left

I saw an Indiana University orthopedic surgeon last Tuesday.  His best guess is plantar fasciitis - which was the first diagnosis I had back in March.  He gave me cortisone shots in both feet, mostly as a diagnostic tool.  The numbing stuff was GREAT - I could walk easily for the first 2 hrs, with no pain.

Alas, that has not continued.  He said it could take several days for them to help, and I am still waiting.  I've heard someone else say it could take 2 full weeks.  All I can do is wait.

I did get confirmation today that Mayo will NOT offer me an appointment.

I have an appt with Cleveland Clinic (another orthopedic surgeon, this will be the 3rd) on Nov 27.  I am not positive that I will keep the appt - partially waiting to see if the shots end up helping.

I am frustrated overall, and knowing I could come home with yet another "I don't know", after inconveniencing several people and lots of money - that is hard for me.  But I haven't ruled it out yet, and will not cancel for at least another 2 weeks, waiting on these shots and my own peace of mind/heart/soul.

Prayers would be appreciated.  I have been asking for direction, and one door has closed, so that IS some direction.

Cindy

Hope maybe?

I've said that before, so I'm trying to take it with a grain of salt...

I went to physical therapy today.  The therapist said my ankles are hyper-flexible (not good) and somewhat weak.  She said I have very little toe-lift when I walk (all my weight is concentrated on the outsides of my feet), plus I already knew I under-pronate (or supinate, same thing).

She was also very curious about possible stress fractures on that pinky-toe metatarsal bone, in both feet.

She is starting with ultrasound to loosen the muscles up (which I can also do at home before I do the exercises), then several different types of stretches.  Next week she said we'll start some deep muscle stuff.

I'm pretty anxious now for my xrays on Monday afternoon.

Cindy

Still frustrated

I am waiting to hear back whether my podiatrist will give me a cortisone shot for possible tarsal tunnel.  The nurse was doubtful.  He isn't in today, so that is at least Tuesday.

I just called and talked with a physical therapy place in Seymour, and they informed me that the "prescription" expired 30 days after it was written (June).  I talked a bit with a therapist to find out what can be done for some that doesn't exhibit tell-tale signs of anything being wrong - no limit in range of movement etc - just pain.  Alex said it was worth a shot.

So I called the orthopedic surgeon's office, and they are going to verify with the dr that I can have a new order for physical therapy, then will fax it directly to the place I spoke with.  IF for some reason the dr decided he would NOT give me a new order, then they'll call.

I did talk to the nurse that was in on everything last Friday during my physical, and she spoke with the dr - the "specialist" at IU would just be another podiatrist.  That is really hard for me to do (Alex agrees) to just see a 3rd podiatrist.  They are willing to help me get in with someone, but that just doesn't seem to be a helpful path at this point, so I'm letting that lay dormant for now.

I'm even reconsidering these barefoot tennis shoes - I don't know if I'm still suffering from those socks from Saturday or what.  I'm wearing regular socks today and the Vivobarefoot tennies - but my feet aren't very good.  It doesn't help that they're pretty cold.  I wore my worn-out JCP slippers during preschool time this morning.  These Vivobarefoot shoes aren't really feeling any better.

I have another 2 pairs of shoes coming today via UPS - one is a barefoot style, and one is a regular cushioned walking shoe, from a list I found online late last week.

I put a call in about the carpet - wondering about the termite info I received on Friday, and found out that Jason (my contact) is out today, and the gal I spoke with didn't have a clue about a carpet job today (really?!) that was supposed to have been last week, but the termites put the work off until today.  That just seems outlandish.  Anyway, she is leaving a message for Jason to call me tomorrow.

And that's where things stand for now.

Quick update

Sorry I haven't updated in a while.  I don't have much new to report unfortunately.

I did decide that the compression socks were causing some of my problem and haven't worn them since mid-August.  That has helped some.

For the most part, I have decided that the medical route isn't the right option for me.  Somehow, I am hoping to get a different pair of shoes, and have that be the answer.

So I am on a search through Zappos, trying pair after pair.

I won't bore you with all that, but wanted to at least give you an update.

Cindy

Overdue update

We were on vacation the end of July, so I've not updated for a while.

No more doctors (unless I need medicine refills or change).  I am treating myself with home-use ultrasound.  I did 3 weeks of therapy on my right foot, then a week break (per instructions).  The week break coincided with our vacation, so that worked out great.  The day we got back, I started again, but this time on my left foot.  I plan to do my right foot again after 2 of my 3 weeks are done for this round.  Then maybe I'll be done, or maybe I'll do the left foot again, will have to wait & see.

The treatment I am doing is basically for tarsal tunnel, even though all the testing I've had was inconclusive (not ruled out however).

I'm also taking nerve pain medicine, and have been tracking every day (my pain level).  I need to make a decision very soon (in the next day or two) regarding my dose level, and what I want to do.  I might change meds, as my headaches seem to have increased with the higher dose.

But anyway, I'm still working on fine-tuning things.  I haven't used the wheelchair for 3-4 weeks.  I did actually do one round of Walmart without the motorized cart, but did regret it halfway through, so this past Friday eve, I was back to the cart.  My goal of course is total healing, and I am praying towards that end.

My pain was "normalized" at about a 5-6 on a 0 is best, 10 is worst pain scale.  I have improved it to to a daily level of 3-4 for the last several days (woo-hoo!).

I'll try to keep this updated if/when things change again.

Thursday cardiologist appt

Well...  That didn't really provide any answers, as we mostly expected it NOT to.  He did want to do an electrocardiogram to see if there is any "debris" being thrown from my heart - he still couldn't explain it well enough to Alex nor me, why that wouldn't have already shown up on one of the other ultrasounds I've already had done, one of my belly, and the other in my legs.  He also wanted me to have my toes re-checked for blood pressure compression.  When I was originally diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome, it was because there was no "discernible" blood pressure in my big toes, according to the test they did.  This cardiologist basically wants that test redone, at least of my toes.  I do have that set up for next Friday through my podiatrist, but not sure I'll go through with it.  I have an order for it, as well as the electrocardiogram.

I have been doing ultrasound on my right ankle (where I do it for possible tarsal tunnel) for just over a week now and am definitely seeing some improvement in that foot.  I did use the Walmart motorized cart today for shopping, but was able to do shopping on my own, and got through Aldis fairly decently, without limping (although a little slower than 4 months ago).

I did cut back on the nerve pain medicine last night, from 50 mg (only did that dose 2 nights) to 30 mg.  Will do 30 for a couple days, then drop back to 20, then back to 10 (my original dose prior to seeing the rheumatologist).

I haven't decided yet whether to stay on the blood pressure medicine - since it doesn't seem the Raynaud's is causing this other "pain", I'm just not sure what to do about that.  For now, I continue to take it, and it is free because of where Alex works, so for now, I'll keep that up.

The rheumatologist was fairly suspicious of the burning/swelling (feeling, not actual)/tingling that I'm experiencing in both feet - as that sounds much like tarsal tunnel.

I do keep a "health journal" every night, and I will continue to monitor things, and make changes/decisions as circumstances warrant.

Sorry if this rambles a bit.  I'm NOT a writer anymore!

Today's appt with the rheumatologist

I got the impression today that he doesn't think he can help me after all.  He tried some medicines for my Raynaud's (and he's fairly certain it is primary Raynaud's, not secondary to some other systemic illness), but since they haven't helped the pain over the last 2 weeks, he doesn't seem to think the pain is coming from Raynaud's after all.  I figured it was pretty much a long shot.

He did suggest increasing the nerve pain medicine that I'm on, and possibly trying other anti-inflammatory meds, possibly a cortisone shot in the little place on the front of my ankle that showed up on the MRI, but he is leaning more towards tarsal tunnel (again) due to the burning and swelling (feeling, not true swelling) I'm experiencing in both feet.  That's all on hold for now.

I have an appt with a new cardiologist in Indianapolis on Thursday, to check out the possibility of peripheral vascular disease.  Possibly he will do some testing, but doubtful AT the time of the appt.  Not sure if I can get that done before vacation, but we'll see.  This was at the suggestion of the 1st cardiologist I saw a couple months ago, that did the ultrasounds to check for blood clots in the main arteries, in my legs & belly.  This is a long shot, but most everything seems to be right now.

I still have the order for some physical therapy from the occupational therapist - it might have expired, but since I have the order, I'm assuming either my podiatrist or my family doctor would "re-new" it or whatever.

Alex and I will regroup after Thursday's appt, make another plan of attack.

I do continue with the home-use-therapeutic ultrasound - that seems to be my best hope right now.

Continued prayers are most appreciated.

MRI today

I had an MRI this morning of my right foot.  The tech lady said it would be 1-4 hrs before a dr would see it.  I don't know if that means a "reading dr" or the dr that ordered it.  I will call Monday first thing to find out if he will even share results with me, assuming everything came back "fine".  If something DID show up, of course he'll want me to spend $20 and gas $ to drive up there for him to share it with me.  No idea how long it'd take to get back in, but for now, not going to worry about it.

I have my follow-up appt with my rheumatologist on Tuesday.  He started me on a new anti-inflammatory, which I started taking today at lunch (after the MRI).

My feet have been pretty rough today.  Gritting my teeth & pushing through.

Another new medicine

My rheumatologist called probably 30 min ago, asking how I was doing.  I told him yesterday was really good, that the pain was still there but felt "muted".  But after 1-1.5 hrs this morning, the pain in the back of the arch/front of the heel is DEFINITELY bad again, mostly in my LEFT foot this time.  I did sit for most of Joanna's swim team practice, and it was easier to walk to the van, but I can still feel it there.  UGH.

So anyway, he wants me to try another NSAID, this time, RELAFEN

http://www.medicinenet.com/nabumetone/article.htm

He said he is definitely going with primary Raynaud's syndrome as my diagnosis, as all my bloodwork came back fine (which we expected of course).

One step forward, 5 steps back.  At least I've had 2 good days in the last 3 weeks.

Walking normal

The pain is definitely still there, but I do think it is less - it was MUCH less this morning and has ramped up a little since then, but I'm still able to walk normally.

Sure is hopeful.

New medicine

I finally got started on the new blood pressure medicine last night.  This morning I had a fairly bad headache and was a little unsteady when I first got up.

My feet definitely still have tingles, but the regular foot pain is less - I am able to walk "normally" today.  I find it almost impossible to believe that my feet could feel the effects already, but maybe?

We'll see how the rest of the day goes.

I have childcare help and my MRI next Thurs early.  Then my follow-up with the rheumatologist on July 3.  Then the cardiologist to check for PVD on July 5.

Maybe maybe we are starting to narrow down.  Maybe.  :)

Today's rheumatologist visit

So much happened today, it's hard to get it all down.  I'll try.

Dr Stevens impressed us both.  He was late coming in, but my hope was that THAT meant that he would take good time with us.  AND HE DID.

He is a bit skeptical of Raynaud's since my hands aren't as affected as my feet, BUT he is giving that diagnosis, and is treating me with meds towards that end.

He did bloodwork though - which I had done at the IU hospital "next door" before we headed back from Bloomington.

He wanted me to wait on the MRI - he said the steroid pills I've been taking might affect a diagnosis.  I have my MRI rescheduled for June 28 now.

He is changing my Raynaud's medicine from Norvasc to Nifedipine extended-release 30 mg - which Alex's company happens to make, so I should be able to get it for free.  He wants me to check my bp in about a week after starting it.

He is also upping the Elavil (Chronic pain: Elavil works best for chronic pain that is nerve-related) that I'm already on, from 10 mg to 25 mg.

No ideally I don't want to be on meds long term BUT if this foot pain can't be explained, nor HELPED in any other way, I'm sure willing to at least try it for now.

I have a follow-up appt on July 3, and we'll see if there is any improvement in my symptoms.  We should also have results from the MRI on June 28 by then, as well as the bloodwork results.

He wants to start attacking things one at a time - interestingly, he thinks my pain seems somewhat to be plantar fasciitis, even though I've had 2 podiatrists say it was NOT that, and I've even had an ultrasound that "ruled it out".

He does think it is possible that all but the stabbing pains in my heels could be related to Raynaud's.

All in all, finally, a hopeful dr visit.  I know I've rambled some here, and if anyone has questions, please ask.

Mild relief

I do need to update - I am getting a pinch of relief - the pain in my heels & feet is still there, but not as intense.  I haven't had as many knife-pains in my heels.  It isn't as good as it was that first morning, but in general, it IS somewhat better.  I can't easily put a percent on it or anything though.

Friday night grocery shopping - I did walk with a cart in Aldis (the first time in 3-4 weeks), but I did use the motorized cart in Walmart again, and glad I did.

I've been walking around the house, getting a few things done, and mostly walking on my heel despite the pain - which just tells me that the pain is LESS, even though still there.  I do still wince a lot, but not enough to send me to the ball of my foot.

A little progress I suppose.

Cindy

One day of partial relief

Didn't last though.  I made it to lap swim this morning and was decent (from the heel pain in my right foot).  After getting home and getting myself ready for the day, the right heel pain came back.  Not horrible awful, but it's definitely there.  I decided last night that I was going to drive the girls to swim team today, and not chance being able to walk.  Very glad I did that.

I did find Wednesday that my family doctor only gave me a copy of ONE blood test results, not everything I had done in May.  So I called this morning, and will pick that up Monday morning on the way to or from swim team practice, so I'll have it for the rheumatologist Monday afternoon.

I am grateful I had one day of normal walking.

MRI scheduled

for next Tues, June 19.  I was able to get it in Seymour, rather than Columbus, so that is a help.  My heels continue to feel 95% pain-free, although I still have the other "ache" type pain and the tingles.  I can deal with it, and I can walk normally too.

Partial relief ?!!!!

I took the 6 methyl-prednisone last night.  I still have pins/needles/tingling, and the pinky-side bottoms of my feet still "ache" or something like that, but my HEELS are so much better that I'm walking on them.  Relief at all is such a blessing!  I do wonder if this means that there IS some inflammation in my feet, even with a low SED rate of 7.

Praise God!

No news - par for the course, sadly

The orthopedic surgeon was really not much help.  He did agree to do an MRI on my right foot, but it'll be scheduled in the next week or so, in Seymour (nearest "big" town).  The dr said I could have mild Raynaud's, and possibly mild tarsal tunnel, but he really doesn't think the MRI will show anything.

I'm VERY frustrated.  So frustrated I almost called everything off, but I didn't.  I do have a call in to the rheumatologist, to make SURE he works with Raynaud's and neuropathies - no point in going to him if he doesn't.  I realize I'll have to wait again, if he doesn't, but I do already have an appt on July 30, which I have NOT canceled.  And I KNOW that dr would be the right one, as the cardiologist called him personally and told him what all I'm experiencing.

The ortho dr from today wants me to do physical therapy, and also wants me to try methyl-prednisone - I forgot to pick it up on the way home, so I'll head back to CVS on my bike sometime after dinner and get that.  Maybe after I get the girls to bed.

I haven't scheduled the physical therapy yet - not sure when to start that - just feeling helpless & hopeless right now.  I know I'm not, but that is my feelings for the moment.

Hoping tomorrow brings a step closer

I visited the chiropractor again today.  I have not had any relief after my several visits.  I do give him credit that he was 40% sure I wouldn't.  He IS excited to show me how to use the ultrasound machine that my dad sent me yesterday.  I don't have another appt until Saturday.  One thing to note - he said if I got relief from the machine, then he would be sure it was tarsal tunnel that was the problem.  If I do NOT get relief from it, then Raynaud's is the problem.  That was his opinion of course, and I don't know how that would factor in with a neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease.

Tomorrow is my appt with the orthopedic surgeon - sure hoping for definitive results via an MRI.  I picked up more test results, consultation notes, from my family doctor today on my way home.  I feel like I'm ready for the appt tomorrow, other than - maybe - do I need to fill out paperwork ahead of time?!  I'll need to look in my folder to see if I have paperwork, and get it done later today, if so.

Sure hoping tomorrow brings me closer to resolution.

Orthopedic surgeon

I have an appt now next Wednesday in Columbus.

Please note that seeing a surgeon doesn't mean I'm having surgery.  From what I've read, surgery is the last resort - this is just a doctor that specializes in similar stuff to a chiropractor, but from a more "medical" background.

One step at a time.

Another day of hurry up & wait

I called to get into an orthopedic surgeon today, to check out tarsal tunnel further.  There happens to be a podiatrist in that same "office", whom I've already seen.  When she heard I wanted my care "transferred", she suggested I have an EMG done with a neurologist first.  Been there, done that.

She ok'd the transfer but said I do not have tarsal tunnel since the EMG was normal.  Sure bugs me, with all the research I've done to the contrary, and the neurologist himself agreeing with my research, that the EMG/nerve conduction study often does NOT find tarsal tunnel.  I believe I've read a statistic, or one of my doctors has said the "accuracy rate" is 15-50%.  That seems pretty low to me.

So now I wait to see if the orthopedic surgeon will "accept" me as a patient, then get an appt.  I will only see him IF he will agree to do an MRI as part of the diagnostic process of tarsal tunnel.

The process wears on...

Heard back from the neurologist

He is unaware that an MRI can diagnose tarsal-tunnel syndrome.  He suggested seeing an orthopedic surgeon (since that is who would do tarsal-tunnel release surgery anyway).

Goodness!

I don't know how hard it is to get into an orthopedic surgeon - or maybe I do.  My husband was going to see one earlier today, after asking for an appt last week, so that isn't too bad.  What the heck!  Might as well try yet another doctor, right?!

*sigh*

Today's update

I spent the weekend in a wheelchair, at the Weekend to Remember marriage retreat in Indianapolis.  My feet & toes were blue/cold AND my calves were.  My feet hurt quite a bit too, both from cold-pain, and the other-pain I've been having.  The hot tub was awesome to warm me up, Saturday eve.

Anyway, back to reality & home.

My podiatrist was uncomfortable scheduling an MRI, and asked what the neurologist thought.  So I have a call in to the neurologist to find out his opinion.  When I was in there, he suggested the next step was to have exploratory tarsal-tunnel release surgery.  THAT is scary, to just have them dig around.

I still haven't heard back from my family doctor either, and he's "contemplating" letting me have an MRI.  I don't hold out much hope there either, as he's had the note since late last Wednesday and it is now mid-afternoon on Tuesday.

Today I saw the chiropractor again.  Last week, he said 50/50 on whether he could help me or not.  My xrays (the new one from today) still show my hips being unlevel, even moreso today than last Tuesday, and I was standing flat-footed today for sure.  After doing his own research on me, he is 60/40 convinced now that I have tarsal tunnel (what he's doing wouldn't help in that case).  One good thing though - he said if after 2 weeks of conservative care, if I'm not starting to see some relief, HE will order an MRI.

So the lineup is:

Continued chiropractic for another 1-2 weeks
Rheumatologist to check for neuropathy and Raynaud's June 18
Cardiologist to check for peripheral vascular disease July 5

Tarsal tunnel is still up in the air - hopefully I can get an MRI before I would have surgery.  It is hard for me to justify surgery yet.

Last ditch will be Mayo Clinic.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers.

Next...

So now I have rescheduled my chiropractic appt from later today until Tuesday after lunch.  He plans to redo the xrays of my hips, and I just didn't have time to do that tonight.

PVD?

I now have an appt to check out peripheral vascular disease in Seymour, on Monday August 13.  That just seems forever away...

More foot frustration

I called my family dr on Tuesday, to try to get an MRI ordered.  I was assured I would be called back late in the day on Tues.  No call.  So Wed morning, I called again, and she told me he was working on "my case" right then, and she'd call me back yet this morning.  So at 4:20 I still hadn't heard from her, and called again.  The dr doesn't want to "throw more tests" at my problem, especially an expensive MRI, and would rather wait for me to see the rheumatologist on June 18, to see what that dr wants to order.  However, a rheumatologist doesn't deal with tarsal tunnel syndrome, and I have so many symptoms that fit tarsal tunnel - I want to rule that out.  My family doctor's office is closed on Thurs (of course), so now I'll be waiting until Friday to even hear back, let alone get anything scheduled.  *sigh*

I will call on Thurs and get an appt to see a different cardiologist to test out the peripheral vascular disease theory, but I imagine it will be a while before I can get in, as those doctors rotate to Seymour from St Vincents in Indianapolis.  But I might as well get the ball rolling.  I can always cancel later IF we find a cause.

Prayers much appreciated.

Feet next try

Today I saw a chiropractor.  He took xrays and told me my neck is pretty far out of alignment, and one hip was much higher than the other.  Those COULD cause nerve problems elsewhere in the body.  HOWEVER, I know for a fact I wasn't standing "properly" - not that I did that on purpose, but didn't think about it, until after I got home.  I don't remember the gal telling me to stand flat-footed or anything.  ARGH.  Waiting on a call back from their office to find out how they might want to proceed. 

I also have a request in to get an MRI from my family doctor, as my podiatrist is gone this week.

My feet are a mess

Since my last post, my feet have sure gotten worse. I had a 2nd opinion from another podiatrist regarding my feet, and she ruled out plantar fasciitis after all. My regular podiatrist was certainly "iffy" when he diagnosed, as pushing on the bottom of my feet did NOT illicit pain as he expected. The 2nd podiatrist assumed the pain I'm having is from the Raynaud's. I'm still "iffy" myself on whether I have primary Raynaud's, so I am continuing the search.

After visiting the 2nd opinion podiatrist, she suggested I could get different Raynaud's medicine by seeing a cardiologist and suggested someone for me to visit. I chose a different cardiologist (closer to home), and after an initial cold greeting, he really has tried to help. He wanted to check for blood clots showering my legs, so first he did an ultrasound of my legs (which was fine).  He also did bloodwork - all of which was very good.  That ruled out arthritis and lupus at least.  My SED rate (inflammation) was also very low, at 7.  That leads the cardiologist AWAY from Raynaud's.  Hmm...

Then I went back to my regular podiatrist, to see if maybe I have tarsal tunnel, rather than plantar fasciitis. They did an ultrasound in the office to measure the plantar fascia, to see if it was inflamed and/or attached to my bone as it should be. All was good there, so he did a few more clinical tests and decided to try the tarsal tunnel tests. He also suggested I go ahead with the abdominal ultrasound to rule out abdominal aorta blood clots.

The ultrasound was last Wednesday, and was fine. Then I got into the neurologist to have the EMG/nerve conduction study of my legs/feet, but that test is pretty inconclusive for tarsal tunnel. It works much better for carpal tunnel (which I also have). His suggestion was either Raynaud's or still tarsal tunnel, but they'd have to go in and do "exploratory tarsal tunnel release surgery" to know for sure.

I've done more research, and want to request an MRI of my feet to try to rule in/out tarsal tunnel. I'm kind of lost as to what to try next, but I do have a rheumatologist appt June 18. That is the dr to see for Raynaud's. There aren't a lot of treatment options for Raynaud's, although a few.

The pain has gotten so bad in my right foot (not constantly, but 98% of the time it seems) that I can't even really walk on it anymore. I was walking on the ball of my foot, but the left side hurts too (although not as much as the right), so both feet are really a mess. I have asked to borrow a friend's wheelchair, and I will be using that for a while, until the doctors can figure out what the problem is, and hopefully remedy it.

I'll keep this updated a bit more often now, or at least try.

Cindy

2012 Early April

VERY hard to believe it has been since November, since I posted last. I do still have trouble believing anyone really follows my blog...

Jessica is 90% potty-trained. She's had 3 accidents in almost 6 weeks, during the day. And she's dry probably 4 out of 7 nights, for the last 2-3 weeks. Her speech continues to improve, and I'm no longer concerned about her hearing. She is learning things from Joanna, from preschool, so I do worry about her being WAY ahead of her group, since she can't start 3-yr old preschool until she is 4, and will already be probably the oldest kindergartener in her class. We'll see how she does in preschool for half a year, then talk about trying to get her into kindergarten "early" if everything seems ready for that, other than her birth-date.

Joanna is day potty-trained completely. She's had 2-3 dry nights in the last 8 weeks or so, not really making progress there. She enjoys preschool.

The girls are now in a twin-over-full bunkbed, but are sleeping in the same lower bunk for now. We have the ladder put up, on the twin, until they are ready to sleep separately, as well as being up so high.

Jeremy is ready for his 12th birthday later this month. He'll be getting a new bike for his birthday (he's definitely outgrown the bike we got him for his 7th birthday!), as he does his own transportation to swim team in the summer, as well as cross-country practice, before school starts again for the 12-13 year. He is in track right now, with his first meet this coming Tuesday. It is a very short season - done by May 12. He'll be glad to be done with band, when school ends in May. He doesn't mind playing, and he's pretty good, but he hates to practice (didn't we all!).

Alex's health is finally settled back down. We were seriously concerned that he had contracted MS somehow, but after a simple change in blood pressure medicine, all those symptoms are gone. Whew! He'll likely go on cholesterol medicine next month. Ugh. Aging is for the birds!

I've had quite a battle with my feet, since being diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome almost a year ago. I checked out several pairs of socks - the only kind that worked were compression socks, that truly increased my circulation, and made my feet warm. However, when it was time to switch to my everyday shoes, last Sep/Oct, I found that the compression socks didn't fit in my shoes. Then I started searching for new everyday shoes. I went through almost 10 pair (only wore them inside the house, and I was able to return all but one pair, that I still have), and nothing worked well. Finally in desperation, I went back to the podiatrist, to find out I now also have 2 broken toenails (my big toes) from wearing too-small shoes for years, as well as plantar fasciitis. It was diagnosed in my right foot at the time, but I have since developed the same pains in my left foot. I am in Brooks tennis shoes all the time, when I leave the house now, for at least another 1-3 months.

I had to do a similar search for house-slippers, and have finally settled on a pair that have great arch support built in, plus are enclosed, and have enough room for my thick socks.

But I'm back in a quandary now - I can't wear these socks all spring/summer/fall when I'm wearing crops/shorts. They are knee-high socks. So 2 weeks ago, I started taking the Raynaud's medicine (it is actually for blood pressure, and I've taken it before, but didn't understand my reaction - now I know what it meant). I will stay on this another 2-4 weeks on the lowest dose, to see if it increases my circulation. But in order to know whether it is the socks that are doing the circulation, or the medicine, I'll have to stop wearing the socks. If after 6 weeks, my feet are still cold, then I'll increase to 1.5 times the dose I'm on now. I know 2x the dose works, but we have to be careful to lower my blood pressure too much, since I already have a fairly low blood pressure. Case in point, I gave blood last Saturday during a blood drive, and they took my bp at 90/60.

I'm in the process of starting the search for an open-sandal to wear after I get off my 1-3 more months of tennis shoe wearing. This is to hopefully let the plantar fascia heal, but we'll see. I might just be destined to have foot pain, and have to learn to live with it. There could be worse things.

Alex's father passed away 3 weeks ago today. We were "expecting" it, but it was/is still a challenge at some points.

Our 1996 Corolla also had a part that disintegrated beyond repair (ie getting a new engine), so we are now the proud new owners of a 2012 Honda Civic. We were planning to get Alex a new car and give the Corolla to Jeremy when he's ready to drive in 4 years, but that is no longer the plan. Hopefully the guys can just share the vehicle after work/school hrs, and we'll help Jeremy get into a decent used vehicle when he's ready to leave for college. He ought to start saving now!

Probably long enough for one post, especially if only 1-2 people reads it!