Of Springtime and Feet

Downey Service Berry in Blossom

I'll begin and end this post with recent pictures of spring flowers and blossoms and spend the rest of my time telling you about my foot ... without going into all of its unique and wonderful history ... to which the congregation said "Amen."

In its present flare-up, my ankle has been bothering me for just over two years. After re-aggravating it, I gave it a full year to calm down ... but it didn't. Only then, did I have my doctor request physio at the hospital. Physio is free at the hospital, but they have a long waiting list: so long that it took me more than a year to get in. I had originally expected the wait to be three months, and had I known how long the wait would have been, I'd likely have bit the bullet and paid for private treatment.

Then, a number of months ago, I began to have new symptoms -- pulsating pain in my ankle -- so my doctor requested x-rays and based on the results of those, she decided that an osteopathic surgeon should be consulted. That was last fall or early winter, and I had just about given up of ever being called in for an appointment.

Strangely enough, both the doctor and physio came through this week. The diagnosis is that I have a number of issues in my ankle area: loss of bone density, two bone chips, and a cartilage that is no more. Strangely enough, the medic's main concern -- the missing cartilage -- isn't where I feel pain.

The doctor then prescribed a cat scan, and I was also called for in for that this week, which made three medical appointments in one week after so much waiting. Like the doctor appointment, the scan took place out of town, so it's been a busy week or driving and medical appointments. My main disappointment was in not having an actual pussy cat do the scanning. What a letdown.

I don't know where all of these appointments and treatments are leading. The doctor mentioned the possibility or fusing the cartilage-less joint, but I am hopeful that physio can help. I was impressed with the therapist who took much time in diagnosing my condition and discussing it with me. I am so comfortable with her that I think that I am glad that I waited so long if that's what it took. I have had the foot analyzed by a physiotherapist once before, and this exam was much more thorough. After one session, the foot feels a little looser, so perhaps some progress can be made. Even if I can manage somewhat longer without undergoing an operation, I will be pleased. In the meantime, I am hoping to recover some more mobility and reduced pain when I walk, for lately when I do go out to try my ... er ... foot ... at walking, I just say that I am going out for a hobble.

Edit: They have me doing some leg strengthening exercises because my right calf muscle is 3cm  (>1") smaller than my left. I don't know if this will help my ankle at all or whether I am just doing them because it's a good thing to do.

Tulip just opening and daffodil just beginning to fade