We made it to and from Chicago safely. We met with the doctor related to pain first on Friday morning. He feels that the pain is likely caused from several sources – nerve, bone and general trauma from past surgeries. It is standard for medication to be prescribed first and this was his suggestion. He recommended an anti-inflammatory medication (steroid), nerve medication and another pain medicine. He said that there is no guarantee that if we would remove several sensory nerves, that this would solve the pain issue.
I am absolutely not comfortable taking the pain medication that he suggested. To say that it is super strong is a total understatement. It is very potent and the likelihood of me being able to function at work is pretty low. The side effects that are fairly standard would be worse than the current foot pain. I am notorious for having most of the side effects happen to me. I am still evaluating the steroid suggestion. He thought there was a lot of swelling still in the foot but honestly, I thought it looked fairly good and he saw it on a “good” day. I came home not much further ahead on having a short-term “pain” solution.
We also met with the orthopedic surgeon. She continues to be gracious, and is trying to remain positive in the midst of circumstances that are not unfolding as we had hoped. She agreed and recognized that we have two problems: 1. Functional/Walking aspect and 2. Pain issue …. if we correct one without the other, we are no further ahead. She thought the forefoot area and toes looked worse now than in May …. I fully agree. Although I hate the fact that a substantial functional issue continues to linger, it was good to hear her recognize that there is still a problem.
She (ortho doctor) said that the situation continues to defy all medical theories, plans, and the foot continues to react in a manner opposite of the planned or normal outcome. She compared it to the foot being similar to a defiant child – my foot does the opposite of what is hoped. She continues to be committed to not let this medical journey go on forever. The deformed foot positioning probably is not going to improve by itself, so we are both going to talk and evaluate week-to-week over the next several weeks.
We are going to continue to communicate via e-mail and phone. She is going to consult with another surgeon at Loyola University next weekend at a foot conference in Toronto. We will likely do another follow-up appt. at the beginning of August.
Thanks for your prayers ... especially on Friday.
je
2 comments:
Thanks for the update. I want to encourage you to consider the steroid, hun! The big "they" (society, general opinion) tend to discourage people from using this line of drugs b/c they're "BAD" for you, hard on your body, etc. I totally disagree! I've seen steroids work in situations where no other drug helped. They are a natural hormone produced by your own body, so, yes, if abused and used in the wrong manner or at the wrong dose, they CAN have some nasty side effects and be harmful over time. But used judiciously, they can be quite helpful for inflammation, pain, swelling, and reactions--which is why there overall use is so varied: asthma, anaphylactic reactions, hormone replacement therapy, poison ivy, arthritis, chronic pulmonary obstructive conditions, autoimmune diseases, blah, blah, blah, blah...the list is endless. Don't be a "phobe!" Be a "phile" when it comes to steroids! They may give an edge that the previous medications tried have not given you--under careful supervision, it could be a good solution! Thinking of you this evening! Have ?'s---call! Jobacks!
I SWEAR that I'm not stalking you (writing so soon and all)...just wanted to check to see if there was any more news from this weekend...we're thinking of you and in your corner.
Isaac's message to Jenny: I'll bet that you are safe and that your foot feels better...well, thanks!! Bye Bye!!
Hmmmmmm...that about sums it up!
Jobacks out!
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