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Posted 6/3/2013 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Sorry I've not been around to much, I've been in a TON of pain. I'm trying everything that I can think of and just can't seem to get any relief at all.

For about the past 10 days my feet, the left one is the worst, hurts so bad. I can barely set my left foot on the floor. Let alone walk or stand on the darn thing.

When I force myself to get up and go to my appointments and such, when I go to bed my ankles look like I have a lemon stuck under the skin on the sides by the ankle bone. When I stretch my Achilles tendon I get this terrible burning and popping sensation in it. I've had this tendon operated on. My inflammation is so bad, it caused my body to form nodules that grew on the tendon. They opened the tendon up and removed the nodules, but my tendon is weak cause of it.

The pain is all around the heel, up ward to the ankle, and Achilles tendon. I'm afraid I'm going to pop the tendon. My Rheumy gave me a prescription for Voltran gel, but so far it's done nothing. I had a massage on Saturday and the therapist worked my foot over well. She said that ALL of my connective tissue was inflamed.

I've tried everything for relief, I looked like a fool at the drug store yesterday. I can't stand on that left foot at all, here I'm standing in line on my right foot, holding my left foot up. I looked like a darn flamingo, too bad I want painted pink LOL.

Anyway, does anyone have a suggestion on how to get some relief? The only time I can get my pain below a 7, is if I stay in bed with my foot touching nothing at the heel. I've taken the nerve meds and can't tolerate them. I do take cymblata 60mg daily. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 6/3/2013 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Good evening Barbara!

I'm probably not much help here for you, but maybe try cold packs? I know your hurting, and that always tears my heart to pieces for a person. Sorry…at a loss, and have limited offerings of help for you.

SE
Posted 6/3/2013 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Barbara,

Sorry to hear about your extra pain issues..... that sounds pretty miserable!

Are you taking anti-inflammatories? That's my first "go to" help w/ this type of pain..... I get the same intense pain -- but in my hands/wrists/forearms.

When it gets too bad for me, my PM will do a steroid injection; I think you could probably have one in that region. Have you ever tried this?

The flamingo comment made me laugh, lol..... like you said, when you are in pain - you'll do anything for relief!!

Hope you feel better.... will keep thinking of other things that might help. --Tina
Posted 6/3/2013 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
Last thought:

Have you tried immobilizing it w/ a brace? I have to wear braces on my hands when they get too bad.

Hope you can find something that helps.... even if it just takes it down a notch or two!
Posted 6/3/2013 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barbara,

Sorry to hear about how much pain you're in.

You said that the connective tissue was inflamed. As Tina already asked, are you taking any anti-inflammatory meds? If not, I would suggest you take something or talk to your doctor about getting some.

Do you have a heating pad? I know heat can help relief sometimes. I use heat on me.

I hope you get some pain relief soon.

UA
Posted 6/3/2013 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
hello Barbara, i am so sorry you are in one of those cycles. do you have neuropathy in your foot due to an injury/trauma to the foot or do you have another underlying pain syndrome?
idea
Posted 6/3/2013 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have gotten good results alternating ice and heat. Start with the ice you could probably use a small cooler and get some good ice water to stick the whole foot in, then I use wet towels in the microwave to wrap the foot in. The ice part is for as long as you can take it or until your foot goes numb, lol, the heat until the towel gets cold. I hope this help you as I said it has worked for me in the past.
Lesley
Posted 6/3/2013 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Do you think you may have broken some bones in your foot?

Hope you are feeling some better by now.

Hugs.
Posted 6/3/2013 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
I've had surgery on my achilles tendons because they were so tight I could hardly flex my foot enough to walk.

Now they're becoming tight again and I get that burning/popping sensation when I walk sometimes, especially if there's bad weather coming, happening, or going.

Keeping the ankle *frozen* so it can't move and aggravate the tendons helps, I use an ace bandage or one of those Velcro ankle braces because they're soft but adjustable and can fit under a sock and shoe.

Also those lidoderm patches help, they're prescription but topical. It helps to numb the whole area and I cut them to use on the back of my ankle and the bottom of my foot.

Moist heat also helps, and then I use Aleve, just something to get the inflammation down from the inside out.

Try using crutches if you can, the less you put weight on it the less aggravated it will be.

I hope you feel better soon! So sorry I can't actually do more to FIX it :(
Posted 6/3/2013 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry that I have nothing to add, but you've been given some good suggestions. As Lexi said, the Lidoderm patches can work very well for certain types of pain. If you don't already have them, I'd ask your Dr. if he/she would call a script in for you. Being able to cut-to-size enables them to be used anywhere you have pain. I sure hope you can get some relief soon! What does your Dr. say?

And I too, have done the 'flamingo-stand' - more than a few times! C:

Have a peaceful day.....
Posted 6/4/2013 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your suggestions I appreciate them. To answer some questions asked of me.

No, I'm not taking an anti inflammatory, I have serious stomach issues and can't take them. However, I've been on prednisone for over 12 years now and it works as an anti inflammatory. My RA/Lupus is so bad though we can't seem to get my inflammation levels down to much. Because of the severe side effects, I now have from the prednisone, my Dr has had me cutting back on them.

I'm certain if I were allowed to increase my dosage of prednisone, I would do a lot better. I spent all of last month using my lidoderm patches on my feet instead of my back. It really hasn't done a lot to ease my pain. Heat makes them feel better, ice causes my joints to ache really bad. So no I'm not putting ice on my feet.

I haven't tried an ace bandage nor a brace. I'll have to look into that. I don't have any crutches, but I'm sure I could buy some. Lynn, I'm not sure I haven't broken a bone in my foot. I mean I've just broke two more ribs and the Dr isn't sure if it just happened or if it was from the car accident I was in on May 22nd.

I'll be seeing my Primary Dr tomorrow, she's going to remove some skin tags I have. I'll show her my feet and ask for an X-ray and any possible suggestions. The only time they aren't killing me is if I've been laying in bed and have the foot touching nothing at all.

Sigh.....guess I'll continue to look like a flamingo for awhile yet. It great that pink is my favorite color, will make sure i wear it tomorrow LOL. Thanks for your suggestions, will let you know what my Dr offers tomorrow.

Hugs,
Barbara

P.S. Spinal no neuropathy in my feet. Other than the Achilles tendon surgery on the left foot no injury to that foot. My right foot was injured but on the top of the foot. Both feet hurt on the heel, and Achilles tendons, and ankles.

Post Edited (Barbara Lee) : 6/3/2013 9:38:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/4/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I would really recommend trying the brace/ace bandage then, sometimes good stabilization can make all the difference in the world. And if you haven't been already, try using moist heat instead of dry heat. For some reason the moist heat just seems to penetrate better, especially when it comes to my feet/ankles.

Also, if you mention wanting to try crutches to your doc, I'm sure she can help with that, possibly at no cost to you.

Good luck! Please let us know what happens after your appt tomorrow!
Posted 6/5/2013 10:12 AM (GMT 0)
LexiRae,

Yes, I did see a Dr yesterday, just not my Primary , she was called away. She spoke with an Intern and her Resident about me though.

According to the Resident I have a severe case of Achilles tendonitis. Said to ice the area at last 4 times a day, even though it causes severe joint pain for me.

She also gave me two prescriptions, one for a heel wedge and a boot to wear. Said the boot would stop the tendon from moving. Not looking forward to wearing it though.

She also instructed me to stretch it a certain way, that my Rheumy instructed me NOT to do it that way. I mentioned that and she basically said he was wrong and it had to be done that way. My Rheumy is the specialist here and has been practicing a lot longer than she has.

Guess, I'll call my Primary to see which stretches she wants done. Also, I'll ask for an X-ray of feet and an MRI of my foot.

Will keep you updated on how I'm doing. Hopefully, I'll start to be able to walk w/o severe pain soon. Thanks for all your help.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 6/5/2013 10:45 AM (GMT 0)
Well darn Barbara and don't you love those appointments where you put yourself thru all the pain of getting there and walk away with no answers ? Or at least no more then you had going in? Except for the confusion of advising you to do something another Dr told you not too.

I changed insurance and saw a new primary on Monday and got to the pharmacy yesterday only to find he had changed 4 out 5 of my regular meds and they all were a tier 3 which costs me $7 a piece. All of my previous meds were 1 and 2 tier and cost me nothing.

Now I had no complaints about any of the old meds and they were all working OK. I don't fix things that aren't broken and $30 a month may not seem like a lot to some but for me to pay that every month I would have to give up something like food or household things.

I have a call in to him as I didn't pick any of them up. I can't believe that he didnt even mention doing anything like changing my meds.

Anyway hope you get to feeling better soon and if all else fails you can give the old tried and true Epsom salts soaks and see how that works.
Posted 6/5/2013 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Your best bet to find out what stretches you should be doing for achilles tendonitis is a physical therapist.


I have chronic achilles tendonitis in both ankles. I got the runaround from several docs and in the end, the only person who really helped me see a reduction in the pain was the physical therapist.

They can give you the right exercises to do at home and even show you ways to wrap it/help you learn how to walk with the boot so you don't injure something else without realizing it.

Would it be possible to get a referral to see one?
Posted 6/5/2013 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barbara, I don't really have any advice, I just wanted to send you a *hug* and let you know I'm thinking and praying for you.
Posted 6/7/2013 7:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Vickie, LexiRae, and Also,

Thanks ladies for responding I appreciate that. Vickie I can't believe what your Dr did to you. He should have told you about the changes, I hope you've talked with him by now and have things settled.

I hope that your tests turn out ok and you start feeling better real soon. It seems like a never ending train ride for us it's almost like we never can get off it.

Lexi I'm sure I can get a referral to PT. I had surgery on this achilles tendon that is hurting so bad. I was at the military hospital 3 times this week, I'm not up to making another trip down today. So PT referral will have to wait till next week.

Plus I've got insomina so bad, it's almost 3:30 east coast time and I've yet to go to bed. Will go when I finish this post. The pain in my feet is so bad, the only time I'm not terrible is if I remain in my bed and not get up.

Well I have to walk to the toilet and have to go to the kitchen for food. I'm just so tired of everything. My anniversary is Saturday and as I feel right now you couldn't drag me out of my home if it were on fire!

Also thanks for the prayers and all the well wishes. I'm taking any and all prayers I can get. I'm sliding down a slippery hill and have nothing to grab onto.

I hope you all have a good day with low pain levels. Will check in later tonight.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 6/7/2013 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Barb, so very sorry your having a lot of pain, I have a suggestion and it seems wacky but it helps me, I went to a scuba store and puchased some diving socks, and use them in a hot bath and boy they keep the heat good even when the water is getting colder...and it makes the heat last longer and warm water might help...and they do fit snug, make sure to ask for help at the store and it's worth a try especially if warmth is helping you better...
Posted 6/7/2013 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
You can look online at www.scuba.com for scuba socks/boots, they keep your feet warm and helps alot in the hot water, you dont feel like you get burned with these its a comfotable warmth and I have just the boots and gloves myself and they feel great, maybe look into a parafin wax bath for hands and feet, hope this helps you out. Sure wish your doing better soon, ya know we care about you! Many prayers.
Posted 6/7/2013 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barbara I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. I've been having a big problem with getting nauseas when I get hungry. I'm so sorry that your feet hurt so bad. I don't have anything to add. I just wanted to let you know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. I hope your feet feel better really soon.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 6/7/2013 11:00 PM (GMT 0)

care??? said...
I have gotten good results alternating ice and heat. Start with the ice you could probably use a small cooler and get some good ice water to stick the whole foot in, then I use wet towels in the microwave to wrap the foot in. The ice part is for as long as you can take it or until your foot goes numb, lol, the heat until the towel gets cold. I hope this help you as I said it has worked for me in the past.
Lesley

Posted 6/8/2013 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Chart, Loretta, and Andrew,

Thanks for taking the time o respond to my post. Chart, I'll have to give scuba socks a try. I'm guessing if I soaked my feet in hot water it would basically work the same for me.

I don't take hot baths anymore since our last move. The house we are in now has a very shallow tub and it's not worth filling it to even try to just sit in it. I need a deep soaker tub, like I had when we lived in military housing. So, I'm sticking to boiling hot showers. Will look into the socks tho, thanks for the idea.

I picked up the heel cushions, and they do seem to help with the amount of pain I get when walking. However, the boot that I got isn't going to work NO WAY NO HOW!!!!!! They medic put the boot on me and I walked from one side of the hospital to the other, I'd say it's equal to about 6 blocks, then out to the parking lot, another 3 blocks. By the time I reached the car I was in tears.

I'm so short the boot comes just over my knee. When walking it pulls my gait off and I limp, plus it pushes my hips off to one side and my lower back really disliked how I walked. I already have enough low back and hip pain that on a daily basis I'm at a 7/10 most days. Really, don't know what I'm going to do. Will attempt to reach primary Dr next week. For now I guess I'll try to stay off my feet.

It's now 2 am on June 8th and it's my 28th Anniversay. Hubby has been asking me what I want for a gift, I've had a hard time picking something. Told him last night that the few things I truly wanted, I wouldn't want him to get at this point. He starts his furlough in July through Sept at the earliest. Plus, we are still trying to figure out how to put our girl thru her last 2 years of college. Then the 3 things that I REALLY would want, he just can't provide that to me.

So, I think I'll settle for him to wait on me hand and foot for the weekend. It will keep me off my feet, and it won't cost any money for him to do LOL. I do know that the 3 of us will go out to dinner at The Melting Pot. Hubby did get a gift already tho he's restoring to original condition a 1971 Dodge Challenger RT with a six speed transmission. I don't know the engine size but I do know he did the rebuild himself. He asked for trim pieces for the body.

Well, I'm off to try to sleep, if I don't I won't feel up to dinner tonight. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I really am having a hard time with all this pain. Feeling very disheartened and want to give up.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 6/8/2013 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
Don't give up!

I've been stuck in boots and leg braces on and off for most of my life. And I'm 5'2 on a good day, so things like that always happened to me. Where'd you get the boot from? Chances are they can give you another one that fits better or tinker with the one you have, that stuff is almost NEVER right the first go round because it's hard to judge how your body will try and compensate until you do a good bit of walking.

There were a couple times where I had to do 3 or 4 fittings before I could tolerate the brace or boot.

I hope you got/are getting some restful sleep so that you can enjoy your day with the hubby. I'm in the same boat except it's my man's birthday, not our anniversary. I'm praying I can get through the day without crying, being sick, falling down, something. Fingers crossed for both of us!
Posted 6/8/2013 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Engine size on that car is probably a V-8 or 8 cyclinder, Happy Happy Anniversary, wow 28 years sure hope it's a good relaxing weekend for you, Maybe try an get a parafin wax bath that might help heat your foot and make it smooth too....just trying to help and you know always thinking of you and saying a prayer...looking out for you and your posts...Many well wishes for a good weekend for you, I had a ruptured pb tendon in 2006 (about) and those horrible boots are just that so bulky too and heavy...best thing is just to keep off your feet I guess. Most shoes will not match the height on those boots so thats hard finding a shoe to wear along side it...sure hope you can catch a break...Many Prayers...
Posted 6/9/2013 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Lexi and Chart,

Thanks your support, as always. Chart I know it's a V8 engine in the car but I don't know the kind, like 383 V8 or whatever, I'm FAR from a car person LOL. As long as I can start it, drive it, and park it that's all I need to know.

I've been thinking about the wax type machines, actually suggested it to hubby a couple of days ago. He went and picked up my favorite type of donut for breakfast. A sugar coated, lemon filled donut. We then went out to the dealer to get the oil changed on his new car. We were going to go and pick out something for me at the store, but I was just hurting way way to bad. So we came home, I put up my feet and rested.

Hubby, was really tired and took a nap before going to dinner. I think he didn't get a LONG enough nap and was a bit grumpy. The 3 of us went to dinner, it was okay, but not great considering what it cost. Our daughter was disappointed with the final course. This place added a shot of 151 to the chocolate along with the baileys and then burned the alcohol off. Well the 151 you could really taste cry

We arrived home at 9:30 and hubby went straight to bed. I'm kinda worried about him, he doesn't appear to be his normal self. Not sure what's going on with him and he isn't talking about things. Daughter leaves in the AM for her summer job in NYC. Sure hope she does okay, I know she's upset with my leukemia DX. I truly have been considering packing a bag and just disappearing.

I want them NOT to suffer through watching me get sicker. I know deep in my heart that it just might be the best thing for them, but I don't know IF I could live through it. My pain is so bad skull I feel so sick I think I'm gonna come unglued.

Lexi I hope you and your guy were able to celebrate today. I sincerely hope that you had a great day health and pain wise. However, if you didn't that's okay, I'm sure he understood. My day didn't go like I wanted and yeah I'm disappointed and a bit upset and hurt. I think my feeling bad affected hubby's mood. We are gonna have good days and bad ones. I know I can expect many more bad than good days to come. If today wasn't the best for you Lexi, the next time you feel good, make up for it. Keep your chin up ladies.

Hugs,
Barbara
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