It all began with an annoying twitch on the right side of my right foot.
It felt like the muscles were tearing when I stretched my foot in any direction. The doctor didn't have an answer for me as to the cause. I wonder at times if they still don't. The years have past and yes, this condition has now been going on for almost 40 years and every year it is getting worse.
I could feel my legs getting more tired as each year went past and my feet getting more painful as well. I have been to a physiotherapist, reflexologist, had medications and none of it has helped with the cramping and the pain. I used to be able to lay with my feet in the air to get relief, but it also soon became a pipe dream.
It soon became horrible as I found I was able to walk less and less distance without haveing to stop and rest my legs and feet. Working as a waitress soon became a no no for me as well. In fact anything that had to do with walking and being on my feet for any length of time was impossible. Yes, I tried to learn how to cope with this over the years and in a sence I have learned how to work around it.
The symptoms are many. Here's the list and I shall go from start to now.
1. Muscles felt like they were being pulled and torn on my right foot.
2. Soon my left foot felt the same.
3. Next both my feet started to feel like they were numb.
4. Slowly the sensations began crawling up my legs.
5. Numbness started setting in on both my legs and feet.
6. The cramping started on both sides.
7. Eventually both legs became painful.
8. There is extreme pain if the soles of my feet are touched lightly.
9. There is circulation, it's been confirmed.
10. If feels like my feet are being twisted one way and then another and it is very painful when it does that.
11. I have the sensation that I am standing or walking on something, but cannot tell what it is.
12. I have torn nails off my toes and it never hurt, in fact, didn't even know I had done that until the next day.
13. I can no long enjoy site seeing, dancing or walking. Oh how I miss doing all that.
14. Now I am in constant pain a sharp, burning, twisting, cramping pain.
15. How do I cope? With the greatest of difficulties.
16. Finally had a MRI done on my back and found that I did have a protuding disk.
17. The nerves in my feet feel like they are dying. Is it possible it's coming from my back.
18. Another MRI done, and I am awaiting on the results.
I cannot walk a block unless I have to stop and rest before I venture back. I work a little and rest a little, walk a little, sit a little. At times I am despressed over the pain and frustrated at what I can and cannot do. Yes, I am on medication for depression and even the tyonel and tyonel 3 that I use is starting to become useless.
Most of my nights are broken with my feet and legs cramping so bad that I have to get back on my feet to get them to feel better. Sounds silly? I know it does. A topical medication does seem to help, so I am trying that. It does not work 100%, but it does help relax the muscles enough to let me sort of get to sleep.
Enough about my problems, I just had to get it off my chest and share the reasons as to why I don't do things I used to love doing. I have decided that if I have to, I will use a wheel chair. Danged if I am going to miss out on most of things happening in my life because my feet and legs give out. Maybe I might try a message therapist or an acupucturist. Haven't tried those yet.
God bless everyone and take care and blog to you again.
Cecile
