My favorite body part? My feet. They're not pretty, but they get me where I want to go.
-- Patricia Heaton, actress
Those of you who have read this column for a while have heard tales of my foot problems that began with a broken fifth metatarsal in my right foot back in 2012. Surgery in 2013 was meant to fix the bone, but it didn't work, and I was left with a still-broken bone and a broken screw in the foot.
I could walk, but it bothered me.
Fast forward to 2015, a couple of months before Christmas, when I got an infection in the right foot that worked its way into the bone. The eventual outcome was amputation of the bone and little toe. I mourned it and moved on.
During these years I also developed a condition called Charcot neuroarthropathy. It deformed the bones in my upper right foot due to blood flow problems brought on by neuropathy, a nerve condition that comes along with Type 2 diabetes.
The deformity has caused me to walk on the outside of that foot, and my ankle bone sticks out at an odd angle. I get around fine with the help of a brace, but folks, it's getting old. Don't get me wrong, I consider it a blessing that there are aids that help our quality of life, but the brace is straightening the ankle less and less these days, and I walk on the side of my foot even with it on.
A modification to the outside sole of my shoe keeps it straighter, but I'm relegated to one pair of shoes that are a size larger than my already big feet. I tend to walk listing to the right a bit and manage to trip over my shoes several times a day.
I am, as they say, over it.
After my surgery in 2015, my orthopedic surgeon and I discussed the possibility of surgery in the future to straighten the foot out. I have harbored that hope in my heart for almost two years.
That dream of a better foot might become a reality Nov. 7 when my surgeon, Dr. Greg Ardoin, operates. I feel positive that my foot will be in good hands.
The end result, hopefully, will be a fusion of the bones in the ankle/upper foot area. It does involve some bone grafting and wearing a cast for several months, but that will be worth it for more mobility, quality of life and a larger selection of footwear.
As a diabetic I'll have to be extra careful about keeping my blood sugar in check because to not do so could mean that the bones don't fuse and form a union, which could leave me worse off.
Am I nervous? You bet. But nothing ventured means nothing gained. I'll keep you posted, and will tell about my experience as the whole thing unfolds. It ought to be interesting.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
I know it's a bit early to be thinking of Christmas, but I believe in being prepared. Although my card giving has gone down over the years, I still enjoy the process of choosing pretty ones with loving sentiments of the season.
Cards can be bought at dollar stores and mass merchandise places, which benefit the retailers. Or you can buy them through organizations that use the money to benefit our fellow man.
The Arkansas Children's Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Card Project was started in 1968. Every year artwork from patients is selected, by committee, to be featured during the Christmas season. The project has expanded to include specialty items such as trivets, tea towels and ornaments, as well as greeting cards and other items designed to use year-round.
Proceeds help provide support for programs and services at the hospital.
To see what's available or to order, go to achaux.mybigcommerce.com. Or you can call (800) 595-6498.
The American Diabetes Association also offers an assortment of holiday items, and sales benefit the organization and diabetics across the country.
They have an array of Christmas cards, gift items, ornaments and decorations, and nonseasonal things such as lunch kits, kitchen utensils and books.
To check out the selection, go to shopdiabetes.org, where you can also request a catalog.
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ActiveStyle on 10/23/2017