The last couple days have been busy ones, health-wise; I just hope I’m going in the right direction, because right now I’m a bundle of nerves. Unfamiliar ones.
Yesterday afternoon, I returned to my new dentist for 6 ‘deep fillings’ and a lower front tooth restore. I was expecting a laid back session, as I was there 2 weeks ago and he gave me one of the best & relaxing teeth cleanings I ever had. This session was a lot more intense though. He had my lower mouth propped open for 2 1/2 hours and I think he gave me one too many shots of novacaine (because of all my flinching). I awoke this morning with a VERY achy face and weird ‘stiffness’ around my mouth & chin. Not a great feeling. It died down this afternoon but returned after dinner.
(My bill was also $1,086.00—that’s what happens when you have no dental insurance!) Anyway, I’m just hoping the soreness in my face ends in the next day or two.
Today was my appointment with the plantar specialist, Dr. Bill. He did a thorough examination of my calves, ankles and feet. I explained to him my sedentary routine for 16 months from long covid, then “getting back out there” with 2 mile walks to the senior center and back, 2-3 days a week. Then a month ago I began experiencing burning sensations in my calves, then a week or so later, my feet.
He did tapping, twisting & pressure point tests, and diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis. He told me he could work manually on my feet and calves alone, which my insurance would cover (minus a $32.00 copay), or I could also receive shockwave therapy. He said he’s treated many people with plantar, and the shockwave patients usually recover in half the time his manual-only patients do. I believed him, I’ve been reading up on this shock therapy a lot these last couple weeks.
Unfortunately, my insurance does NOT cover the shock therapy and he told me it would be an additional $100 for a 30 minute session, or I could pay ahead and get 5 weekly sessions for the price of 3. So that’s what I went with, not including the session I got today (which didn’t cost me extra besides my copay).
He had me lie on my back, while he rubbed ‘conductor goop’ on my right foot first, then my left. It was cool & soothing. Then he begain running that machine—“tik tik tik tik”. I told him I didn’t feel anything. He told me that the healthy parts of feet wouldn’t, there would only be pain in areas with damaged fascia or scar tissue. Sure enough. I soon began having some very painful reactions. He kept track of my responses, and came up with a pretty good map of where things are not good, numbered 1-8 for pain.
Dr. Bill thinks I’ll be in better shape in 5 weeks time, but told me no more ice; cool or lukewarm foot baths only. He also told me no NSAIDs for 48 hours following a session, Tylenol only. My next one is next Wednesday.
I’m sorry for all this health stuff, I promise my next blog is going to be a better one—it’ll be all about food.
I'm glad you have a plan for the foot pain! It is amazing what they can do these days. I had lingering intense pain when I broke my arm and the final treatment was something called a dolphin. It turned out to be something that looks like a computer mouse and she would roll it around points on my arm and hand and I think even fingers. I thought it was a joke. I felt nothing. But after the second treatment I noticed a real difference. And each treatment with me doing nothing left me exhausted. After 3 weeks, the pain was gone! Magic!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have dental insurance either. The cost is about what we pay anyway. Our dentist gives us discounts for cash. I keep saying -I'm almost 70. How many teeth do I need anyway.
Thanks for sharing your dolphin story, Miss Merry. That gives me some real hope in regards to my two feet. As for you not having dental insurance, that's the same reason as me. To me limitations and caps on what you can get done in a year anyway. But I have to admit I regret going this week, I wish I'd waited until the foot stuff was resolved.
DeleteI'm glad you're dealing with all this stuff though and not just waiting for it to go away. You're a man of action, Doug! I'm happy for the new treatments and hope that you'll soon be back (comfortably) on your feet, both literally and figuratively.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, much appreciated. I think it's taken me 60 years to learn that I can't just sit around and wait for the magic to happen. Plus I read too many stories on Reddit a people dealing with this plantar fasciitis for a year or more. I don't want that to be me.
DeleteOh my goodness! Sorry for all this health stuff you're dealing with. And the dentist... they're doubly painful, the work and then the bill! Even with insurance dentists are ridiculously expensive. The long Covid sounds awful, and I've had plantar fasciitis and it's no picnic either.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Jennifer, I have to admit the last month has been kind of overwhelming. I sure hope you're on the way getting better yourself.
DeleteI sure hope the treatment works. You are in the same boat as my husband, who is agreeing to thousands of dollars to construct a bridge in his mouth. He is also getting treatment for his lymphoma. Not a fun time, not at all. I hope you get relief with that treatment. Hugs, virtual ones and a coupla prayers thrown in for luck.
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, your poor husband... thanks very much DJan.
DeleteDoug, most of your readers, including myself, are "older" with health issues so we read your posts with a lot of recognition and compassion.
ReplyDeleteJackie M