Foot Pain

[Ouch]

I have been told by a second Podiatrist that I should have a neuroma removed that has caused more then foot pain. Ulcer from the anti-inflamatory drugs, low back pain, knee pain and depression from NOT being able to exersise. Walking and hiking was my therapy for the head and the heart. Can anyone out there let me know of a positive out come from having the neuroma removed? HELP
I need to get on my two feet to live, pay bills, etc.
Also if there is anyone in the Southern California area [san diego] let me know of a compassionate Dr. to go see.
Thank you

[alwaysunderfoot]

Hi Ouch! I am only 17 days post op for Morton's neuroma but I just thought I'd let you know that so far so good. I have some pain and stuff but not the neuroma pain. If things continue with my recovery as they have so far, I would recommend the surgery. (Hope I don't live to regret saying that!) Best of Luck!

[Ouch]

Thanks for your encouragement. I'm pretty scared though. Were you put out or just a nerve block? I don't think I could stand to be awake for the proceedure. Also did you have an MRI to locate and identify the neuroma?

[alwaysunderfoot]

Ouch,
I was put out for my surgery as I would be for any if possible! I'm chicken to have the blocks because I just can't see being awake and knowing they're cutting on me!! I'm sure you're scared. I was also because the first surgery I had (bunion and osteotomy) caused alot of pain. This wasn't nearly as bad. I didn't have an MRI. I only had an x-ray but that wasn't to look for the neuroma. My dr. just diagnosed the MN by examining my foot. I was afraid that it wasn't really a neuroma and that I was having my nerve removed for nothing but the pathology report confirmed it. Also, the dr. can tell by looking at it but who knows if they'd leave it if it didn't look like one? How long have you had this problem?

[Ouch]

Hi
Back in 1980 my horse stepped on my barefoot [yeah stupid to be working around a horse barefoot]and two toes on my left foot broke. 3rd and 4th. They healed and everything seemed back to normal. I even drove a 4 speed Datsun station wagon for 9 years. Then we got an automatic transmission Jeep and drove that for 8 years. In the meantime we always did alot of walking and hiking. We live in the mountians and I used walking for therapy and high blood pressure and stress and enjoyment etc. I also did yoga which requires alot of the use on the ball of your foot. In 1999 we bought a new Subaru wagon a 5 speed. Which I loved. The clutch was stiff and a year and a half later I had to trade the 5 speed for an automatic.I slowly could not do yoga standing positions any more and started using over the counter antinflamitories, off and on. They helped I kept on walking and hiking. I also bought foot inserts to take the pressure off. I have always worn good shoes. My father was a podiatrist for 40 years. And he always said "Don't Let anyone cut on your feet." He saw alot of bad results from surgery.I took care of him up to a year ago. He was 101 when he passed. I was up to taking 2 Aleve a day and that kept me going. Until I was told I had a ulcer more then likely from the Aleve. Makes sense. So now its been since last june and I've been on meds for ulcer which has improved. BUT now every step I take I know Its not right. Some days are better then others. I also went throught getting a steriod injection and had an allergic reaction and that was awful. My foot turned bright red swelled up blistered the skin peeld off the whole bottom of my foot and three toes. I suffered for 3 weeks with that. Its never gotten better. Anyway I have a bad knee and lowerback now due to walking wrong favoring my foot. Thats the story. Sorry Its so long.
Thanks for listening and responding. Ouch

[alwaysunderfoot]

Hi Ouch!
I can really relate to your foot problems. I have driven a straight drive for many years but I've gotten to the point I can hardly do it anymore. Well, right now there's no way I can push the clutch. I also have always worn good,wide (usually ugly) shoes on account of my feet. I live in the country and I also do alot of outside stuff and everything. I've heard alot of people say not to have foot surgery and I can understand that. But when it gets so bad you can't do anything without them killing you what do you do? I finally looked at it this way, I couldn't work or enjoy anything for the pain so what difference would it make. You know? I'm hopeful that this surgery will take care of my left foot anyway. So far its still doing pretty good and its only been 18 days. I believe it will help. I had one of the shots too but it didn't help at all and the dr said if that one didn't help, another one wouldn't.
Bless your heart for taking care of your dad and I'm sorry for your lose. I took care of my dad till he passed away too and after he was gone in 02 (mom had died in 94) I felt useless without having him to care for. I know what you mean too about the other pains this cause. It throws your whole body out of alignment (at least thats how I put it) Have a great evening.