Health and Well-Being Update | Peripheral Neuropathy+
by Elouise
The last several months felt like a never-ending hike in the dark. Not knowing. Waiting. Getting bits and pieces of information, but not the whole pie. Which would likely be liver and okra pie—my worst nightmare foods when I was a child!
- Seriously, I know more than I did a month ago. Yes, I have peripheral neuropathy. But where is it coming from?
- Thanks to the MRI in late December, I now know it’s coming from osteoarthritis in my lower spine.
- The pain in my feet can be eased by several simple and challenging exercises. As a religious person and because I’m able to do so, I’m religiously practicing the art of stretching and strengthening my lower back.
- The pain in my feet and legs is worse when weather fronts move in along with frigid wind, snow, sleet, and ice. Ironically, sudden changes in air pressure coincide with burning in my legs and feet. Especially at night.
- Walking is an excellent way to get circulation going in my lower legs and feet. I walk almost every day come rain or shine, thanks to an open first-floor plan, a radio, and my wi-fi headphones.
- Open-toe sandals are comforting to my feet, along with soft, warm knee-high diabetic socks. I am not diabetic.
- I have a serious problem with fatigue. Morning energy quickly dissolves into weariness.
Next week I’ll see my hematologist. Based on the outcome of bloodwork he ordered a month ago, he will tell me whether I’m a candidate for a health issue at least as difficult as peripheral neuropathy. D will be with me so that we hear this news together.
That’s my report for now. I’m taking this one day at a time: laughing or crying when I feel like it, lying down for short naps as needed, playing the piano, listening to music, watching the birds, and sticking to my super-healthy diet.
Praying this finds each of you in reasonably good health.
Elouise♥
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 21 Jan 2021
Photo found at pinterest.com
Telling the Truth 
Dear Elouise,
Thank you for this update, including the encouraging news that stretching an strengthening your lower back/back muscles should help relieve some of the reasons for pain down your legs and feet. May the next news be encouraging, too. What a gift to have your faithful D there to hear and process with you.
I will be thinking of you as I stretch and strengthen every morning, and every evening.
With gratitude for you, and hope for us all, because of Jesus…
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Thank you, Debbie, for your comment and encouragement. Joining the human “race” gets more difficult by the day, especially since my racing days are in the past. On the other hand, I’ve never been so aware of connections between body parts I’ve taken for granted all my life. It feels like a latter-day curriculum for which I never registered. Hoping to see/hear you in online church tomorrow! 🙂
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Elouise, thank you for writing this update. I am praying for you!
Kathy
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Thank you, Kathy. I’m grateful for your prayers. One day at a time…not an easy assignment.
Elouise
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The phrase ‘reasonably good health’ is well put. Maybe ‘as good as can be expected these days’ or what about ‘well enough considering our age’. In my case it is the arthritic fingers and a bone on bone pain in the knee. But I still have a relatively positive attitude. Note the use of the word ‘relatively’. Lots of thoughts from down under.
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Thank you, John, for ‘lots of thoughts from down under’. I especially like the comment about your ‘relatively’ positive attitude, all things considered. I can relate, providing it’s a ‘relatively’ good day.
Elouise
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Elouise, wishing you mental strength and fortitude as you face these physical challenges.
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Thank you, Gwen. Sometimes I wonder whether I’m the same person I was just a year or two ago. I like your connection between ‘mental strength and fortitude.’ I tend to be better with the mental part; less willing or able to practice fortitude.
Elouise
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Elouise dear, I applaud your discipline, truly. If ever there was a candidate for a few good answers it would be you. But since you are still in the dark, and you continue to do all you can, your self care is endearing and shows true fortitude.
I too feel as if I’m in the dark, somewhat. At first, the darkness is total, complete. But then, my eyes acclimatise and I start to see details in the curtains, to notice the light shining through their thick fabric to reveal patterns. And the more I focus on being present, the more the light is revealed until I realise I’m standing in a room gently illuminated with faith light. Nothing else really works, but this image stays with me.
Bless you! 🙂
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Hi, Fran. Your description of going from darkness to ‘faith light’ resonates. Looking back over the last few years, I’ve gone from nagging fear and disbelief about my health issues, to despair. I don’t even know how to describe it right now. I think I’m on the path toward acceptance. Pragmatically, that means my daily to-do lists are very short now, with plenty of room to switch gears as needed–in favor of my aching body. Doing good things for myself wasn’t exactly at the top of my father’s agenda for me! 😦 His way was to get on with life no matter what. Stiff upper lips were honored and honorable, according to him. Enough of that already!
Hugs across the Big Pond! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Elouise. 😀 If anyone has the wisdom and faith to get through this – or come to terms with it – it’s you. I hope that you still find a bit of time to play the piano too. Xxx
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Oh yes! Playing the piano is one of my favorite things to do. Especially in the evening. Calming, moving, just right for aching feet and weary body/soul. E.
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