More Health Problems, Hope They Lead to Something Worthwhile
I have not been on here much lately since I am so busy and overwhelmed. We have lots going on and everyone wants to go play in the Alaskan summer sun or there are chores to do on these long days. On top of being busy at work and home and with friends and family, I suddenly got an ankle problem that has now become a whole foot problem. I think it is swelling due to a flare of psoriatic arthritis. I have suspected I had that for years. My doctors agree I have some sort of auto-immune arthritis but these things are not easy to diagnose.
What started as swelling under my ankle has now wrapped around my foot so every single shoe and sandle hurts as well as socks. This is not fluid retention, this is swelling of the ligaments, tendons and muscles around the joint. It feels and looks like a sprained ankle.
It is so completly discouraging. I am starting to get a handle on my hip and knee problems due to bursitis and histamine intolorance causing food allergies but the ankle problem is different. What helps my hips and knees does not help my ankle and vice versa.
I will have to go to the doctor if it doesn't get better soon. I dread that since there is no cure for these conditions.
I have tried to tell myself the last few years that all my health problems and slow accumulation of remedies and knowledge will help others someday. That is why I started my second website. I wanted to share what I learn and help others with these problems that seem so hopeless. Many of my problems are due to simple nutrient deficiencies which is so amazing to learn since that means they are treatable! Some of these problems are probably genetic as well.
It felt so ridiculous that I have to get yet another set of problems just as I finally make some progress on the last. I have just about every "itis" you can think of at this point. Managing stress, diet, getting the right supplements to fix the nutrient deficiencies and so on are so important but then my ankle and foot swell up and I can barely get to work. Some of things I know about help already such as soaking in epsome salt but I don't know any magic treatments for this yet. It feels like I am back at the beginning. Advil helps but I have avoided it like the plague for years since I don't want to create stomach problems. Advil did nothing for bursitis but it helps this arthritis (or whatever it is).
My dear husband tried to cheer me up this evening and reminded me that whatever I am going through, someone else out there is even worse. He reminded me of my mission to help others and he really believes I will. He said I am amazingly patient and by getting through this and sharing what I learn I could save someone else in a bad place. It was great he was able to stay so positive. That really helps and he is trying very hard to do what he can to help me even though he is usually very stressed himself and I am the one trying to cheer him up.
I guess if I can't walk much I will have more time to work on my websites. :)
Recent Comments
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Oh, Jessica, I'm so sorry that you're in so much pain. I can feel your frustration and upset about the situation. I'm sure your second site really is helping people because you have been getting sales and comments from it.
Do you have access to a naturopath in your area? Or maybe some of the other WAers who have natural health sites could give you some advice.
Will keep you in my prayers, dear friend. Carol
Yes, I have a naturopath but haven't gone to him in a long time. I am using Epsom salt soaks and milk thistle supplements. These seem to be helping. I love milk thistle but did not realize what a powerful plant it is! It reduces the cytokines produced by our T cells (the killer cells that attack invading viruses and bacteria). With auto immune disease our immune system goes into overdrive (as you know). The milk thistle tamps down this reaction and thereby reduces inflammation. It is recommended for arthritis for this reason. I am learning useful information here as I go!
I got a new pair of shoes that doesn't rub on my ankle or the top of my foot there and it helps so much! This was so bad even socks hurt. I think if I keep taking care of it it will continue to get better.
Thanks Carol.
No, I have seen many, many stories of how it can work though. I do want to try it. I am really sensitive to things (I can tell after one or two doses if something works even if it says it can take weeks to work). I have no idea how it would affect me. It can make some people really tired which I don't need. I will try it though.
That's why I haven't tried it either. I'm tired all the time as it is! But I do need to try it.
I just spent 3 hours in the ER yesterday with chest pain and high blood pressure. EKG and chest Xray were OK, but seeing a cardiologist for evaluation next week.
Have out of town company coming for a week in the midst of all this preparation to sell my house, so I really think the chest pain is probably related to stress. I don't normally have blood pressure problems. I think it was just high because I was scared.
My cousin comes down every summer and walks a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and their visit has been planned for a long time. Dean's mother and usually his wife come with him and stay with me while he's hiking.His mother and aunt are coming because his wife couldn't get off work this year.
I really don't feel like having company with so much going on, but it will be OK. They're not coming to see my house,anyway, they're coming to see me.
Hope you're feeling better soon, Jessica.
Carol
I hope you are ok Carol!
I totally understand how you feel about company. 100% It is so hard to host when you aren't feeling strong or energetic. It is so much work to clean and cook and make sure they are happy and entertained. You can't just sit down in your comfy clothes and relax if you need to. You (well at least I) push yourself too far and then pay for it afterward.
That is what I am going through constantly with friends and family. My husband is a social butterfly and has a ton of friends. He pretty much just sticks to a select few close friends nowadays but he still has more than me. The nice thing is many of these are young couples that we can relate to but the bad thing is I just can't keep up. I need time to take care of myself.
I already said no to taking care of our Goddaughter tomorrow (which I feel terrible about) but my in-laws are coming to stay with us tonight and I don't know how long they will stay and my husband has to apply for a job that closes on Monday. My foot has been so bad I just can't take on any more.
On the subject of the chest pain and high blood pressure: please keep in mind that the body needs extra magnesium when under stress (which you are) and low magnesium causes high blood pressure and all sorts of heart problems such as arrhythmia and heart attacks as well as hardening of the arteries. So please consider taking more magnesium! You probably need it. Did you read my posts on magnesium? I did another post on my website about the different forms of magnesium and which ones are best for certain conditions or sensitivities. I am not trying to sell you anything, I just want you to be healthy regardless of what kind you take or where you get it. I am just offering information. I saw first hand how it affects the heart with my Dad. I wrote an earlier post about why we need magnesium and why most Americans are deficient in it now due to loss of nutrients in the soil etc.
I hope you can continue to stay calm about your visitors and other chores!
Jessica
I am OK, but have a ton of doc appts. next week when my company is here. Have dental appt. on Monday and my allergy shot, which I have been putting off. Cardiologist on Wed., and my primary on Thursday.
Thanks for reminding me about the magnesium. I am taking it, but probably do need to increase it due to the stress. I remember the post you wrote about your Dad.
No worries, Jessica. I know you're not trying to sell me anything. And even if you were, I would know it was coming from a special place...your heart, not your wallet!
I'll take a peek at your website and let you know how I'm doing. I feel fine and got a lot done today with no pain. Will keep you informed.
You are right that I take on too much and then pay for it later. I think you and I are a lot alike in that regard.
Have a wonderful weekend,and I hope your foot is getting better and you're feeling better.
Take care, my dear friend.
Carol
I knew you would understand Carol. That is also why I like what I do here. My websites are free for anyone to read so I am sharing information which is the most effective solution I can offer anyone who is suffering or looking for solutions for pet problems. No one has to buy anything to read everything I have to share.
Good afternoon Jessica,
This does not sound good, your body is telling you something. Problem is we do not always understand the language.
I would suggest a good detox for a week, that at least.
Probably better would be a good fast of at least also a week or even longer. Like that your body should have the strength to heal itself. I know not so many people like fasting but it is well worth trying. Have you thought of having an acupuncture checkup? there the underlying problem often comes to the surface.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
It is getting better I think with Epsom Salt soaks and taking Milk Thistle supplements. Milk Thistle reduces cytokines that are produced by our T cells. With auto immune disease these T cells go crazy and attack everything (including our own body). The Milk Thistle is a great anti inflammatory and is recommended for arthritis so I am trying it. I knew I felt better when I took it before but didn't know it was an anti-inflammatory!
Good Morning Jessica,
I am happy to hear you are feeling better.
A detox is not a bad idea as we often have things in our system like accumulated over the years, we are not aware of.
All the best, Taetske
Milk Thistle is one of the best ways to detox since it flushes out the liver and has been used for thousands of years. That is one reason I take it.
Jessica,
So sorry to hear this. Nothing like what you're going through, but I'm in my 5th month of Physical Therapy for a painful hip/knee issue. At the same time, my Hematologist/Oncologist wants to perform a biopsy on this suspicious legion in my right lung. And let's not forget the oral surgery to extract a tooth whose root had split. Getting old is hard!
Congratulations on starting your second site and making something positive out of your experiences. I've just started thinking about doing the same thing. You're right. We can't be the only ones going through these things! And maybe what we've learned can help others.
And you are also right that a loving spouse makes a huge difference and keeps these emotional dips from getting too low. Congratulations on marrying well!
Thanks for the inspiration. I hope you are soon once again dancing around the living room.
Matthew
Oh my goodness Matthew, your problems sound even worse than mine! I am so sorry you have all that going on at once!
I am learning so much from this latest problem. I have discovered that Milk Thistle supplements are recommended for arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory powers. I love Milk Thistle but had stopped taking it when I ran out. I started again and it seems to be helping. It's active ingredient reduces the cytokines produced by our body's T cells (killer cells that fight infection). With auto-immune conditions our bodies produce too many of these and the milk thistle helps control it and therefore acts as an anti-inflammatory. I already liked milk thistle for it's other uses but now I have another aspect to address in my review whenever I get to it!
I am also using Epsom salt which really works. By the time I take my foot out of the soak 20 or 30 minutes later, the swelling is down!
I hope you get good news on your biopsy and the tooth fix is smooth!
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
This might be of help. I had pain and swelling in my ankle and I put heat on it and ate peaches and it is much better. So it is worth a try to see if it helps. If you want read the health benefits of peaches. I hope this helps.
Linda
Thank you Linda, I will have to look into that! Luckily it is peach season soon! It is very hard to get good peaches here in Alaska.
I am using Milk Thistle supplements and Epsom salt soaks and that seems to be working!
Jessica
Your welcome. I live in the US and last summer I bought Sun-Hi peaches and froze them. So that is what I am eating.
Yeah Epsom salt is good for that also. I hope you get better soon.
Linda
Hi Jessica,
I hope this clears up for you soon. I have arthritis in my knees and it can be a real struggle sometimes. Pain makes everything harder.
I had bursitis in my right shoulder about ten years ago. I finally went to the ortho and he gave me a painful injection in my shoulder. He told me I only needed the shot once. In a couple of days, the bursitis was gone. It has never returned.
I know your ankle issue may be a combination of things, but if it is bursitis and they can give you an injection, it may solve at least part of the problem.
Sending you healing energy. :-)
Yes, the shots of cortisone are generally only useful for acute bursitis not chronic from all I have read. I have had the bursitis ongoing for over 5 years now. With chronic cases the shots may help for a few days or a week and then it just comes right back again. I also get bursitis all over so I would need 4 shots (one for each hip and knee) and it could still pop up elsewhere. That is why I need to get to the underlying cause.
I don't think my ankle is bursitis since it is seems to have different causes and treatments than my hips and knees.
I am taking Milk Thistle and soaking it with Epsom Salts and that is working. I didn't realize before this that milk thistle's natural active ingredient reduces the cytokines produced by our T (killer) cells. That is why it is an anti-inflammatory (working in a similar way to the prescription biologic drugs) and is recommended for arthritis.
I also got a new pair of shoes since ever pair of shoes or sandals I had was hurting my foot with this swelling. I had a pair of Aetrex sandals that are so comfortable so I found a pair of shoes by the same brand. They came yesterday and I was shocked to find they were comfortable! I can wear them without socks and they feel like slippers. I was amazed since I have very difficult feet.
I am sorry to hear about your new health problems, Jessica.
My daughter developed knee problems about a year ago. Since it all started fairly suddenly while she was training for a half-marathon charity run, she first thought she had done too much running. When it didn't get better, in spite of rest, she went to see a doctor. I have lots of experience with arthritis, and felt sure it wasn't arthritis, because arthritis develops more slowly and you feel intermittent twinges, not full-blown stiffness. It took quite a long time and several specialists, and eventually she was diagnosed with some very rare autoimmune disease. She is now on medication that she will have to take for the rest of her life, but her knee got better very quickly. She only has to take the medication once a week, but needs to go for regular blood tests....
I will ask her a bit more about it when I see her tomorrow...
You and your husband have a great attitude!! I believe in 'Everything happens for a reason'. Let's hope that your recent setback really does lead to something worthwhile.
Sending you lots and lots of good wishes,
~ Isabella
Thanks Isabella,
I am using Milk Thistle supplements and Epsom Salts and it is getting better. Milk Thistle is a great anti-inflammatory which I did not know before. I only knew of it as a way to keep the liver and kidneys healthy and help flush out toxins.
It reduces the cytokines produced by our T cells which reduces inflammation. Learn something new every day!
Thank you,
Jessica
I knew about Epsom Salts - but only for putting in bath water to help with arthritis. That's how I've been using them. You are right - there is so much to learn!
Very sorry to hear of your recent ankle problems, Jessica. I'm glad you have such a supportive and loving husband to keep you positive and you both take care of each other.
This most recent setback too will have great redeeming value, and knowing you, you will soon find management solutions, and in doing so will SHARE it here and on your websites, helping MANY others.
Thanks! I hope I am on to something already. Milk thistle is great for other things but I didn't know it was an anti-inflammatory that works similarly (I have read but not confirmed) to the "biologic" drugs.
It reduces the cytokines produced by our T (killer) cells thereby reducing inflammation and being useful for arthritis.
Between that and epsom salts I am getting better I think.
Good day Jessica,
I am very sorry to hear about your foot problem and I hope that it gets better and that you can "get back on your feet" soon. Like Courtney mentioned, we are all getting older and health issues come and show their ugly faces too often. I wish you the very best.
Have a wonderful day.
Jules
Sorry to hear about your health issues.we are growing older with pains.I have 8 sisters and 2 brothers ranging from ages 59 to 76 and we are all having health issues.I too have a site on health and diet hoping the youth will build a better foundation for good health and longevity.we have to start eating right from early.Holding goog thoughts for you.Blessings.
Thank you Courtney. Milk Thistle supplements and epsom salt soaks are helping. I didn't know what a good anti-inflammatory milk thistle was before researching for a solution to this.
I was aware of epson salts from a kid .we always kept some in the house to this day but I have no knowledge of Milk Thistle unless by a different name.Thanks for sharing.
Milk Thistle is a plant that grows wild in the United States (I don't know if it grows elsewhere as well). The active ingredient is silymarin.
It is also known as:
Saint Mary's Thistle
Mary Thistle
Marion Thistle
Mediterranean Thistle
Scotch Thistle
Blessed Thistle
Silybum marianum
Cardus marianus
I just looked it up. I think I have only heard of Milk thistle, blessed thistle and Scotch thistle.
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I can relate in some ways about the things going on in your life. Things happen for a reason, and maybe the reason has given you a reason to start your second website. I hope they find out what is going on with you. oK don't have much faith in Dr's these days, so anyway i can find out any kind of knowledge to help myself is the way for me. I hope you find your way..