Day 4010

I think I finally know what is wrong with my foot. The cartilage between the metatarsal and cuneiform bones in the middle of my left foot has worn away, allowing bone to bone contact. This is basically the definition of arthritis. I also have a partially collapsed arch on this same foot caused by these bones not being aligned correctly. When I saw the x-rays and listened to the doctor, it all started to make sense. The doctor seemed surprised that I routinely walk as far as I do, but he said that if I want to stabilize the situation, I needed to wear a shoe with a very stiff sole to prevent the arthritic bones from flexing as much. This need for stiffness even explained why it was sometimes more comfortable when I walked with a limp. The doctor recommended two brands of running shoes that would provide the support I need and suggested that I wear them with arch support orthotics. He wants to see me again in six weeks wearing the shoes I selected.

I liked this doctor. He was able to explain exactly what was happening in a way I could easily understand. He also didn't recommend surgery, even though he was an orthopedic surgeon. He said in severe cases you could fuse the metatarsal and cuneiform bones to eliminate the flexing that was causing me pain, but that recovery was slow from this type of surgery and he seldom recommended it. You can't put any weight on the foot for a full six weeks after surgery. No thank you. I think I'd rather try some new shoes.

Dawn really didn't want to walk this morning. We only made it to the end of the block and then she refused to go any further. It was very cold this morning and she had to wear a sweater along with her outer coat, but I don't think that was the problem. Dawn had a rabies vaccination at her exam yesterday and I think she is feeling some soreness at the injection site. She also had another vaccination for leptospirosis. Hopefully she'll feel better tomorrow, but the soreness could last for several days.

Although it was overcast this morning, the skies had completely cleared by sunset. This looked like a good time to find a site to view the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21. It turns out that there is a a great place to view the conjunction very near the house. It's actually exactly where Dawn decided she'd had enough this morning and turned around to go home. I won't need to drive anywhere, and can just walk down the street a few blocks instead. Jupiter and Saturn are already very close together, but they don't look as dramatic as I expected. Saturn is pretty dim compared to Jupiter, but both planets are clearly visible.

I have one more trip to Baylor tomorrow and then my doctor's appointment marathon will be over. I learned a lot more than I expected today, so maybe I will learn something tomorrow as well. I've never had a swallow test before and I don't look forward to drinking the barium liquid they use to provide contrast for the x-rays they'll be taking. The whole procedure is painless and doesn't take long though. I'd like to know what is causing my periodic coughing spasms, but I'm a little apprehensive about what these doctors are going to recommend. I don't want any surgery on my esophagus and I definitely don't want to hear anyone say the word cancer.

I wish that dogs could talk. I feel bad that we tried to get Dawn to take a walk when she was feeling uncomfortable. It makes sense that Dawn was feeling painful from her rabies shot, but she could have just wanted to go back to bed. Dawn is a very stubborn dog.

Hannah is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day