Heel Pain Continues

September 2007

I just saw a new podiatrist for my continuing heel pain. Since physical therapy and two cortisone injections haven’t helped, I need to immobilize my foot with a boot, use crutches so I am non-weight bearing, and take three weeks off work. He said I could try acupuncture which two of my friends said relieved their foot pain. I hate to take time off from work because I know it puts a burden on all the other NPs and doctors to cover my patients. But God always provides and I know He will this time also.

October 2007

Two weeks ago, my Dad sent me a check so I could buy a new furnace for my old house. I started crying because I never asked him for any money. God just laid it on his heart to send it to me. It was a gentle rebuke from the Lord to show me that He can use anyone to provide my needs.

God also provided a part-time job on Fridays and Saturdays at a clinic at a pharmacy where I can work sitting down. I’m having fun giving all the flu shots and the pay is good, but the 12-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. are long. I have had over $14,000 in house repairs this past summer that wasn’t in the budget. I’m trusting God for the strength to work two jobs for a while.

January 2008

I decided to do a word study on “feet” in the Bible, and God blessed me with these verses

“…sitting at the FEET of Jesus.” Luke 8:35

“Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ FEET, and heard His word.” Luke 10:39

“He will keep the FEET of His saints.” I Samuel 2:9

My right heel pain continues despite all the treatments since last June. I saw another podiatrist at the University who has a 90% success rate of doing surgery where he makes a small incision in the sole of my foot to release the plantar fascia. He said I don’t really fit the typical picture of a person with resistant plantar fasciitis since they are usually very overweight. Sadly, I have to take another three weeks off work with no weight-bearing. My boss has been so gracious. I just hope they don’t fire me because of being absent again.

The occupational therapy department also loaned me an electric scooter so I can make my rounds in the huge building every day. It has given me a new bond with my patients who also have mobility problems. We have had a few scooter races in the hallways which gives everyone a good laugh.

February 2008

The surgery went well and I managed to stay off my foot for three weeks at home. I rolled around in my office chair to give me a break from the crutches. How I thank God for relieving the heel pain.

I have never had trouble with right heel pain again after I had the surgery. But two years ago, I developed left heel pain and plantar fasciitis after excessive walking during vacation. I went through many treatments again and finally had relief after six months. Now that I’m retired, I am thankful that I didn’t have to call in sick to a job since I was on crutches again much of the time. Nurses in particular seem to be prone to this because we spend so much time on our feet.

I praise God for His comfort in the midst of trials and that He filters every exercise through His loving hands. I long for that day when I will see Him face to face in heaven above and worship Him for all eternity in my new body. What a wonderful promise He has given all those who have received Him as their Savior.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more PAIN; for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4: