Health is not valued until sickness comes. -Thomas Fuller
I'm currently sitting on my couch, feet elevated on a pillow with a heated wrap around my ankle. For the past two years, I've been dealing with what is now a Chronic Ankle Bursitis caused by Achilles Tendonitis.
What in the world is that? you ask.
"Bursitis is swelling and pain of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion or shock absorber between a tendon and a bone. A tendon is a cord of tough tissue that connects muscles to bones. Normally a bursa has a small amount of fluid in it. When injured, the bursa becomes inflamed (red and sore) and may fill with too much fluid. Achilles tendon bursitis (what I have) is a type of ankle bursitis when the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the heel becomes inflamed. You may have Achilles bursitis and tendonitis (inflamed tendon) at the same time." (Just my luck!) (allinahealth.org)
How was that for a quick Biology lesson?
OK, let's resume! So I injured my ankle two years ago while I was in boxing class. What I thought was a harmless sprain, turned out to be this extremely painful condition, that is not curable. yup! you heard right! The only way to completely get rid of the inflammation is to remove the fluid sac behind my ankle surgically. This surgery is recommended only in extreme cases. Another option would be to get steroids (cortisone) shots, which I've already done twice. These shots are like touching the hem of Jesus' garment. They work Instantly! Except that they wear off after a while and the pain returns. They are also so potent that they may cause the thinning of any tendon in the area and cause them to break. Sadly, I've reached the limit and it's no longer safe for me to take them without the possibility of damaging my tendons.
Long story short, I've stopped taking the prescribed anti inflammatories because I want to avoid any side effects that they may have. I now only use topical creams, and natural inflammatories like Turmeric, boswellia, ginger and the likes. However, I am constantly in pain. Some days are better than others. I go from being able to dance all night on heels to not being able to stand long enough to take a shower. As of now, I'm just trying to find ways to keep the inflammation to a minimum and deal with the pain. But if there's something that I really truly desire right now, it's to find a way to control the inflammation enough that it doesn't go past the discomfort stage. I'm so ready to resume to my daily activities without limping, and my ankle being stiff. I wanna get back to working out without having sharp pains and having to ice my ankle. I really pray that I can soon update this post and talk about how I was able to manage this condition. You really have no idea how much you use your feet until your mobility becomes limited. Having good health is truly life's greatest blessing. If this is you, I truly hope you understand how blessed you are.
With that said, if you know anything that might be helpful with inflammation, please feel free to share, and while we're doing this gratitude challenge together, please send my ankle some good thoughts!
Alright, you know how this goes. Your turn now!
What Do You Most Desire In Your Life Right Now?
I’m late to the 30 day of gratitude challenge so expect a couple of comments from me 🙂
What I desire the most right now is to move. I want to move out of NYC so baaaad but I don’t want my mother to feel abandoned. After her battle with cancer, I hate the idea of leaving her by herself. She loves NYC and wants to stay here, but I don’t. Praying and leaving it all to God at this point.
P.S.: Praying for the complete remedial of your ankle Laura!
Lisa, I can totally relate with how you feel about your mom, I have panic attacks about my parents sometimes, and for some reason I feel like I kinda owe them to there for them and help them any way that I could. Are your siblings in NY as well? If they are then maybe you’ll have more leverage to relocate without the guilt. But can I just say that I’m absolutely shocked that you want to leave NY? SHook! thanks for participating sis! and Thank you for your much needed prayers!
Right now in my life i would love to travel. have always been interesting in travelling but seeing you an Guessly travel have broaden my horizon to explore the other parts of the world. I have two years to travel before i have a child and 2018 will begin it all.
Yes! Let’s go! Take me with you! Lol