As I use my wheelchair less, I’m developing problems with my feet
Inflamed nerves, ingrown toenails, and swollen ankles have caused me pain
Because of major muscle and bone issues caused by my Cushing’s disease, I’ve been an ambulatory wheelchair user, which means I can sometimes move independently but use my wheelchair when I feel I need it. Through treatment, though, my muscles and bones have slowly strengthened, so I’ve been relying on my wheelchair less and less.
In a lot of ways, that’s been exciting. I can now manage to walk one or two steps on stairs, which means I’m able to go into more restaurants and businesses without my chair. I used to be a runner and swimmer, so I’m enjoying being able to walk and swim a bit, even if it’s at a much more basic level than before.
While this update has been exciting, it’s come with its own sets of challenges. I’ve been developing endless foot problems, for instance. I think it’s a temporary setback, but oh boy, is it a tough one. Foot pain can be excruciating, so I’ve had to spend much time with my feet in the air.
Where my foot pain hits
Inflamed nerves are my main trouble; they’re so insanely painful. When a nerve is touched, a searing pain pushes through my body, making me numb and dizzy. I’ve gotten this twice so far, and both times I wanted to scream for hours. I have to take medication to get rid of them, and I’m not sure if they’re preventable.
I’ve also been getting crazy numbers of ingrown toenails since I’ve been walking more. The ones that get infected hurt pretty badly. Since a portion of the nail needs to be cut out, I’ve had to soak them daily in hot water with Epsom salts and then dump endless Neosporin on them. It’s taken forever to fix these, and I’m still dealing with pain in some of them.
Finally, I’ve also had to deal with swollen ankles. I’ve gotten these a little more sparingly, but they’re still the worst. When my ankles are swollen, I’m usually bedridden for at least a day, if not more. I ice them on and off for a few days until the swelling goes down. My body has a high amount of inflammation, so it takes longer for my ankles to heal and return to normal.
The good thing to come from all my pain is the podiatrist I have now. He knows my situation and helps me talk through all of my issues while checking for any prescription interactions. I’m not sure what other issues might occur with my feet, but I’m glad that I have someone I can trust.
With Cushing’s disease, the wins come with a little extra work and time. Still, I’m happy I’ve been able to walk more, and I hope that I continue to make progress.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
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