Many of you have asked how I'm doing with my foot since returning and since some of you are no-reply bloggers (and in any event, I'm having trouble getting blogger comments to my email), I thought I'd give you a brief update at the end of this post.
But first, a quick look at our holiday art sale! Yes, I was thankful to those who supported my Gypsy Caravan! As we have in previous years, ten of us gathered our diverse sets of creativity together for a pre-Thanksgiving gift sale. My selection included note cards (and larger sized ones) of my photos and some of my paintings; watercolors; bookmarks and a few older items from the inventory -- some silk scarves and plaster boxes.
It all went very well! I will be updating my Gypsy Caravan hopefully by the end of this week (on the menu bar above, or it will be as soon as I finish adding the new things and deleting the old!). Thanks to those of you who contacted me and have already ordered things for the holiday.
The short answer to the foot question is "it's better than in Europe." The longer answer, revealed by an MRI, is ruptured tendon which affected the ankle and midfoot, and a heel spur on the same foot. Oh yes, and loads of osteoarthritis in both foot and ankle. The tendons will heal; the osteoarthritis (and my wretchedly flat feet), not.
I find it hard to believe I was walking around Europe for nearly a month with a ruptured tendon and heel spur. But then again, I don't because I've never had pain like that before. And I spared you the photo of my barefoot and swollen ankle. (You're welcome.) This has been going on since early August when I first started dealing with it. Thinking it was just an orthotic adjustment, that was what I did first; then I got new shoes, followed by a referral to a podiatrist (who didn't do the X-ray my primary doc wanted), prednisone (actually for the lip but it helped the foot), then more doc visits, XR, MRI and the orthopedic guy.
So, now I have a snazzy looking (not) support brace which I need to wear when walking around for any length of time for the next six weeks. In addition, plenty of foot rest, ice, foot stretching and orthotics adjustments as needed.
I've been treating it quite gently since I've been home and I will say it has improved. I also haven't put the stress on it I did while traveling and I have better access to ice for more frequent icing. Would it hold up if I did a short mile-and-a-half ditch walk or longer? I'm not sure. Maybe I'll give it the IKEA test in a week or so!
At any rate, I thank you all for your concern. And I have to say, I'd do it again -- I loved every second in England and Paris. Maybe not so much as I would have could I have gone on longer, maxed out my time. But that gives me a good reason to go back.
And back we will! Next time, my very favorite thing of the whole Paris visit! Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
Sharing today with: Pink Saturday
34 comments:
So much beautiful art, wow, you were really busy. Glad your foot is being treated and hope it will soon heal as much as possible. We all have a lot to be thankful for, that is so true! Happy Thanksgiving, hugs, Valerie
Good luck with your feet. Not a good problem to have for a happy wanderer. Not good for anyone I suppose. Sounds like you are stuck with the osteoporosis part of it. As you can imagine, as a birder I walk a lot, but going downhill on loose soil, or trudging through deep snow causes my knees to give me a little grief these days. Getting old is not for sissies as they say.
FUN to see all your BEAUTIFUL art, Jeanie! LOVE your pretty watercolor/mixed media cards! And so wonderful to see all your photo-cards. The watercolor bookmarks are sooo sweet! Glad you had some good sales!! :) So sorry to hear about your foot/ankle struggles, though... :( Sound VERY uncomfortable! Glad you are resting and hopefully being more gentle, and time, will help things... You are a trooper! And nothing like thinking of the next trip to stoke the fires of courage! ;) Can't wait to see your FAVORITE about your Paris trip... Wishing you & yours a BLESSED Thanksgiving!! ((HUGS))
That was a beautiful, positive post, and, like you, I also say more often thanks (but then, do I have a chance having no Thanksgiving here ;-)...).
That is beautiful art!
What a great idea to put old book-pages as background!
And all those cheerie colors, ah, they made my grey day.
I hope your foot "heals" well and very soon, too, oh, but osteoporosis...
The "IKEA test"?! LOL, is that a walk the length you measure when the shortcuts are gone there? Guess better start with the short cuts.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
You amaze me Jeanie with how much you do and accomplish on the creative front and also the travelling front. I like your gratitude list and I love the Gypsy Caravan. I do now remember when you did it last year. Everything looks so nicely laid out. I'm very sorry about your foot. It really does sound bad. I had a heel spur years ago and remember how very painful it was. There is a special kind of sock contraption they make for plantar faschitus (sp?) so that it holds your foot in a beneficial position while you sleep. I didn't use it but I did go to an acupuncturist who gave me needles with electric currents and heat and also herbal footbaths. I went 10x. Then one day someone asked at work how my foot was doing and I realized I no longer felt pain and wasn't limping. It's hard to imagine how one can not notice but the TCM doctor told me that improvement would happen and I wouldn't even likely realize it, lol. Boy did he get that right. Anyway, all of this to say that if you have a TCM doctor nearby I would highly recommend you see him/her. All the best. Do keep us posted.
Oh I forgot to say that I also take tumeric spice (in capsules and I cook with it now and then). I find it helps most days with osteo pain management.
I'm so glad to hear you know what the issue is with your foot (and sorry it caused you so much pain), although I do shudder when I hear prednisone - NOT a good fit for me!!! Your cards and bookmarks are so pretty. Take care and put that foot up :) -Jenn
Happy Thanksgiving!
OK... Ouch! I'm glad you know what the problem is, but sorry you were walking around so long on a badly injured foot. I hope the tendon does heal up properly. Mine never did after I tore it in childhood, and I still have issues with that ankle. Although, mine might partially be because of an idiot doctor who put the idea in to my seven year old head that I should try to break my ankle. But that idea was sparked from a conversation that followed his comment about how breaks heal better than tendon damage, so it might not have fully healed even without that.
Happy Thanksgiving:)
Glad things have been diagnosed and that you are on the way to recovery ..So many of our body parts..all of them really.. are indispensable!Sorry for the osteo..:(What a trooper you were..and it takes an angel to be supportive and caring like your Rick.You would be the same.
Creative and charming artwork..Look at everything you did!!Bravo!
Your art for sale is amazing. What fun your group must have putting it all together for the holidays.
I've had foot issues since the day I was born, custom made baby shoes, custom made shoes until my mid 20s. So I can sympathize with your current issues. I'm glad you didn't let your feet dampen your Paris experience.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the update on your foot and ankle. It sure does put a damper on traveling when you have that sort of pain, but so glad you finally are getting help and know what the problem is.
Love seeing all your beautiful creations. So happy the sale went well.
Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you, dear friend!
What gorgeous art.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Jeanie. Good for you-as you have such a huge amount of gorgeous things to sell. Hope the sale goes well and your foot has no trouble with an IKEA work out. Hugs-Erika
I'm thankful to hear the foot is better. It's hard to walk with that much pain. I always love to see your artwork and will check out your shop soon. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hello, your art work is beautiful. Lovely creations. I hope you foot is feeling better, it is good to know what is wrong. I am glad Rick is there to help. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Have a great day!
Dear Jeanie,
I am so thankful your foot is on the mend. Thank you so much for reading Decor To Adore and for your many heartwarming comments and friendship.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I'm glad your foot is on the mend, although it sounds as if you'll need to be careful of it for a while. And I'm glad the art sale was so well supported. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.( It always takes me by surprise when my blog friends start to talk about it - of course!)
When you do make that trip to IKEA and you have the time, I would love to meet you. Perhaps something as simple as a beverage in the IKEA cafe. Let me know if you are interested and have the time. I've never been to Paris, but it is on my bucket list. I'll be lucky if I get to Paris, Michigan or even the Paris hotel in Vegas. LOL!
Hi Jeanie...Your artwork is such a treat to look at. I have Annie and Audrey's drawings out where I can admire them daily. I love your style and have always been appreciative of your gifts.
It's time to take good care of yourself, Jeanie. I'm glad you are home and able to work on healing that foot.Our health is #1. Sending a hug and Annie and Wilson are waving. :-) xo
Love the art, Jeanie, and the news that you're getting treatment and having some improvement with the foot problem. It's amazing that you could even do any walking during your weeks in Europe given what was going on with your foot! (I kept waiting for a picture of you in your snazzy (not!) brace! Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you, Rick and the rest of the family!
Oh Jeanie, I'm glad you've gotten some relief for the painful foot. I know that must have been a struggle on your trip, wanting to go full blast and having to limit your walking. Yes, great excuse to return. Your art is so lovely and makes me happy to look at it! I'm taking a break from kitchen duties now but a lot more to do. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Rick and all of your beautiful family. Hugs dear friend..............
Happy happy Thanksgiving my friend. Oh my GOODNESS I am so late to this party......I didn't know anything about the Gypsy Caravan!! I love your cards and bookmarks, they are gorgeous, how could they NOT SELL WELL!!? You are very talented. I am in awe of anyone who can draw, paint, watercolor, etc....as I have no talent in those areas WHATSOEVER. I am hoping your foot IMPROVES QUICKLY and you start to feel better. I don't remember if you said you will be cooking today or not, if so, try to get off your foot soon as you can okay?--don't know if you posted you are eating somewhere else, or at home doing the cooking. Our weather here is lovely so we are blessed and outside enjoying this beautiful day. I loved this post and seeing all the pretty art and cards, etc. Hey---that display........I WOULD JUST WANT TO BUY THE whole dang display, ha ha ha LOl
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you get as much foot relief as possible. I hate having bad feet and the subsequent limited walking.
I like how this holiday is a reminder about being grateful for the people in our lives, and the gifts.. YOU have been enterprising and industrious! Wow, walking around Europe with a hurt foot! YOU are brave too! I went on a brief trip to NYC once with plantar fasciitis and it was torture. Ice, stretches, massages, (by self) rest, PT, more rest and stretches, and finally it healed.
These are pretty! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Deet. I've had significant osteo as well in my feet. My doctor prescribed a massive amount of aspirin, up to the point of making my ears ring. That lasted for a week or two as I recall. I don't know how it worked, but I haven't had to deal with it since.
When you got to Ikea, lean on the shopping cart! It helps.
I looked for the link to the Caravan, but I didn't see one -- I'm thinking you're still "in process," and I'll check back. It would be such fun to be able to come to one of your sales in person, but that's not ever going to happen. Even if I make it to Michigan, it's not going to be in winter. There's not much in life that comes with air-tight guarantees, but I (think) that might be one! (See how I left that little loophole there?) I hope your day was delightful, and that the rest of the holiday weekend is, too!
So sorry yo hesr your foot problem diagnosis. I have heel spurs too, and have had painful planter fascitis in the past but a ruptured tendo sounds so very painfull, Jeanie! I hope wearing a brace boot will help! Happy uour art sale went well. Hoped you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Happy that foot is feeling a bit better . .
Happier that you have nailed down more of the problem.
It sounds like an OUCH.
Happier too about your Mistletoe Success . . .
Happy my order arrived . . .
Check will be in the mail . . .
LOVED, my book mark!
Now I am saying a mini, positive thought, prayer of sorts that my comment goes through first try!
Here it goes . . .
So sorry about that foot. What a pain! Literally. I hope that staying off of it and babying it helps. Your cards and bookmarks are beautiful.
Happy Thanksgiving, Jeanie!
Thanks for the update on your foot. I have been wondering how it is doing. Terrible timing to have foot pain during a trip to Europe but I'm glad you still had a good time over there. And it's good to know there will be future trips! A ruptured tendon sounds so painful, though! Yikes! Here's hoping your foot heals quickly so you can be back to walking pain free. I guess this is a good time of year to rest and relax since the weather isn't as conducive to walking!
I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving yesterday! We had a great time at Phil's mom's!
I just love watercolor. So glad to hear your sale went well. Your foot sounds painful! I must tell my daughter to get to the doctor....she has had foot and ankle pain and it could be similar to yours! I hope it is not a long time to heal for you.
Your bookmarks and watercolours are just fabulous, glad your art sale went well.
That's terrible with the foot and arthritis, hope now that you're back home and can rest more it will heal.
Your art sale sounds wonderful, Jeanie! Feet issues are horrible. I have had a few and they really are debilitating. I am glad you are taking care of it!
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