I've been lurking lately as I don't seem to have the energy or desire to post. It probably is the old depression creeping in...along with the pain....the never-ending pain. This summer weather that I waited for all winter, is here and I'm ready for it to leave all ready. This hot, humid stuff is taking a major toll on this old "MS body".

Really having problems with my feet and the lymphedema. First of all they look grotesque -- like elephantitis. I have wraps on my legs and the heel half of my feet, but they still swell since I can't move or use them. Pressure sores keep forming on the soles just from resting on the footrests of my chair. The spasm type pain is excrutiating....like hot needles being stuck into the bottoms of my feet! Nothing seems to help and there's nothing to be done to "fix" the problem, just like the rest of MS.

Does anyone else have this problem? What do you do to help with the constant pain? My teeth actually chatter from the constant pain. A minute without pain would be heaven.

Also have had catheter problems. It gets changed every three weeks, but sometimes I run into problems before that where it gets clogged and "yucky". Seems like I've lost quite a bit of weight unintentionally too -- I'm not complaining, just seems strange. I can't stand on a scale, but know by the way my clothes are fitting -- or not -- that I've lost weight. Not much appetite.

Anyway, such is life with spms and aging. I do stop by to keep up with everyone here at "home", but had to let off a little steam today. Hope everyone had a good Independence Day weekend!

Take care all.....

Judy

I'm so sorry that you're going through all of this. Have you told your doctor about the pain in your feet? Have they not prescribed anything for it? It sounds like neuropathy.

In any event please let your doctor know about the weight loss. I totally understand about the no appetite thing. Sometimes it just seems like too much trouble to fix anything to eat. I keep a lot of convenience foods on hand because when the fatigue hits it really is impossible to cook. Or even make a sandwich. People without MS don't understand that.

I know how the heat can wipe out any speck of energy we can muster up. I stay inside when the temps are over 80 outside......which means all of the time here in GA. I cancelled two doctor appointments just because of the heat outside. It's stiffling and those of us with MS get a double whammy.

I hope you have someone to check in on you often, Judy. You're in my prayers. Kitty

(((((Judy))))), so sorry for your pain. Yes I was just thinking, why does your
Doc allow you to be in such pain? Does he/she not understand that it has
become so unbearable? There is no reason, in this day and age, that you
should be in such pain.

Depression is the, not so silent, partner that goes with MS, in many cases...
yours, mine. There is an AD out there, that also helps with pain. I can't
remember the name? Ask your Doc.

I will say an extra prayer and hope that things improve for you soon.
Let us know please.

How are you doing Judy? Did your Doc wake up to your pleas
and give you something to help? I sure hope so..

Hi Judy

Sorry that you are going through all of this....I agree with Kitty though - you need to get checked out to find out why you are losing weight.

Sorry you are in pain too - not fair, you didn't request this lousy diagnosis, or the course you are going through. I hope your doctor will listen sympathetically and help you find some relief.

Big hugs

Judy I truly hope things are a tad better, or at least not worse. Quiet prayers sent up for you to get some relief soon. IMO you need to tell your doctor you can't stand it anymore - leaving you in misery is unacceptable. A lot of times MDs hear pain and (sometimes) think it is less "bad" than it really is. Perhaps it's time to think of a pain pump?

As for the heel pain, I can offer 2 tip from my PT and wound clinic:

tip 1.
Put a pillow or two under your calf muscles, knees somewhat bent, while propped up on the footrest & in bed. It lets your feet not touch anything and takes the pressure off the heels. This helps prevent & heal any pressure sores (trust me you dont want that!). Really helped me after a week or so. Key is to be consistent.
tip 2.
Soak feet in a pan of iced water. It freezes like crazy at first but it helps deaden the nerve transmissions temporarily. I used a dish washing pan and had 2/3 water and a boat load of ice from the freezer. Stir till very cold then rest your feet in it for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Hope one or both of these will help take some of the burning pain away. If all else fails just keep telling yourself we are here for you anytime!