PODIATRY ETC.

I had my Podiatry appointment yesterday and was told that the pain and discomfort I have been getting in the bone at the base of my big toe is due to inflammation in the joint. He thoroughly examined my feet and noticed the new nail growing on the toe I lost the nail off a few weeks ago. I told him I don't remember stubbing it or dropping anything on it, but the nail had turned purple before I lost the nail. He said that the toe was curving down towards the floor and believes the nail could have been continually pressing on the floor when walking which could have caused the bruise and loss of nail. He has given me some insoles for my shoes and made a mould to protect my toe. He asked if I had been given the diagnosis of my condition. I said it was always referred to as inflammatory arthritis. He then told me I have sero negative inflammatory arthritis, not that it really matters what it is called, but at least I can put the correct name on official documents now. All my appointments are over now until next year, I've recently seen the Rheumy Nurse, Consultant, Physio, Occ Therapy and Podiatry and now have all the aids they recommended. I also spoke with the doctor to confirm the doseage of the Vitamin D. He said one tablet (20,000 IU) three times a week for two weeks, then one tablet twice a week for two weeks then one per week for remainder of course, and blood test every two weeks. I decided to take the plunge and today have requested the application form for PIP and the Blue Badge, so next thing is to wait for the postman and then fill them in and get the ball rolling. I will make an appointment with CAB to help me fill them in and also take note of all the good advice on this site. Hope you are all getting the help and support you need and able to enjoy the weekend.

Sue. X

[Hidden]

Hi sue

It sounds like you are being well looked after. Great idea to go to cab for help with your pip forms, Nras also have s guide they will send you if you ring/email them and ask them to. I have all this yet to do.

Kikidee lili

[nomoreheels]

So pleased you appear to have a knowledgeable & caring Podietry team Sue. Good ones are worth their weight I've found. The one I see regularly is going on maternity leave in a few weeks but she's a little wonder. She's arranged for me to be measured for carbon fibre orthoses, I'm surprised how excited I am now the time has come!

Good idea to ask for help from CAB when the time comes for filling out your PIP application though you know to ask here if you're unsure about anything & there's lots of info on the internet. Just take your time over it, don't rush. If Blue Badges are difficult to qualify for in your area it might be prudent to hold off applying to see if you automatically qualify when you receive PIP. Just a thought if you can manage a while longer. If it's not a problem hopefully they'll understand your difficulties & issue one without the extra evidence. I find mine really helpful & sure you will too. x

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for your replies. Blue badges are hard to get so I think I will hang fire with that and send the form in after PIP result. Hopefully I will qualify and have more evidence to support the application. I'm managing to walk without too much pain at present so a couple more months waiting is ok. Thanks NMH I hadn't thought of that. Can always count on someone here having good advice. 👍. Thanks again. Going to have some soup now to warm me up. Just been to the supermarket and it's freezing. Stay warm and cosy. X

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

It's what I did Sue & whilst I didn't receive the Mobility component my PIP evidence was taken into account when I applied for my BB & I don't need to reapply until 2018. They're really hard to get in my area so I was really not overly confident but it was easy enough via weblink to the council offices.

Enjoy your soup, naughty but nice bacon butties for us, lovely dry cured bacon from our local farm shop. Bought a new heat pad this morning, the old one gave up the ghost yesterday. Now easing my neck pain successfully! x

[Hidden]

Heat pad sounds good. I've got one of those you heat in the microwave, it wraps around my neck like a scarf and is patterned like a giraffe with a head at one end, it was a Christmas present last year and has been well used. Hope you get some relief. X

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

It's invaluable & why I bought another quick sticks. I have a couple of wheat things that wrap round (though yours sounds more fun than my plain ones!) which I have been using but they don't stay warm long enough I find. Handy though for a quick fix. It's OA playing up according to a Registrar I saw this week & as I gave up on gabapentin (with GP's ok) & it's out of my system now I must make the effort & see my GP.

Hope the Vit D boost helps you. x