Home Community Member Stories Diana

Diana's Story

leggettrd@net-port.com

My left ankle began swelling about 12 years ago. It was warm to the touch, swollen, and very painful. I couldn't walk by the end of the day. I was about 38 years old. I saw a podiatrist who tried all methods of treatment and ended up taking out a bone from my heel. Wrong move. My MD sent me to an orthopaedic Doctor and he did all the usual treatments, meds, injections, nothing helped. He told me I had osteo degenerative arthritis, and that I could try an arthrodesis of the left ankle using artificial bone marrow. Needless to say, this did not work either. That was 4 years ago, I am left without any cartilage in the left ankle, flat footed, my left calf muscle is very tiny and my foot and ankle is pretty much deformed. Two years ago I quit my job of 17years, and am now on disability, Thank God. I couldn't bear working any longer. I am at home now just doing what I can. I do have hobbies, playing piano, and decorating. I am depressed at times, but seem to bring myself up and try to realize there are alot of other people that are worse off than I and in a lot more pain. I have a very understanding husband who is very sympathetic and helpful. My orthopaedic Doctor wants to do another arthrodesis using my own natural bone. I cannot bear it. I'm just waiting for something more substantial that will work better. I am now 50 years old. I have pain every day of my life. No more pretty shoes, (maybe to church and back) my leg is pretty ugly and so is my ankle. Anyway I pray alot and thank God for what I have now and just try to live my life in love and humor. It really bothers me that the Doctors have left me in this condition. I think about it now and then. I have five children and my life is full. They are grown and gone out of the house. Two are married and three, living on their own. I thank God every day for my children. My whole family has been very supportive. Thank you for listening to my story.