I have hope...finally

I have flat feet and my feet have always been a hassle. I hate shoe shopping. "Hey, do you have this pump in a 13 AAAA?" Yeah, right.

I know that some of you have followed the course of my problems with my feet since September 2009. I have lost 2 toes due to osteomylitis or bone infections. They were my middle then the second toe on my right foot. It was a bump in the road, so I thought and I went back to quilting.

Then in November 2010, both big toes were diagnosed with the same problem. Since then I have done daily wound dressings, gone to wound care appointments every 2 weeks, 42 days with a PICC line of IV antibiotics, and 40 2-hr sessions of hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments. I knew that if I lost those 2 toes that I would lose my walk. I would still be able to hobble but that is what I have been doing since November.

One podiatrist told me that if I lost my big toes that it would just be a matter of time before one by one all the other toes would also have to be amputated. He told me that me that a fore foot amputation might be the best solution for my situation. Many of you encouraged me and prayed for me. It has been so many months and I was just about ready to give up and let the toes go. I knew that my quilting work would be finished if I lost my toes. I would have to cut back on my church activities. And I would have to rely on others for things that I have always done for myself. I did not want to lose my independence.

So at the suggestion of the wound care clinic, I went to see another podiatrist, one who specializes in diabetics. No, I am not diabetic. But this guy has seen and done several procedures for diabetics who have similar problems.

So today, Dr Vallone told me that he could save my toes. He will do the surgery on the left foot first since it is worse and then in 6 weeks, he'll do the other foot. I asked him if I would be able to walk. Yes. I asked him if I would be able to wear shoes again. Yes. And then he told me that I would be able to continue quilting. I wanted to hug him but instead I just cried. I am so excited. I wanted to tell everybody as soon as I got outside the office. I must have looked like a loon pedalling my wheel chair down the hall and trying to talk to my husband on my cell phone at the same time. Yippppppeeeeeee!

So I wanted to say "thank you, Lord" for putting all these wonderful people in my path to help me and encourage me. I see light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you, thank you!