Mr. Feet
Remember me mentioning that my feet suck?
I found something that sucks worse than bad doctors, Richard Simmons, John Gray and even Jacko put together, at least in the short-term.
Unbelievable pain.
Hey, I said I’d be honest with you every entry, so why break the rules now?
I successfully diagnosed (read: playing doctor again, but without a girl so it’s less fun) my feet, and they’re a bit worse than I thought.
I have a nasty case of gout in my left big toe. This is not good.
Gout, in my case, was probably brought on by lysine, not enough water, too much protein (for me) and niacin — all at the same time. Still, that means my kidneys are having trouble with excess proteins and, low and behold, my instincts were dead-on. My GAP diet is very high in greens and (yes!) fruits — perfect for a low purine diet. Of course there will have to be other modifications.
Let me tell you — “gout” needs a name-change. Perhaps, “Hammer On The Toe In Repeated Strikes”, or “Buddhawaterbreaker, This Jacko Hurts Like Four Pregnancies.” Something like that.
I have a high pain threshold. When the doc injected my toe (that’s fun), I winced once.
I cried and screamed at the top of my lungs for an hour after I left his office. I may have threatened the LIFE of the f—king “I don’t care about your pain” pharmacist because the wench wouldn’t give me 2 Vicodin while waiting 20 minutes for the rest.
“You don’t deal with a lot of pain yourself, now do you? That and a few other choice words as tears ran down my now scary looking face.
Yes…today, I experienced the worst physical pain in my life. However, it wasn’t just gout.
The gout caused me to limp (barely walking, and having to be carried up to my apartment), hence my left knee decided to chime in with an Osgood flair-up. That alone is painful as hell, but nothing like gout. “As if your eyeballs were being stepped on” — that’s how one medical journalist described a case as nasty as mine. How…accurate.
It was that, and the fracture.
Remember, my feet SUCK.
For years I’ve dealt with a stress fracture in my right foot. Well, all that pressure of hobbling, and — presto. I now have in my right foot that career-ending injury Deion Sanders had called “turf toe”. It’s actually a clean fracture of the sesamoid. Lovely.
Just to give you an idea — my right foot injury caused one of the greatest cornerbacks in history to quit the game. My right foot doesn’t even come CLOSE to hurting like my left toe.
Gout is that bad. You do not want this, and I’ll tell you how to avoid it, as I’m having to become a crash-course expert.
They injected in infected area with steroids — that relieved the pain for about 10 minutes. Afterwards it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt.
Three Vicodin later, I’m feeling much better, thank you. The meds are kicking in.
Okay, two lessons to take home with you. First, gout sucks…but I think you’re gathering that by now.
Second, not one of you had better take walking for granted — ever.
Look, I’ve been through some physical hell and back over the past 18 months — I’m not lyin’ to you. However, I know some of you have it worse. Still, to lose the ability to walk. Man. My “life” is not fitness, but my passion is.
So now for the good news. I found a good doctor.
Ivan is from New York — Buffalo to be specific. He and his three brothers have been voted “best in Dallas” for three years now. A small, non-imposing clinic, Ivan’s little shop of healing is really kinda holistic. The nurses are nice, honest and pretty much as curt as Ivan. “Hey, come check out how buff Jon used to be before his feet got all f—ked up…” “So, is this really you ‘before’ man? Could be worse — you could look like that.”
I love New Yorkers.
Clear answers — “Here’s the problem, here’s the X-rays, we’re running blood, and we’re going to get you back into that buff condition.” Obviously Ivan knows that you can’t do too much without mobility of some sort — then again, if I have to, I’ll train from a buddhadamn wheelchair.
Major changes, but this is actually good. High levels of uric acid is a sign that the kidneys are weakened. It can also be a sign of congestive heart failure, although in my case it appears to be just a bit of kidney strain with a lot of externals. No matter, the diet must change — and change it will.
I will go in next week for the best of the best orthodics to protect the right foot — “The Caddy of orthos,” as Ivan calls them. I trust the guy. He ordered a SED rate test on my bloodwork, and told me that he had to go hang out with another patient…”because you’re pretty f—-ked up, and you need a lot of attention.”
Again, I love New Yorkers.
Honestly, I cannot recommend Ashton Podiatry enough. And, btw…the only reason for the profanity was because I started it, just in case you fear for no good reason.
More tomorrow — I’m sure I’ll feel a bit more funny then. {10}
Archived in Just Jon.
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Comments (36)
Alyson said:
Wow Jon, what a drag! I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve ben going through with your feet! Waterblocker, man, and your determination to not let it get you down/derail you is inspiring….you’ll make me think twice next time I’m tempted to come up with an excuse why I ‘can’t’ exercise!
The Scale the World movie/site is very cool! But I’m having the same problem as Tammy. Email addresses I provided from hotmail weren’t a problem but it’s telling me all my yahoo addresses aren’t valid email addresses. Help?!
You and your fargin feet are in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 07:24 AM
Lissa!!! said:
Hey Jon,
I cant even begin to tell you how bad I feel about your feet…I had a bout back a few months ago not even close to what your explaining and all I thought was how much we take walking for granted….mine was either capsulitis or Mortons neuroma, but the cortizone shot fixed it for now….stay strong brutha…its a test of will and determination and but the sounds of it nothing is stopping you.
Well Im down 4lbs in the first week of 10 in 10 which excites me but not that much because I know its mostly water and plus I was up 3 from the holidays….but in any event its a start….im still walking every morning on my treadmill.
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 08:42 AM
Alicia said:
Jon,
I had each and everyone one of my toes cut into in surgery twice (once each foot), I recall what a misery it was for me that year and that doesn’t even compare to what you are going through. As Alyson said, your determination is definitely inspiring.
How do you feel about possibly taking some enzymes to help break down the protein and give your kidneys a bit of help?
I hope you will keep us updated on your progress with this and I look forward to hearing more about it tomorrow. Hey a good dose of Vicodin might make for a very interesting blog. ;-) Hugs to you, feel better soon!
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 09:19 AM
Tammy said:
Prayers and healing energy go out to you, Jon. When I was in a wheelchair for over a year about 4 years and couldn’t walk because of the pain and not being able to use my left leg, it was hell. I can relate somewhat to excruciating pain from the herniated disc that sent lightening bolts of knives and those machines that tear up cement, umm I can’t remember the name but it doesn’t matter; f—-ing hellish pain that did make me wish that second would be my last. I’m not sure how that compares, but damn, I am so sorry you are suffering. On a positive note I have had awesome responses to the Scale! Despite the increase with my depression I am keeping up with my workouts and pushing myself not to retreat to bed - I read my Personal Mission Statement every morning and get going. All of this is a blessing. Blessing to you.
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 11:02 AM
anna said:
Sorry about your feet,Jon.
My morton’s neuroma seems like nothing compare to what you are going through.
Lisa
Did cortizone shot help you 100%?
the acupuncture for me is kind of stuck and not going anywhere. so i might be considering the injection.
anyway, hope all goes well with you, Jon and with everybody else.
Day two for me on the new 10 in 10. doing great!!
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 11:17 AM
Lissa!!! said:
Anna,
I am not one for quick fixes…I usually go with the holistic approach first….went to PT for a year (3x/wk) so I would not have to get surgery or injections on my herniated disc…also did accupunture and chiro.
but the pain in my foot was 100x worse than any back pain I have hadmaybe worse than childbirth….I couldnt walk and it hurt if someone looked at it…so for immediate relief I had to get the cortizone shot….i get twinges of pain here and there but nothing compared to when it was at its worst. hope that helps
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 01:09 PM
Joe said:
Jon, I know how you can take away the pain and drop about 1/2 a pound in the process!! Cut off that toe!! HAHA
Seriously though, now I am scared of getting gout. Thanks a lot!
You fist scared me with congestive heart failure. Then dibetes. And now gout!
I am telling you, Jon, my nightmares have gotten worse with 10. LOL
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 02:07 PM
Jon Benson said:
To All:
Doing much better today — sans pain pills already.
Thank you for your caring responses — really means a lot!
Joe — nothing to fear man. Gout is merely an early sign that these things ‘can’ occur, not that they are occuring. My heart is fine, and I don’t have diabetes. More than likely this was just lysine and niacin overdose — live and learn.
However, they are running tests to be sure.
Either way, it’s nothing that cannot be managed, and certainly nothing to fear my man. Just a change or two here and there and all is well.
Jon
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 02:31 PM
Woody said:
SHOUT SHOUT let it all out !
This is the gout I am talking about !!
Come on , I am talking to you.
Come on !!!
—————————————————————
Keep that gouty foot elevated.
If you have a plan for gout avoidance, I am
all ears ?
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 03:42 PM
Monica said:
Pain sucks, no question there. Glad to hear you are feeling better already.
I passed a kidney stone in August, and to date, that ranks as the most painful, uncomfortable time of my life. But, on the positive side, it encourages me to drink more water and prevent it from ever happening again!
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 06:44 PM
Todd said:
Hang in there, Jon.
Maybe you can find a cute nurse who is adept at Reiki…
Posted on Jan 10, 2006 08:34 PM
Cherie said:
No, Jon wants a nurse with a knowledge base in the “arts” of Kama Sutra :)
Posted on Jan 11, 2006 09:01 AM
Joe said:
I have refered about 10 people thus far to STW. Thus far one has signed up. That is good. I mean if my referal and Jon’s words can change the life of just one person, then it is all worth it. So, my personal challenge is for each of you to try and refer at least ten people. Together, we can battle sucky fat one person at a time.
Posted on Jan 11, 2006 01:23 PM
Joe S. said:
Jon,
Wow man…I’ve not been here for several days…sorry to hear about all your pain! Good thoughts to you. If what “they” say about good things coming back to you is true (and experience tells me it is…), you should have lot’s of healing energy flowing your way! …you have given plenty to so many of us.
I really am writing to commend you on the STW launch. I’ve been involved with marketing / motivation / inspiration projects for many years …your opening movie is TOPS! …really some of the best stuff I’ve seen. Everyone I’ve shared it with has been very impressed…and more importantly, inspired! (I think they are also signing-up?)
Joe
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 02:16 AM
Tera said:
One of my dearest friends suffers from gout, but had only described it as pain in his toe. I had *no idea* what he had been going through. As for finding the good docs, I have one of the best GPs in the entire world due to his ability to listen, fully examine, and offer more than one solution (if available). He did put me on a steroid as the only option for one symptom, but recommended a diet change (more potassium and water), increased rest (darn), and wrote a script for me to get medical massage to deal with some of the muscle problems (it actually hurts at first, but it helps considerably).
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 09:47 AM
Greg said:
Bing-a-ling,
You’ve got the Gout. I’ve got the Sciatica. There are probably readers here who suffer from the Rheumatizz and maybe even the Lumbagy. This place is beginning to sound like the day-room at the retirement center. I can almost smell the mothballs and Ben-Gay!
No doubt about it, aging sucks. First the eyes grow dim. Then the ears get all hairy, and the joints start seizing up like a Yugo in the rain. Pretty soon it’s a struggle just to slide the tired old Rummy off the couch and onto the 8-way power-adjustable seat of the Navigator for a quick trip to the drive-thru at Micky-D’s.
With age comes infirmity and its bitch-handmaiden sloth. And their cousin Enormous Appetite for Glazed Baby Back Ribs. Age makes you tired, cranky, set in your ways, flabby and sometimes Republican* (if you weren’t one before). Everyone’s doomed to have the body shape of Dr. Phil or Roseanne Barr, and all this bad stuff starts to happen at precisely the age of 40.
That’s what I figured, anyway, until about 9 weeks ago. Back then I felt what I thought was normal for an American male my age. Actually, compared to my peers, sucking on their funnel cakes as they strolled around the mall in their Nike fitness togs, I thought I was fairly fit. But I was always tired and felt like my life was winding down because my energy was gone. I saw a clear, rosy future: Further weight gain, followed by myocardial infarction at age 50, lots of statins, maybe glaucoma, followed by perhaps a mini-stroke or colon cancer before painful death at 67. Just like my dad!
Then I ran across a bloated old friend from 10 years ago who was—couldn’t figure out quite how—maybe not so bloated any more. Damnit, he actually looked fit and had muscles and stuff just like those guys in the Iron Man-type glossy magazines. How did that happen? The bloated friend was Jon, of course, and I purchased a copy of Fit Over 40 to see how he unbloated himself. Didn’t understand half the stuff in the book because I don’t have a background in Gym (I almost flunked out of Advanced Playground, actually), but a few messages really sunk in:
-Even though you’re getting older it doesn’t mean you have to Get Old.
-Exercise (and not just a few slow laps around the mall concourse, exercise with real weights and stuff). Daily.
-Eat good stuff.
-The mental stuff is just as important: Believe. Plan. Perform. Document your progress.
These are simple messages about difficult actions that one has to take in order to get the most out of life. Difficult actions, true, some of those ab exercises are killer and giving up the nightly Haagen-Dasz was downright cruel. But the results are worth it, big-time.
I was a smoker and hadn’t run more than a block in over 25 years. I ate lots of sweet fatty things and had a BMI of 32, resting heart rate of 90 and average BP of 136/92.
Now I haven’t had a cigarette in two months, run 2 miles four times a week, get plenty of resistance training, eat green and yellow stuff, have a BMI of 22, resting heart rate of 60, and an average BP of 116/80.
So Jon, I hope you’re able to beat The Gout. You’re an inspiration to the rest of us, ya big goofball. You’ve shown me that the future does not have to be all funnel cakes and Escalades, it can instead be almond-butter-on-Ezekiel-bread (love the stuff!) and heel-toe shifting on the twisties.
And if you can’t get rid of the gout, make sure to let us know how you’ll work around it.
-Greg
NOTE to all Friends of Bingo: Make sure to stop in at the Friends of Bingo unofficial bulletin board/forum at http://groups.msn.com/FriendsofBingo. Latest post: Joseph is discussing Burger Kin’s Kong-sized Whopper, a true obscenity wrapped in a sesame-seed bun.
*Political humor note: I’m not a Democrat, or a Republican either. I’m unaffiliated. Just thought “Republican” sounded funnier here than “Bircher” or “Goldwaterite.” So to any Republicans out there I apologize and will leave a few extra rupees at the feet of the statute of Ganesh, your demigod.
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 11:57 AM
Jon Benson said:
Bing-a-ling,
You’ve got the Gout. I’ve got the Sciatica. There are probably readers here who suffer from the Rheumatizz and maybe even the Lumbagy. This place is beginning to sound like the day-room at the retirement center. I can almost smell the mothballs and Ben-Gay!
No doubt about it, aging sucks. First the eyes grow dim. Then the ears get all hairy, and the joints start seizing up like a Yugo in the rain. Pretty soon it’s a struggle just to slide the tired old Rummy off the couch and onto the 8-way power-adjustable seat of the Navigator for a quick trip to the drive-thru at Micky-D’s.
Greggo;
Everyone (including me) thinks that gout is an old man’s disease…wrong. I asked. Why? Because I can still have sex.
Kids have gout — as young as 7. Most common in kids, believe it or not, follwed by men 40-50.
My eyes are excellent, my ears only slightly hairy, and my joints are rockin’ for a guy with…well, GOUT.
With age comes infirmity and its bitch-handmaiden sloth. And their cousin Enormous Appetite for Glazed Baby Back Ribs. Age makes you tired, cranky, set in your ways, flabby and sometimes Republican* (if you weren’t one before). Everyone’s doomed to have the body shape of Dr. Phil or Roseanne Barr, and all this bad stuff starts to happen at precisely the age of 40.
Nay…I don’t buy it. “40” is mythical. I was in THAT shape at 40….just an example. My role models are in better shape than I ever was at 50 and 60. Sure, age brings wear and tear — no doubt about it. But that wear and tear is usually the result of underuse, not overuse.
?That’s what I figured, anyway, until about 9 weeks ago. Back then I felt what I thought was normal for an American male my age. Actually, compared to my peers, sucking on their funnel cakes as they strolled around the mall in their Nike fitness togs, I thought I was fairly fit. But I was always tired and felt like my life was winding down because my energy was gone. I saw a clear, rosy future: Further weight gain, followed by myocardial infarction at age 50, lots of statins, maybe glaucoma, followed by perhaps a mini-stroke or colon cancer before painful death at 67. Just like my dad!
Then I ran across a bloated old friend from 10 years ago who was—couldn’t figure out quite how—maybe not so bloated any more. Damnit, he actually looked fit and had muscles and stuff just like those guys in the Iron Man-type glossy magazines. How did that happen? The bloated friend was Jon, of course, and I purchased a copy of Fit Over 40 to see how he unbloated himself. Didn’t understand half the stuff in the book because I don’t have a background in Gym (I almost flunked out of Advanced Playground, actually), but a few messages really sunk in:
Who was this strappingly handsome buck you refer to? Who, I ask? : )
-Even though you’re getting older it doesn’t mean you have to Get Old.?-Exercise (and not just a few slow laps around the mall concourse, exercise with real weights and stuff). Daily.?-Eat good stuff.?-The mental stuff is just as important: Believe. Plan. Perform. Document your progress.
The Fitness Bible, condensed for all, ladies and gents. Read it. Know it. Live it. Now, put those shirts back on…
These are simple messages about difficult actions that one has to take in order to get the most out of life. Difficult actions, true, some of those ab exercises are killer and giving up the nightly Haagen-Dasz was downright cruel. But the results are worth it, big-time.
I was a smoker and hadn’t run more than a block in over 25 years. I ate lots of sweet fatty things and had a BMI of 32, resting heart rate of 90 and average BP of 136/92.
Now I haven’t had a cigarette in two months, run 2 miles four times a week, get plenty of resistance training, eat green and yellow stuff, have a BMI of 22, resting heart rate of 60, and an average BP of 116/80.
Wow…talk about a transformation Greg. That’s incredible — and it goes to show you how quickly you (or anyone) can change with ALL FOUR of those components working for you. “Four 4 For”, you could say.
So Jon, I hope you’re able to beat The Gout. You’re an inspiration to the rest of us, ya big goofball. You’ve shown me that the future does not have to be all funnel cakes and Escalades, it can instead be almond-butter-on-Ezekiel-bread (love the stuff!) and heel-toe shifting on the twisties.
And if you can’t get rid of the gout, make sure to let us know how you’ll work around it.
“If”?
Hah.
Beating Da Gout is easy…really. Add a glass of barley juice mixed with real cherry extract a day, eat more fruit, and get more protein from whey. Ta-da.
This, while painful, will not even come close to stopping me pal. : )
NOTE to all Friends of Bingo: Make sure to stop in at the Friends of Bingo unofficial bulletin board/forum at http://groups.msn.com/FriendsofBingo. Latest post: Joseph is discussing Burger Kin’s Kong-sized Whopper, a true obscenity wrapped in a sesame-seed bun.
I’m flattered that Greg put that site up…and yeah, I endorse it. It’s gotta be cool, ‘cause it like…you know…
…deals with me. Heh.
More later — and again, to all, thanks for the kind words. We’re on T-minus here for “Scale The World”, so bear with me.
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 12:48 PM
Jan said:
While we are endorsing message boards, for those of you who wish to stop by the ‘offishul’ M-Power Forum, go to
www.mpowerseries.com/forum
It is kinda where I hang out. [=
We’re discussing, training, journalling and flowing together in this journey towards greater empowerment.
You needn’t be an MP’er to participate.
Being a fan of Bingo is of course par for the course.
Jon, of course you will be bouncing around in that gym soon. Besides, you are going to have to keep up with me when I visit again later this month… I need you to spot me through another set of &*$#@ pullups.
j
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 02:07 PM
Elisa said:
Jon I am so so sorry to hear about your feet! Last you blogged about them I was worried. You don’t seem to be even remotely “whiney” so I figured that the docs wouldn’t have the greatest news but this is incredible!
I don’t think I can relate. I don’t think anything has hurt me that badly. I do, however, send healing energy your way and know that you will attract healing to your body.
Thank you for sharing with us. I know you really put all of your vulnerabilities on the line to help us in our journey to fitness. I am so glad to hear you have good doctors. They sound like funny guys!
Interested in hearing your gout healing process and remedies….
Be as well as you can!!! We are all routing for you!
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 04:40 PM
Jackie said:
Hi Jon,
I’ve been reading this blog since week 1 and am finally making some very necessary diet/exercise changes during round 2. Stumbling across you on the internet is certainly one of the best things that could have happened for my health and happiness! I truly respect people who have made the journey from unfit to fit, and who don’t take the word of self-titled “authorities” where one’s own well-being is concerned, and who share the wealth of knowledge gained along the way.
I also have sciatica and a simple way to eliminate the pain. If you haven’t already come across a treatment that works for you, I gladly offer my assistance.
Thanks for a totally diggable ride!
Jackie
Posted on Jan 12, 2006 09:42 PM
Greg said:
Bingo-Was-His-Name-O,
I’m sending some healing power your way. FedEx should have it there by 10:30.
-Greg
Posted on Jan 13, 2006 07:10 AM
Greg said:
Jackie,
I’m the one with the sciatica pain. What’s the treatment you’re talking about?
-Greg
Posted on Jan 13, 2006 07:12 AM
Kay said:
Greg,
How did you quit smoking? Did with the withdrawal and cravings?
Please…share!
Thanks!
Posted on Jan 13, 2006 11:05 AM
Greg said:
Jackie,
I’ve actually quit smoking about 6,233 times. I’ve tried gradual cessation but that’s never worked for me, so it was cold turkey this time. The patch helped by taking the edge off the cravings—but they never completely go away. Just remember that those gut-twisting cravings usually subside to a dull pull after about thirty seconds, if you can hang on that long you’ll be OK.
Probably the most crucial difference this time was that quitting was one leg of a three-legged stool: I also started exercising (first time ever) and completely changed my diet from McDonald’s to McHealthy.
It’s almost as if I had to fool my body into ignoring the fact that I would no longer give it cigarettes by slamming it, at the same time, with hard labor and good food. Poor damn thing didn’t know what hit it!
On the mental side, I guess the other 6,232 times I’ve tried to quit were’nt properly motivated. There are days when I really crave a cigarette (right at this moment, actually) but I know that lighting up now would destroy all that hard work I put in at the gym.
So far, Day 65 and counting. As far as withdrawals, I think that’s a myth. I’ve never, in all my vast experience as a professional quitter, had any headaches, nausea, trembles, chills or other symptoms after quitting. Just the cravings, and what feels like an extreme appetite but in reality is a nicotine-jones masquerading as hunger.
Posted on Jan 13, 2006 12:14 PM
SUE said:
I quit smoking a year ago with the help of hypnosis, I was neve a believer but it certainly worked for me. It will be a full yeat the middle of next week, no cravings, withdrawal, and it doesn’t bother me to be around smokers so didn’t have to give up all my friends.
Posted on Jan 13, 2006 12:43 PM
Lauren Tune said:
I thought your feet were better….Geez you GIMP!!! Quit horse playin so much…what am I gonna do with you?! =)
LAUREN
Posted on Jan 14, 2006 09:12 AM
Jon Benson said:
To Jan:
Thanks for passing on the M-Power Forum to everyone…yeah, that place I’ve been missing from. Sorry all! Between the blog and the other stuff, you know, like writing a bazillion words a day, the Forum took a back seat. It’s a goal of mine to make it a front seat again this year.
All yours Jan…for pull-ups, I mean.
To Elisa:
Thanks…healing is really time, a change of diet to very low protein for a few weeks and low purine foods, and what amounts to a form of antibiotic to kill the gout like Raid kills bugs DEAD. The rest is limping.
To Jackie:
Thank you so much! Glad to see you posting and ready for change. I really appreciate the kind words, and I’ll be here for this 10 — just every other day or so. No one go anywhere…ha.
Sure, anything to relieve pain would be great — not in much at all now, but you never now.
To Lauren:
I can think of a few things, but then again dad and Betty would become angry.
Ha!!
My ‘fracture’ was better — the gout thing is a new one. Just odd timing for both feet to blow out at once with two different things.
Again, KIDS have gout, so no more of your “Jon’s like my mom’s age” s — t, okay? Okay???
Good. That’s better.
Spank Betty for me.
Posted on Jan 14, 2006 10:41 AM
Kay said:
Greg & SUE
Thanks for the feedback. I tried the hypnosis once and it only worked until I saw someone else lighting up, then it was all over. As someone who did just recently experience withdrawal from caffine, I know the toxins leaving the body can cause nausea, trembles and chills. Guess it goes to show how different we all really are. What I really dread is cravings that never quit. I’ve had people tell me even after years of quitting they still get cravings. Course my other worry is the appetite. cause I know it’s been a great appetite supressant just like the caffine was. Congratulations to you both!
Posted on Jan 14, 2006 11:23 AM
Jackie said:
Greg & anyone else with sciatica,
My new best friend for treating sciatic pain is…a tennis ball. But it must be dead. So if you know a tennis player, an annoying dog, or just puncture a new ball with a pin, you’ll have your tool.
Lie on your back with your knees bent in sit-up position, and find the hollow in your hip. That’s where the sciatic nerve gets pinched by the piriformis muscle. Place the ball under that spot and slowly lower your weight onto it. Take your time as you want the muscle to relax around the ball. As you are able, you can even rotate your knees to that side to put more pressure on the ball. This causes the muscle to stretch around the ball and will release the pinch on the nerve.
When you are done, you want to lift your hip off the ball slowly and carefully so the muscles don’t snap back like a stretched rubber band.
You’ll feel much more contact with the ground on that hip and may want to repeat the process on the other side just to create balance.
It only takes a few minutes and gives great relief.
Dead tennis balls can also be used up the erector muscles of the spine or around the scapula for a great self massage. You can even put 2 in a sock and tie the end off to work your neck. Just remember to go slow and don’t bruise yourself.
Best of health!
J.
Posted on Jan 14, 2006 01:15 PM
Greg said:
Jackie,
Thanks for the tip. I’d say I can’t wait to try it, but I’d be lying. ;)
Can’t wait to see if it offers relief, though!
Posted on Jan 14, 2006 03:52 PM
Jackie said:
I won’t lie, it can hurt like mad! But it helps if you slow down when the pain starts. And the relief is worth it all.
Good luck!
Posted on Jan 14, 2006 08:35 PM
Lee said:
I guess dead tennis balls aren’t just for breakfast any more…
Posted on Jan 15, 2006 10:57 AM
Alicia said:
Lee,
You crack me up! *Wondering if we’ll be forever stuck in “Mr. Feet” blog*
Posted on Jan 16, 2006 09:43 AM
Woody said:
BLOG Date 86
End of week 2
Second round of 10-in-10
We find ourselves locked in time inside the
“Mr. Feet” blog.
Welcome to the Twilight Zone
Posted on Jan 16, 2006 10:42 AM
Greg said:
You’d think he’d have the courtesy to change his socks.
Posted on Jan 16, 2006 11:05 AM
Alicia said:
Too funny! It’s the Bingo Comedy Tour, coming to a town near you just as soon as Bingo releases us from this blog…
I can only take the smell of feet for so long!
*Theme to the twilight zone plays in the background*
Posted on Jan 16, 2006 01:33 PM
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