Pain

I realized I have been living with this foot pain for 8 years.  It isn't that I don't know what it is.  I have had a diagnosis in the past.  I just never saw a specialist.  I just did the things that my doctor said to do.  Generally, that got me through from day to day.  

I realized though that eight years of pain is more than enough to warrant seeing a specialist.  There are SO many reasons to not take care of yourself.  For the last four years, we lived in a very remote part of Alaska and it just wasn't feasible for me to travel to get medical care.  It was cost prohibitive because I had to take two bush planes just to get to medical care.  Then there was the issue of lodging while there and...   I was the main caregiver of our children- and who would do that if I went in for medical?   It was just easier to "suck it up" and move on.  It is very easy to fall into being the caregiver and not take care of yourself. 

Well. I have decided I'm worth taking care of!   I went to the foot doctor and the prior diagnosis was confirmed.  I was fitted for orthotics and given a shot (a shot in the foot mind you).  

Now my foot hurts from the shot instead of the injury! I'm ready though!   I'm ready to do what it takes to take care of myself, so I can be effective as a caregiver and be there for those who need me. 

I also realized that sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better.  Yes.  My foot hurts from the shot now, but in the end it will be worth it.