I climbed onto the patient table and peered over the edge. Peachtree Street traffic scurried below. A stream of sunshine warmed my cool legs as I watched Atlanta hurry by while waiting for the doctor. When I closed my eyes, the balmy rays left me feeling I was pool side.The view below reminded me otherwise.
When the doctor came in, he asked me why I was there. Why I am here? I thought. Your PA ordered an MRI of my ankle.
"Tell me your story from the beginning," he quipped. "Which beginning?" I asked. "From the 'mito part' or just the 'pain in my arch that stops me mid-stride' part?"
"Well, tell me about mito disease," he encouraged.
So I told my doctor about the energy deficiency disorder that weakens my muscles and joints. He'd never heard of it which didn't surprise me. But it was disheartening to be talking to a specialist who had no idea about my underlying issue. Especially when it was most likely a big part of the problem he's trying to help me with.
Muddy mito. Those who live with it know it's a muddy mito world out there.
The doctor told me the MRI report indicated I have a small tear in a tendon behind my ankle. He brushed it off since the pain that stops me cold is in my arch. I tried to explain I live with lots of pain and it all runs together so I was only focusing on the absolute worst part when talking to him. But he wrote papers for me to get orthotic inserts and sent me home saying, "I have no idea why your arch hurts."
Deep sigh.
When I made the appointment to see the PT who's making the inserts, however, I read the words "cavovarus feet" on the order. A Google search sent me here:
Adult Cavovarus Feet
"Cavovarus foot deformity, which often results from an imbalance of muscle forces, is commonly caused by hereditary motor sensory neuropathies... In cavovarus foot deformity, the relatively strong peroneus longus and tibialis posterior muscles cause a hindfoot varus and forefoot valgus (pronated) position. Hindfoot varus causes overload of the lateral border of the foot, resulting in ankle instability, peroneal tendinitis, and stress fracture..."
Muddy mito indeed.
I pick up new inserts in a week and am hoping they will de-stress the tendons that run from the outside of my ankles up the side of my legs. But since my legs showed off in a bad way for the therapist the day she fit me for the insoles, she was concerned they won't help enough.
I still have hope. Maybe it's the bright sunshine outside today or the warmth I felt perched high in the orthopedic office last week. Maybe it's just because it's Sunday afternoon and I spent time in God's house this morning. Regardless, "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more..." (Ps 71 :14)
He knows the answers. He knows what I need. He created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother's womb. (Ps 139 :13)
Muddy mito is not muddy to Him.
So "My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure." (Ps. 71: 15)
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