Earl Moore Photography
It Flows Past - A Stream or Life…both

I haven’t been doing much photography recently. For some reason a few weeks ago I sudden developed Plantar fascilitis in the heel of my left foot. It’s an inflammation of the thick tissue of the heel on the bottom of the foot where the heel bone connects to the toes via the arch of the foot. Very painful and it’s reduced my walking. With time and inserts for my shoes I hope to build back up to a more regular level of activity. At the moment when I first get up in the mornings it feels like someone put a razor blade in my heel.

After having bragged in a post how well our dog Foster was doing with his seizures, that proverbial “other shoe” dropped heavily this past Sunday. By Sunday night the count reached 9 Grand Mal Seizures and we loaded him into the back of the SUV to transport him to an emergency vet clinic. Upon arrival they put him on valium to knock him out and give his brain a chance to reset. There were two seizures in the car on the way to the clinic and two more after he arrived — a total of around 13 major ones and perhaps a few more minor ones we failed to notice.

Foster stayed in the clinic over night and the next morning was temporarily blind and totally disoriented. He walked liked he was trying to get away from something all day and night Monday — scared, whimpering and bumping into things. It’s only now, Tuesday, he’s starting to seem like himself and is calm enough to lay down and rest.

This is the second major cluster seizure event in the last 2 months, he almost didn’t pull out of this one. Bonnie and I spoke to the vets at the clinic as well as our regular vet and they agree if he continues to experience this level of seizures having him put to sleep might be a greater act of love then to keep trying to save him.

That being the case, we are keenly aware, more then ever now, each day with him is a gift. I don’t believe it’s a matter of if the next big cluster happens, but when.


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Ken Bello
12 years ago

My wife had Plantar fascilitis a few years ago and it was very painful (I don’t need to tell you). She got some good insoles and it made a world of difference, allowing her to continue working without too much discomfort (that’s the doctor’s word for pain).
Foster’s condition is heartbreaking. I’m sure you, your wife and the vet will make the right decision when necessary.

Paul
12 years ago

Hey, Earl. Sorry to hear about Foster. That must have been a very stressful time for you on Sunday. As for that foot of yours, just stay off of it. Did he give any indication as to how that happens and how they can reduce the swelling?

Monte Stevens
12 years ago

Sorry to hear about your foot and Fosters status. I think you said it quite well about Foster, “for his sake.” Life does offer us hard choices and I’m talking about our emotional choices, the ones that hurt. No words while console you and Bonnie, so I won’t even try. Just know that many of us care and will keep you guys and Foster in our thoughts.

Paul Maxim
Paul Maxim
12 years ago

That old adage – “trouble comes in bunches” – comes to mind. The older we all get, the more that sentiment rings true. One day everything is fine and the next all hell has broken loose. No rhyme or reason to any of it; bad stuff just happens. Not much comfort to you (or to Foster), I know, but I’m sure you’ll get through it.

Who knows – maybe your foot problem will help “create” a new era in your photographic life. Just because your mobility is slightly diminished doesn’t mean that your “vision” will be.

Tom Dills
12 years ago

I wish I could offer some positive words of wisdom but I don’t think I can do it justice. One or the other would be rough enough but two is two too many. I hope your foot heals quickly and that you are able to enjoy your time with Foster.

Colin Griffiths
12 years ago

I feel for you, I’ve suffered the same ailment in the past. It can be caused by walking bare foot on laminate flooring though I didn’t do that, it’s certainly very painful. I did a lot of stretching exercises to build it back up again. I hope you recover soon.

Eric Jeschke
12 years ago

Hi Earl,
My wife has had years of recurring plantar fascilitis. She has the inserts, which have helped, but it seems the stretching has helped the most. She has a particular device that she swears by. It’s a kind of rocker that is pretty small, just about the size of a boot, that you lay your foot in and then you rock on it back and forth. It’s plastic and not very expensive. I’ll take a picture of it and send it by email.

Sorry to hear about Foster’s troubles.

Mark
12 years ago

Such a tough place you must be in right now. Still rooting for Foster to pull through Earl.

Ove
Ove
12 years ago

To bad, but it will heal. I had that about 8 years ago, it took me a few months to fully recover. It was during my running years, I had to recover while still training. It was important to do that to get optimal healing. I believe it was a particular pair of shoes that caused the problem in the first place. I hope it won’t take that long time for you.