I think Steve said it best, Karen: Wow. I mean, WOW. That has to be about the most ridiculous thing I have read anywhere in a long, long time. I know myself pretty well, and I am quite certain I would have absolutely lost it when I hears that retirement news from Cleveland for the second time. Check that--I would have held things together long enough to see if there was ANY way I could get an appointment, but once I was certain I had exhausted all options, someone would have been getting an earful. I've got a term I like to use for what you went through, but it most definitely does NOT meet KA's decency standarda!
Let's just say the first part of the word I'm thinking of rhymes with "duster" and leave it at that.
As for the podiatrist, really sorry you had such a bad experience with that guy. I have seen the same podiatrist for a few years now, and he is actually one of the most important docs in my medical "team." Due to all the deformity and fusing in my feet, I have a callus caused by the intense pressure I put on the ball of my right foot that has turned into a constant, recurring problem, and he does a great job of calming it down every 8 weeks or so. When I reach the end of that 8 weeks, I am not kidding at all when I say that little callous easily becomes the single most painful thing I have to deal with. I know, I know, sounds incredible that with all my AS problems, I'd say a callous is the worst source of pain I have, but when it's at its worst and all 210 of my pounds seem to be pressing right on that sore spot, there honestly isn't even a close second right now. I had no idea there was even anything I could do about this problem until I went to this podiatrist on a whim, but he has really proven to be a real lifesaver. If you are definitely having problem with your feet, don't necessarily let that one bad apple cause you to stop looking for help. I'd definitely say it would be a good idea to let it go for a while so you don't have to add another doc to the circus, but down the road, if you're still having trouble, it might be worth considering.
Good luck with your tests and whatever doctor search ends up happening--if anyone deserves a break right now, you are right up there at the top of the list.
Brad
