Subject: What do you think of this consultant appointment?

Hello : )

I have osteo in both ankles resulting from severe injuries about 20 years ago and also suspected heel spurs. My condition is such that on the whole I have very good mobility but can experience moderate chronic pain and also sudden severe pains (prob heel spurs but so bad I have to stop and take the weight off the foot immediately until it settles - sometimes this is fairly quick and others it can take a day or two). Stairs (descending) cause the worst problems and at its most severe I have to descend on my backside. On good days I can walk several miles and on others I do not leave the house (usually the day/s after a long walk).

About a year ago I saw an osteo who had an mri scan done.

In the follow up meeting we covered a few things - injections/fusion operation but I asked specifically how bad the joints were and whether I should manage my exercise etc so as to minimise any further long term damage(I want to keep as much mobility for as long as I can). The consultant said the condition of my joints was not the issue it was simply how much pain I was in and that I could run the London marathon if I felt able without detrimental effects. He was also very cagey about any long term prognosis - probably understandable?

I am wondering what you think about this - particularly the suggestion that I cannot do any more damage through exercise or the dismissal of my enquiry as to how bad the joints actually are?

(I also forgot to ask about the heel spurs and so did he.)

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