# My diagnosis. Latest problem. Alka-seltzer toe **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 7, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027 "2025-05-07T18:19:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/1 "2025-05-07T18:19:36Z")
Woke up sick, pukey, crampy. Low grade temp. Headache. Foot ached. All yesterday. Saw the doctor. He was concerned. Didn’t seem overly troubled. Just the normal doctor/diabetic foot problems kinda thing. My foot was bright red. Allover the big toe and that side of my foot. Oddly swollen in my arch. Felt like walking on a small pillow. I was put on antibiotics. Got a steroid shot in the toe (I won’t describe the pain, but it made me barf) And Xray at the his own xray lab. I went home with instructions to stay off it and take meds. He told me toe wasn’t broken. I’ve broken this foot and toe a few times. So that was my big concern. Whoo hoo. I’m gonna live. The toe throbbed all night. My fever was in and out. My BG was being idiotic. I’ve decided it is gouty by this morning. My plan was to call doctor about the gout medicine. My husband has gout problems. He doesn’t go anywhere without his Allipurinol. So I knew it could help. I get to dialysis this morning. My glucose caused many problems during. Before we could get time to call the doc, the PA from his office shows up at my cubicle. He has my Xrays in his hands. Big brown envelope. I’m alarmed. I said “broken?” No, dearie. It’s something else. He asked how much time on the machine did I have. He leaves and comes back with a wheelchair. “Huh”, sez I? I can walk, just not fast. I’m wheeled to a treatment room. He pulls stuff out of a pouch. Two syringes and other tools 🥴 He asked was my BG settled down and looks at my CGM . Pulls my sock off. And grimaced. Alarm bells are ringing in my head. I’m, of course, imagining amputations. He shows us the Xray. There’s a very distinct line right under my big toe in the crease at the joint. Again, I asked “broken?”. Nope. He says I have a foreign body stuck in there and its decided to become infected. It has to go. I’ve come to remove it. Oh, my. Ol’beck, I may have screamed alittle, I know I was afraid! I got a numbing shot. I got an anibiotic shot. I gots Ivy patting my shoulder, til I wanted to punch her. A nick with a scalpel, and it virtually popped out in his hand. Felt nothing but a cool sensation in my foot/toe. I won’t describe what came out after. And he squeezed out every last drop. Ivy said, “well, that’s unpleasant”. I barfed, again. “Pop pop, squeeze, squeeze… Oh what a relief it was…” Oh. P.S.- it was a piece of wood. Bigger than a toothpick. I figure a splinter from my deck. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/2 "2025-05-07T18:28:00Z")
eeek. wow! owie. i hope your toe/foot is happier now. did they give you a tetanus shot? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/3 "2025-05-07T18:32:09Z")
I’m up to date. Too many things poking in me. They keep me updated. ---
**Author:** ![Eric1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3bc359/32.png) [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/4 "2025-05-07T19:07:11Z")
Beck I wondered if you were wearing sandals/socks and shoes when it happened. I was myself shocked that it happened to you like that! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/5 "2025-05-07T19:15:53Z")
No. Barefoot on the deck. Maybe socks. Not sure when it happened. ---
**Author:** ![Eric1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3bc359/32.png) [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/6 "2025-05-07T19:59:23Z")
I must wear socks like you as I’ve got the thinnest skin on my feet. I like to wear these thick ones with seamless toes. Sometimes I’ll wear two pairs even when it’s hot here. I’m a sock-obsessed man unfortunately. ---
**Author:** ![Eric1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3bc359/32.png) [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/7 "2025-05-07T20:50:26Z")
I’d even wear the ones my nephew used for Kermit the frog. Pluck of the ping-pong balls and I’d have a nice sock there. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/8 "2025-05-07T21:29:47Z")
I got many socks. I love hospital socks. @VOW sent me a box full of cute ones with that thickness you’re talking about. She is a very nice Doper. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/9 "2025-05-07T21:31:19Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I love hospital socks. Are those the ones with the rubber treads on the bottom. I’ve got a couple of relatives who love those. I’m mostly in compression socks. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/10 "2025-05-07T21:42:09Z")
Yes. They never wear out. And loosey goosey comfort. Update: they figured out what antibiotic I need. So, I got more pills coming. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/11 "2025-05-07T21:51:07Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Update: they figured out what antibiotic I need. So, I got more pills coming. Well, that’s good news at least. I do want you to take care of yourself, which leads me to… > [@Beckdawrek](#): > > No. Barefoot on the deck. Maybe socks. Not sure when it happened. A most gentle finger waggling. As I’ve gotten older, my doctors have been _very_ adamant that I should wear semi-supportive shoes all the time unless I’m in bed. I have _very_ flat feet, and they want the additional arch support to head off long term issues. You issues are entirely different of course, but while being barefoot is _very_ pleasant, you should also manage avoidable risks. Of course, your deck is probably in better condition than mine (Colorado freezing/thaw cycles are terrible to wood, despite sanding and re-staining every few years) but be careful. Once can happen to nearly anyone, but be careful out there in the future. Nagging over, feel better soon! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/12 "2025-05-07T21:55:58Z")
That’s ok if you nag. Quite used to it. Nothing like getting chewed out by a man holding a knife over your sore toe. Thank you for caring. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/13 "2025-05-07T23:27:56Z")
Oh Beck, ouch! I’m so glad you got it taken care of the pain must’ve been off the charts. Are you feeling better, or still dealing with some lingering pain? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/14 "2025-05-08T00:47:39Z")
It hurts. Not as bad as you’d think. I’m good at blocking pain from my feets. (Dancer in my youth). I’ve gotten my first injection of new antibiotic. I feel better knowing the meds are in place. No fever this afternoon, yet. It’s still beet red all the way up my shin(that’s some real estate folks, I got long legs). Anyway. I’m holding on to this as good news. Fingers crossed. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/15 "2025-05-08T02:32:00Z")
I’m on a broad spectrum antibiotic injection. Pro tip: don’t Google what your antibiotic is generally used for. Nightmare territory, right there. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/16 "2025-05-08T02:46:37Z")
eh, nevermind ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/17 "2025-05-08T03:11:26Z")
Yikes. I hope you _heel_ quickly. Also, Alka-seltzer toe makes me grin every time I see it. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/18 "2025-05-08T03:16:04Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > Alka-seltzer toe makes me grin every time I see it. Everything Beck writes about her life makes me grin when I see it. I just wish she’d write more! ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/19 "2025-05-08T03:33:44Z")
Yipes, stripes there, Beck! I’m trying to imagine getting a splinter bigger than a toothpick in my foot and not feeling it right away, and I can’t. The cure sounds worse than the disease, and that’s saying something. When do you go back to the doc? I’m assuming they’ll keep a careful eye on it. Tell Ivy ix-nay on the atting-pay. It sounds annoying. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027/20 "2025-05-08T03:36:15Z")
I go back tomorrow. I fussed, but they insisted on seeing me. And Ivy quit patting long enough to wag her finger at me and say “yes we’ll be here, won’t _we_?” On the pain, I have a few numb spots on the bottom of my feet, diabetes and foot abuse for too many years. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-diagnosis-latest-problem-alka-seltzer-toe/1018027.md?page=2)