The Gut Cannot Say Unto the Toe..

"I have no need of thee."

I won't try to claim that the 25 lbs I've gained over the last 3 months is entirely to do with the fact that I have an ingrown toenail, but there is certainly a correlation that cannot be ignored.

My toe got infected about 3 months ago. Just about the time my little sister got engaged. There was still snow on the ground so closed-toe shoes were necessary. Closed-toe shoes perpetuate infection. So does stubbornness. I refused to go to the doctor until I had done all that I could to get rid of the infection myself.

I cancelled my first doctor's appointment about 2 months ago. Right about the time that I had way too many midterms and papers to deal with. I soaked my foot under the desk as I plugged away.

I finally went to the doctor about 1 month ago. Just before finals, just after a break up, and exactly when I discovered that I had to enroll Spring term in order to graduate next year and I would not have enough money to pay rent after tuition. He gave me antibiotics and an appointment with a podiatrist.

I cancelled my appointment with the podiatrist about 3 weeks ago when the antibiotics began to work and Spring term was getting started and getting hectic.

I made a new appointment when the antibiotics quit working and I realized that I had gained 25 lbs in 3 months.

I am a stress eater. I have usually been able to balance my binges with some quality exercise. The last 3 months have been incredibly stressful and incredibly painful. I have spent them eating and sitting with the occasional limp to another location to eat and sit. Yes, I probably should have gone to the doctor sooner and followed through with the appointment process, but that doesn't change the fact that I would not have gained weight had my toe never been infected.

It's really nice to know that I am just a victim here.