The problem with aging is that the body keeps finding ways to create problems.
A mere six months ago I had never given a thought to the phrase ‘ingrown toenail.’
Naturally I had heard of it but never did I fear it. That is until one fine Saturday morning when I hopped out of bed and “Wow!!! Wait a minute! Is there a miniature leprechaun riding on my big toe and stabbing it with his little knife?”
Sure felt like it. There is nothing like pain to rivet ones attention. Each step more pain.
Within 60 seconds I was racking my brain trying to recall the name of the town’s podiatrist. Banks? Broadstreet? Not sure.
But I did remember the location of the office at 479 Willis Avenue right across the street from Dr. Breitbarth’s place. So off I sped to town saying the following prayer over and over “Oh please God let him work Saturdays. Oh Please let him work Saturdays. Please, please please.”
I got to the front door at 8:30 a.m. and the place is closed. The sign says that Dr. Brook’s did in fact work Saturdays but only in his Mineola office. I limp back to my office and call the Mineola office pleading for an appointment sometime this morning.
Yes, yes, yes they say! Oh thank you sweet Lord.
I arrive at the Mineola office expecting an empty waiting room but also it seems that many, many people have foot problems. They are all sitting patiently like church-goers in pews waiting to be called in by the high Priest of Comfort Dr. Brook.
As I sit there I begin to fantasize about what the diagnosis and procedure will be like. I conclude that minimally I will have to get my toenail removed and once again begin to pray to God that the procedure will not be too painful and the recovery will not be too lengthy.
My turn comes, I limp in and a pretty nurse asks me what the problem is.
I ramble on about the stabbing pain, its sudden onset and quickly ask if it’s a treatable condition.
She smiles, gives me an X-ray, a whirlpool treatment for the feet and at last Dr. Brook, my new very best, best friend walks in.
I quickly repeat about the stabbing pain, the sudden onset and wonder about the cure. He smiles and says “Don’t worry. It’s an easy fix. We’ll have you out of here in 15 minutes pain free and happy.”
Of course I wanted to believe this but had my doubts. The procedure began and it was really just a snip, snip, buff, buff, kind of like what happened to the Cowardly Lion in the Emerald City before he got to see the Wizard of Oz. but without the music.
And Dr. Brook was right. I left with no pain, no limp. Like a miracle had just unfolded.
So I no longer go to church. I now go to the high priest of comfort Dr. Brook once a month and voila no more pain.
Thank you oh Lord for giving me Country Foot Care and Dr. Brook.
