Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Black toenails, yet another thing

My Dearest George,

I did not take offense at all at your comments. My hope was to make my comments a funny play off of yours. Must have missed the mark and need to work on my comedic timing. Mine was meant for a joke too and I love your wit, so please don't stop using it.

Take care,




Allison

Hi George,

I wondered where your post had disappeared to. At first, I thought that I'd conjured it up, this being close to the Hallowe'en season. It was a relief to know I hadn't, and that you'd removed it. I thought your post was funny and had some enjoyable moments coming up with various sequelae if it were possible for AS to sue.

Oh, and for this Hallowe'en, I am painting my nails pumpkin orange. Just got the polish from the dollar store yesterday. Won't that make a lovely fashion statement ?

Hope you're doing well, George! Last night, it froze here. It was -7c this morning - am still in shock.

Cat

Hi Allison,
I was going to mention circulation trouble, but figured the toe itself would be black not the nail. Was going to reply about this when I saw your other post about your ER visit. I'm surprised that your rheumy didn't know think, but it's better safe than sorry and I glad you went.
I remember when I had TMJ trouble. The joint was so badly deteriorated that it was cutting off the circulation, and the tips of my fingers started turning black. Doc had already told me before this that I needed surgery and I was still in the process of fighting the insurance company. But when this circulation problem came up they said I needed to have it ASAP...insurance or not. So, I did!
I know this has nothing to do with your toenails turning black, but it was how I knew that your toe would turn black if it was a circulation problem, because my nails didn't turn black...only the fingers.
Talk about freaky! I was making a stew and when cutting a carrot I sliced my finger. It didn't bleed at all, but all of a sudden the finger started turning black and I watched as it went from finger to finger.

I noticed last week that my big toenail is turning a funky color..looks almost like I bruised it underneath, but I haven't done anything to bruise it so I am pretty sure it is the nail. I didn't think it could or would be anything AS related, so keep us posted as to what you find out ok. I'm curious.
Hugs,
Lisa

Here is the final update:

I went to see my GP and he said that it was bruising underneath the nail. He said that it is probably from my new excercise program (which I started a couple of weeks ago) with shoes that don't fit. He said because I lack feeling in my toes, I was probably slamming them into my shoes and not knowing it was causing damage.

He said that the ciruclation problems they were worried about will hit the toe first, not the nail. Just like what Lisa said. He also said that one of the nails was damaged due to fungus, but he would not give me any medication for it. He said that all of the medication that I could take has potential to cause liver damage, and since I am already on that path he didn't want me to take any more.

So that's the jist of if. Sunday I am going to a special atheltic shoe store to be properly fitted. I wear a size 12 in womens shoes (gasp), so sometimes it is hard to find ones that fit properly.

Thanks to everyone for their concern. All my best to you all



Allison

Hi Allison,

It sounds like you going into the doctor was the right thing to do. The exercise program you are in must be very rigorous to bruise under your toenail. I hope the new shoes helps you from causing anymore damage and hopefully you won't have to push yourself as hard for a while giving the bruise some time to heal before going at it wide open again.

I agree with the doctor on the meds, al of us here walk a fine line when it comes to possible liver damage.

Glad to see your ok,
Brent