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Posted 8/14/2008 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
My feet are hurting again.  The right ankle swells up and I barely walk.  I've been wearing my birks or the other shoes the podiatrist recommended.  My good shoes are the birks and two pairs of low heels.  One might be a little too high - 2.5", but they fit the doctor's orders.  My bad shoes are my $100 Eccos, which I bought for walking.  I actually could not find flats that are sturdy - they were all flimsy or bendable, which is what the doc said not to wear. 

And . . . I am going to Boston for a psychological convention tomorrow!  When I was in Italy and this happened, I wished for a wheelchair.  I would have been estatic to have a wheelchair to get around in.   But that is not reasonable for Boston because I don't have one!  I do have a cane that I bought when I had a serious problem with my foot a couple of years ago.  I didn't like using it because people would ask, "what happened??!!" and I hate that.   I suppose I could take the cane.  I might feel silly, but I might wish I had it too. 

I am just having a really hard time accepting these limitations.  And how do you explain to people, yes, I need the cane today, but I might not need it tomorrow.  I told dh I thought I would take the cane and he snickered at me. 

Sorry, I am rambling.  I really should be packing!

Sue

Posted 8/14/2008 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sue,

 

I don't know why your feet are behaving they way the are but sometimes ya got to just stop stressing so much and go for it.  Your convention sounds

interesting and I wish I had the money and opportunity to see so many interesting things.  As for the cane.  Don't worry about what ppl think so much.  If someone asks ,tell them straight up "I have a disease called firbro and sometimes I am in pain and need help from the cane".  I find that being upfront with ppl is the best way.  As for the hubby snickering about the cane tell him to bite you!!  he is being inconsiderate and childish.  Jayson teases me sometimes about a cane or my lil cart I use for shopping and even one time the scooter in the walmart lol but its in fun not meant to be mean.  He will sing go granny go or talk about tricken out my cart with neon wheel wells and I tell him we can't forget the big orange flag on a pole so ppl see me coming!!  But your hubby is just being cruel and that's a big nono no no.  I was all worried eyes   about my trip to vegas as it was going to be a whole week with lots of walking to get in all we planned on seeing.  As it turned out I did pretty good.  Had some trouble with edema in my legs the 3rd day but we worked around it and hey,things we missed it gave us an excuse to come back in the spring again!! I am already looking forward to that trip.  So go and have a good time and take the cane just in case.  I look at it this way.  It might be kinda embarrassing blush when ppl ask me questions if a am limping or using a cane but it could be worse,I could have no legs.  For me with diabetes that could be real one day so I am trying to get the most out of this body while I can.  Good luck on your trip!

 

Soft Hugs,

Karen

Posted 8/14/2008 6:07 PM (GMT 0)

Karen, you're right.  Besides, I think I worry too much!  I am excited about the trip and I will take the cane.  Who cares.   It is one of those collapsable ones.  I had forgotten that I tell people that it is a Ninja cane for use with self defense - then I collapse it and say "wop pop pah!"   shocked and shake it a bit clumsily and it comes back together.  Everyone laughs and forgets to ask about the cane or why I have it.  I'll just do that.  Let's see the psychologists at the convention figure that one out!   smhair

The other thing I'm gonna do is quit worrying if my pain is "real enough."  roll It seems that has been the theme of a lof of my thinking.  No more.  I am going to stand up for myself and take care of myself.  that's the best way to feel better.

Sue

Posted 8/14/2008 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
Sue, take your Birkenstocks and your cane.  I know I do.  Just like American Express...I never leave home without them!  tongue

 

Also, make a trip to the drug store.  I think there are cold packs that you just wiggle and they become cold for a small amount of time.  That will be good on the swelling...along with ice in a washcloth.  If you can take Nsaids and Tylenol, take them with you.  They do help me.  Also try to keep your feet elevated whenever you get the opportunity.  That helps with the swelling, too.  Get the swelling under control and your feet will feel much better.  I'm going through the same thing right now!

 

If someone asks what happened you can just tell them you are having some pain issues but you will be fine and thank them for caring.  That usually keeps them quiet.

 

Keep on focusing on the trip and the good time you are having and try not to think about the feet too much.  You will make it and be so glad you went!

 

Have a great time and let us know how the trip went!

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/14/2008 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sue,

I hope that you can enjoy your trip without much discomfort.

Luv and hugs, Karen
Posted 8/15/2008 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
You should take your cane, Im the lady who posted on the foot pain, bones recently.  No one understands that I may need extra help at times and my husband wont even get me a cane, I just walk like a penguin..  NO one really accepts the degree of pain each of these things can cause, I somehow have to justify some orthopedic shoes if it continues, which it will

Posted 8/15/2008 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Suz2z, I read your foot pain post and sympathize with you. I got my cane at the drug store. Haven't used it for a couple of years and expected to save it for when I get old! I guess that time has come. ha ha
Maybe you can get one at the drug store. The collapseable (sp) ones are great - you can put it in a bag and have it when you need it.
Sue
Posted 8/15/2008 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Have fun on your trip Sue-
Hoping the pain is at a minimum and if it's not you have your trusty cane! Good idea about the collapsible one. GamJill
Posted 8/15/2008 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
I will look into it at drug stores, didnt know they stock them. Congratualtions on getting out there and getting about.  Just brought thickest foam soled slippers for around the house, some help to me.

Posted 8/15/2008 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
Take the cane! It makes you much more interesting than everyone else around you. I would like to tell them - when they asked about the cane- that it was the only vessel big enough to carry without burden my daily prescribed amount of GIN. Then I would hiccup, giggle, stagger a bit, and laff. hehee!  Have a great time!
Peace!
Posted 8/22/2008 4:40 PM (GMT 0)

Back from Boston and everything went fine.  I took the cane, but did not take it with me to the first day of the convention because I had so much to carry. Besides, I figured the first day would be fine.  That's the day I needed it!  Silly me.  Instead I went to a booth that was demonstrating foot and back massagers and tried out their products.  I met someone who might be a good contact for a future phd program.

When sightseeing, I paced myself and rested frequently and took extra strength tylenol and went back early to the hotel and used ice and heating pad after.  So I was able to do it and had a nice time and met lots of interesting contacts. 

If I hadn't found this site and you all, I might not have thought of the tools or be able to normalize it all and say, this is just what I have to do. 

~Sue

Posted 8/22/2008 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Sue, this is good news!  I knew you would have a great time and you handled it perfectly!  That was a smart move going to the foot and back massage booth!  See, if your feet weren't bothering you you probably wouldn't have gone to that booth and met the contact!   Good job!  yeah Everything worked out perfectly.  I'm so glad.

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/22/2008 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Statgeek,
Hi! If anyone asks "what happened?" Just tell them what I do....Just say....
"I got into a bar fight, but the other chick looks worse"!! Most people will not ask another thing. (It is difficult at times tho to keep a straight face!)
Breath
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