Follow up.
♦️1- The Zero shoes did not work for me. Thought they were, but that was because I had fewer sensations of sliding when I wasn’t actually moving. The sensations and numbness ‘increased’, and I started using the cane 2 weeks ago, with the Xero shoes. Even with the cane, I still feel a slip/slide in my left foot. Getting upstairs is now a very real struggle. My husband helps but he is impatient. I know it’s all a sudden change for both of us. 🙏🏻 Coming down, with his assist, is much easier. Still scary.
I have ordered a two cane stair assist. Looks good on paper. We will see. And, the tub bench that has two legs outside the tub to let you slide and sit on the bench in the tub. FANTASTIC. Yes! I put it together. Hubby carried it up. I later adjusted legs on the outside to make bench an equal height all over. And, put it in the tub myself.
♦️2- The hand held massager for the feet? Way too painful even on lowest setting. I still use my floor unit foot massager. And, I massage my feet nightly with anything with Menthol; eg. Gold Bond lotion with menthol, and then another round of massage with Bengay cream. Have not tried capsaicin, because it may interfere with my blood thinner. ??? Also, stretch the toes back and forth for that clawed foot feeling. Actually, the toes are not as bad now after doing this for a few weeks.
♦️3- Saw the podiatrist yesterday. I drove about 25 minutes away. Right foot much less of a problem. Husband was with me. Was my first time out of the house in 2 weeks, using the cane and my Hoka Clifton 9 shoes, that I bought last summer when the imbalance just started. Very unsteady, felt like I was falling several times, even holding onto my husband’s arm. Just stepping into the elevator was scary. Much worse than 2 weeks ago. Was it the Xero shoes or using the cane? Or, can such a change just happen that fast?
The podiatrist was very matter of fact. Brief exam of the feet to gage areas of numbness. Said the Hoka shoes are good shoes for balance. Said using the cane had now made me dependent on it. Suggest I not use a walker unless I really felt fearful of falling. 🤔🤔🤔🫨🫨🫨
He gave me little hope. It is what it is. There is no cure. Told him I take the B12 and A-ALA. He suggested adding B-Complex and I could try Gabapentin, which I agreed agreed to try. Called the pharmacy this morning. Never received the order. Doctor in surgery today, best bet is he will send order by Monday. 🫣 Didn't even discuss the strength or dosage.
Once home, I pitied myself a short bit. I think that’s ok. 5 Stages of Grief.
I tried walking in the house with my Hoka shoes. Not! Then, I decided to put on my Altra shoes, without socks, and slide my feet without lifting them, using the cane. Scooting my feet. 👁️ I had observed a man in the parking lot at the podiatrist, going back to his car without a cane or any assistance, by just scooting his feet over the surface. Slow and steady as he goes. But he got there. Worked pretty good. This morning I actually put the cane aside while I scooted around the kitchen. Felt pretty secure. Even bought a cup of coffee out to my living room, no cane.
But, stepping up from the street to the sidewalk??? Sorry, Doctor, but I have a GREAT fear of falling. I have two walkers ordered, a smaller one for upstairs.
♦️4- SO, supplements taken for numbness, No pain????
Has anything really made a difference for you?
Anyone have some relief from the Numbness with Gabapentin??

Ok. Update and mini rant over. I hope and pray for everyone here. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️😣