What to ask a podiatrist?

I love your podiatrist's shoe recommendations! Those choices are mine also, after several years of experimentation. SAS shoes provide great comfort and support without appearing "orthopedic". They are expensive, but worth it. I add Dr. Scholl's massaging gel inserts for extra cushioning. The hard soles and arch support in Merrells are great for protection when walking on uneven ground. The Hokas provide good cushioning and support for walking such as when trying to walk for exercise.

@dbeshears1 - I know exactly what you are saying. At times and more often lately, I need to use a cane and I've noticed a difference in the way people are when they see someone with a walking disability, using a cane. Folks will hold the door for you and let you go ahead of them. I do feel people are considerate and I always ...always say thanks. Before I developed PN, I did the same for other people. Here, let me get that for you was an expression I often used and most appreciated my efforts. Good post Deb, glad you brought this up! Ed

@ray666 - Ray, suspenders popping is never a good thing especially when you need help to get them back into place. And, good thing you had a friend there to help you out. As I posted before, the little things we need to adjust for in life when impacted by peripheral neuropathy, even our suspenders!

I do try to be forgiving. Understanding, too. I can imagine just from my PCP's overcrowded waiting room what a day's schedule must be like.

Your mentioning Siri reminded me of a funny moment in Michael J. Fox's memoir Always Looking Up, how when he was still not used to a smartphone, he and his wife would be in the midst of a suppertime chat and just happen to mention the name of one of their children or a friend, only seconds later to hear that child's or friend's voice coming from the phone: "Hello? Did you just call me?" Of course, it was Siri who'd made the call. LOL

Debbie,

As I get more comfortable toting my cane – and remembering to tote it! – I'm enjoying a similar response from people ahead and to the sides of me: they're eager to be of help, and (important to a guy like me who's still a little about my need for help) without being overbearing! They're just trying to be good people.

Ray

Hi, Ed

My friend and I shared a good laugh about his having to help re-pop my suspenders. When we were getting up to leave – my friend is still rehabbing a second knee transplant and, to make matters worse, has a case of plantar – the two of us groaned and moaned – and then started laughing all over again! He and I met decades ago while running Denver's spring marathon. The memory of running marathons adds fuel to our laughter. Ah, the good ol' days! LOL

Have a great weekend, Ed!
Ray

Ray - I was at a family cookout in MD today, at my sisters house with 4 sibs I hadn’t seen in 18 months, and some next generation. There were 2 unsafe (for me) steps to get in the house from the patio. No railings, and with my PN I can’t even do a curb unassisted, but I could hold the door knob and do Ok by myself for those 2 steps. But each of the 4 times I tried to go in and out, some kind soul would insist on holding the door open for me. They just didn’t realize I needed the door closed so I could hold onto the knob until I was on the top step, then I could open and go through the door! They got the gist of it after seeing a few times how the closed door was a tool, but I felt blessed how they all wanted so much to help!

Hi, Debbie

That's all it takes: two steps – two steps can be insurmountable!

Others may have heard me tell this story before, but it was just two steps that led to my quitting acting. I had known that my balance was bad, and getting worse almost every day. The night of our first rehearsal I took set designer aside and requested that any steps he was planning have good sturdy handrails. Then, driving home later that night, I said to myself, "Good lord, Ray, you've never before had to ask a set designer to accommodate your disability!" That was a wake-up call. I decided then and there – not so much to quit acting – but to take a hiatus, at least until I'm ready to toddle around on stage with a cane or other apparatus.

So, oh yes, two steps – that's all it takes! LOL

Cheers!
Ray