A scary story...

[mg_2204]

... The nurse I see twice a year told me this story, at my last check up. I had forgotten about it but it all came back to me when I've started to put my little red boots on again this week.

We're all aware of what damages diabetes can do. Naturopathy is one (of many!) complications. The nurse told me of this woman who's son was getting married. She got those beautiful wonderful but (too) high and tight shoes to go with her dress. They weren't the kind of shoes she'd usually go for but it was for a special occasion. She wore the shoes all day and was on her feet most of the day too. Little did she know, because of naturopathy, bad circulation and the shoes too tight... she ended up in hospital a few days later. To make a long story short, she ended up losing part of her right foot..................................

The nurse told me the story as a warning. I had just bought my boots back then and it's when she saw me take them off (yep, they are a bit tight) that she decided to tell me the story of that woman. We talked about feet care a lot too.

It's a lot colder now and I've started to wear my boots again. But I must admit... I can't help but think about that woman and what happened to her. I don't wear my boots all the time and all day now, eventhough I just LOVE them. And for my son's wedding (next May or June), you bet I'll be thinking of that story and be extra careful with my choice of shoes...

I think it's more of a woman's problem; uncomfortable shoes. We're the victims of fashion unfortunately.

Marie
:)

[lgvincent]

That is sad. I'm under the impression you don't need tight boots to keep your feet warm during the winter months. I remember reading how in 1941 the Germans had tight boots during the first Russian winter and had a lot of problems with frostbite. The Russians wore boots that were larger than their foot size so they could put material in them to help keep their feet warm. Maybe that is still a good idea.

[HeatherP]

I must be getting old. These days, I won't buy a pair of shoes unless they're comfortably fitting with my thick extra padded socks. :rolleyes:

[LauRa Lu]

This is the down side to my love of shoes :( I have so many pairs that I can't wear any more, they're not 'too' tight... just a little, so I dont think it's worth it. Such a shame. (not the end of the world tho I guess lol)

xxxx

[Linda57]

Me too...I've saved a couple of pairs, I dont know why I keep them, cant seem to throw them away.

Clarkes shoes for me now..

Linda

[JJ7]

That is a very scary story.

I have my own fashion sense these days, if it's comfortable I'll wear it. God bless elasticated waistlines and Clarkes shoes :D

[Harold]

Have a slip on pair that's a little tight so I wear them when it's warm without socks. They are clothlined with padding so don't have to worry about blisters. One thing I learned was to wear thick socks when trying on shoes and for winter boots two pairs are better. Feet swell up over the course of the day so it's a good idea to have a little extra room and if they feel tight later in the day I can take a pair off.

Have any of you seen a shoe stretcher device that will stretch leather shoes? You have to put them in the shoe and leave them there for several days. Should be able to get an extra half size or even a full size in some cases. I have not seen one for years and do not even know if they are still available.

[mg_2204]

Harold, haven't seen shoe stretchers in years. Last device I saw was at my grand-parents. And once in a garage sale. I don't know if they'd be useful with shoes and boots that are very pointy though. Some are ridiculously pointy! May come in handy if you want to crush bugs in a corner... but not toe friendly ;)

[Shalyndria]

Well call me a slave to fashion!!

I love 'em, I wear 'em, and I ain't givin 'em up!! Knee-high three-inch spike boots, pointed toes, curved toes, square toes, open-toed...you name it I have it. And I've been wearing them for years. The trick is to buy a size larger (sometimes two sizes, particularily with the pointed toes), then buy orthotic inserts specially made for heeled shoes. "Dr. Scholl's" makes a great one that costs about $20. The majority of my heels are more comfortable to me than running shoes. And not only do they look **** good, but they also elevate ;) ;) my sense of worth!

'Course I'm checked at least twice yearly for neuropathy and have no circulation problems.

Shy :D

[statdeac]

ok, you're a slave to fashion.

[sicdb]

'Course I'm checked at least twice yearly for neuropathy and have no circulation problems.

Shy :D

For those of us new to the big "D", or at least new to being aware of it, what's involved in your neuropathy checkups?

Paul (sicdb)

[archimeech]

I have a good friend that is a Physical/Occupational Therapist. He was treating a diabetic man that lost 1/2 of his foot because he didn't shake his work boots out. One of his kids had dropped a little toy car into one of his shoes and he walked all day with it in his shoe without knowing it.

[Jenny]

I like to wear high heeled fashionable shoes once in a while but lately have found (not due to neuropathy because as far as I know I fortunatley have none) that they just aren't worth hurting my feet for. That high arch just bothers my feet badly. Some people can wear heels everyday (Shy you go girl!) but not me...LOL I mostly wear tennis shoes or brown leather shoes with inserts. But I don't buy shoes or socks that are too tight because of fear of cutting off my circulation because my feel are cold a lot.