14 January 2010

acceptance

It's essential: acceptance of my new, disabled, physical state.
Essential in order to progress, essential to having an emotionally
healthy life. But I'm not there yet. No matter how much better it
gets, there's no denying that this is horrible, it will always be
horrible. It is a traumatic disruption of my life and I don't see how
I'll ever get back on track. (And I don't yet see the new track.)

11 January 2010

boots (and shoes too)

Finding boots and shoes that fit properly is a challenge. Like other things, it's a bigger challenge than for able-bodied people. You wouldn't think so at first, not until you try putting a shoe on a prosthetic foot. Putting on shoes is the most time-consuming part of my daily dressing routine Here are a few tips:

1) First of all, accept the fact that once you get your shoes on you'll likely be wearing them for a few days. I used to love changing my shoes often, choosing the pair that would be just right for my outfit and slipping into slippers when I got home. Now I accept that I'll be wearing the same boots for a day or two--or three--in a row.

2) Get a professional metal shoehorn (expensive, yes, but worth it). Plastics will break. Even the long metal shoehorn designed for people with disabilities wasn't strong enough.

3) Look for boots made from supple leather with zippers that go very low on the foot. You need a large opening to get the boot over your ankle.

4) Always use a sock--a smooth nylon is good.

5) Consider getting a foot that's a half size smaller than your real foot. This may sound radical, but it's worked for me.

6) Online shops such as zappos.com andendless.com offer free shipping (and free return shipping). This has been incredibly helpful--I can order two or three different styles and try them on at home.

Above all, have patience. Keep trying. And when you find something that fits, that you like--consider buying two pair.

Here are three boots that have worked for me. Please also post your recommendations.

Easy Spirit
Timberland
Born