I Hate These Shoes (Part 4, or Maybe 5)

Review: Three years ago I found out I was diabetic when I got an infected big toe. It was cut off. My foot has been an ongoing problem ever since, even though my A1C has been between 4.8-5.1 for 2-1/2 years (that's fairly low for even a non-diabetic). The physical problem is recurring osteomyelitis. The mental problem is that the doctors and I are from different planets.

I've told you before about the original prescription Frankenstein shoes that I can barely stand up in, let alone walk. I have a newer pair that is 2 sizes smaller, but still very big and bulky. I don't wear them very often because my feet get tangled up and I fall down. I hate falling down. I especially hate the thought of falling down since Aunt Beth took a tumble and ended up in the hospital with lots of owies.

I have talked to shoe guys and orthopedic people, bought 2 pairs of expensive shoes with my own money (they didn't work either). I finally ended up wearing Arcopedicos, the original style that is made from netting that expands. They're washable, the shoes are roomy but not bulky. I like them fine.

But the doctors do not. Whenever I sense a toe problem coming on and make an appointment, the first thing they notice is that I'm not wearing the prescription shoes. I have to take up 90% of my 3-minute appointment explaining yet again how I came to be wearing them. And even though it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, they always claim that I'm having problems with my toes because I'm diabetic and I'm not wearing the prescription shoes.

Yes, I'm stubborn, but I'm not stupid. I've studied this thoroughly and just for the record the nurse, who I see every two weeks, has reached the same conclusions I have, and she can't get the doctors to pay attention either.

So, I have an appointment with one of the foot doctors on Friday a.m. Just to refresh my memory about why the prescription shoes don't work for me, I've been wearing them this week. I can't wear them to drive, the right shoe covers both the accelerator and the brake pedal. I can't wear them when I go downhill or down stairs, the heels are high and put me at a dangerous angle. Etc.

Today I found another reason why I hate these stinking shoes. I had the day off and needed to work in the flower garden. I tried clomping around in the shoes. It was hard, I kept stepping on plants and mashing them. When I'd pull the yellow wagon, I'd get the shoes tangled up in the wheels or wouldn't feel the edge of the sidewalk and would stumble. After an hour or so, I was pretty tense.

Then as I was clomping along the sidewalk, a little pink frog hopped out of the flowers. I couldn't stop. I couldn't swerve with those damned shoes. I didn't feel the poor frog crunch, but I could sure hear it.

"Oh, crap, foo, ugh, jeeeeeeeezus!" I almost urped my lunch.

The poor frog didn't stick to the bottom of the shoe. I almost wish it had, just as a special treat for the foot doctor.

Damn, I hate those shoes.