Just needed to be heard for a little while

lostinrates

I'm ok with flip flops on feet so long as the post is soft leather, not thick plastic.

But, they hurt calves and ankles after while. I think I recall this would also be a problem for WaS.

WaS, does your physiotherapist have any suggestion for any increase in gentle exercise you could do in the flat that would not exacerbate physical problems but might help support health and replace some of the 'day to day' activity of a non agoraphobic lifestyle?

jobbingmusician

aneres wrote: »

What about Birkenstocks, I have the mules and find them really comfy, they also give the base of your feet support.

I have very broad feet and find these perfect. You can also alter the strap over the top so as your feet swell you could make a bit more room.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Birkenstock-MADRID-Womens-Ladies-Buckle-Flat-Summer-Beach-Healthy-Casual-Sandals-/231177683158?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item35d34380d6

I think if you shop around you can get them cheaper than the above.

I also can't wear flip flops as the thing between the toe causes so much pain even after a few minutes of having them on.

I was going to suggest Birkenstocks as well, but hesitated. I think the toe post ones would be very good with WW's gel toe post thingies, BUT I should warn you that my arches were very low before I wore B's, and when I first wore them they made me feel positively sick! I was determined to persevere, though, as they were so expensive (£80+, although you can now get them online or in TKMaxx for about £25) and they turned out to be the most comfortable shoes in the world.

whitewing

jobbingmusician wrote: »

When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your tribe.
)

I really love this. JM, do you mind if I steal your 'family' version of it for my signature?

jobbingmusician

Awww, that would be lovely

DUKE

YOOHOO! I ain't forgotten y'all TeamWaS

Oh I used to be able to run in my stilettos, but these days it's comfort for my size 5 very short & very wide feet.

Pyxis

jobbingmusician wrote: »

When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your tribe.

Excuse me!! I know this thread is a microcosm, but within it I would safely say that there ain't no weirdos!

In a different 'universe', it could be everyone else who are the 'weirdos'!

After all, the genetic mutations that lead to and result in 'mental health problems' could, in a very different society, confer an evolutionary advantage! God knows what, but they could!

Take geniuses! (The plural isn't genii, is it? That would be a different type of 'weirdo'! Living in a lamp, I ask you! )
Does genius automatically go hand in hand with psychological disorder, or is it the result of the strain of having to cope with a society of intellectual inferiors?

Also, compare the Polynesian societies of the 19th Century, where free sex was not only condoned, but positively encouraged, with Victorian England! Take a woman from each society and put it in the other. Each woman, in the other society, would be seen as 'abnormal'! And certainly, the Polynesian, in Victorian England, would be incarcerated as a 'mental defective'.

Apologies. I've gone off on one! A tangent, I mean!

The quote is actually brilliant! Thank you, JM!

Waves_and_Smiles

Love the quote, JM. That's us!

Thank you so much for all the shoe advice! I may be ok with Birkenstocks as I have very high arches? Or is that a problem, too?

I only have physio exercises right now for my hip but I see my physiotherapist next month so I will ask her about leg exercises. She will gently nag me, I only see her once every 6 months and she despairs at my muscle weakness. We did talk about standing by stairs and stepping up one step and back down again to strengthen my calf muscles but the balance disorder means I couldn't do it. I am sure that there must be something I can do, though which doesn't involve stairs.

Another point on feet is it is almost impossible to cut my toenails. The skin is delicate and sensitive underneath them and it hurts and tingles when I trim them, I do manage it but then it makes me jump everytime the duvet touches them. My feet need toughening up!

I had anxiety last night and it was very hard not to panic as I thought the same thing was happening again while I was alone. It wasn't, it was just particularly bad intrusive thoughts that triggered me. I really do need to make an action plan to cope with psychosis when I am alone so I stop panicking. If I haven't asked for help by the weekend someone kick me please!

Hahahahaha you made me laugh, Pyxis! We are a bunch of geniuses!

Pyxis

WaS, it's a shame you can't listen to music, because I found that when I had a wasted leg muscle, the best thing for strengthening it was dancing.
I was going to suggest one of those pedal machines, but I'm not sure how effective it'd be if you're not weight-bearing. How would you cope with an exercise cycle?
Failing all that, there are Therabands, which are thick elastic bands which you would hook under your foot and push against, while holding the ends. They come in different grades of resistance. You can use them for arms and shoulders too. I'll see if I can find a link.

Pyxis

This videoclip shows someone demonstrating a simple way to use Therabands. There are loads and loads of variations and you can buy accessories, if you find you cannot hold the ends of the bands. As with all things, you buy the lightest bands first and build up the repetitions, before progressing to stronger bands.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EsOnrM87Bsg

jobbingmusician

Hello tribe/family!

Never heard of Therabands before, but I would like a Theramin........:D