A Relief That Feels Odd

 After three weeks of wearing the dreaded and disliked boot, we were back at the podiatrist today.  I think I puzzle him a bit because there seems to be more than one thing going on with my foot.  Definitely a neuroma.  But that part isn't quite so painful.  The ligament tear(s) hurts worse but presents more like a neuroma.  And they are in different spots on my foot.  Sheesh.  I can't even have trouble properly.😣😀

Anyway, the boot is replaced with a regular shoe.  Though the doctor said as he left the room:  hang onto that boot, keep it handy. (Which I interpret to mean I might possibly need it again.  Sigh.) 

Yup, My feet in regular shoes!

I am instructed to put metatarsal pads in all my shoes.  And to keep my toe taped just so - to somewhat immobilize it and hopefully allow the tear(s) to heal.  It felt so very odd to walk out of the dr.'s office with both my regular shoes on.  But what a relief.  I feel like I walk a bit tentatively, trying to not flex the foot so much and keep the pain away.

Can I walk again?  His response was to ease back in to it.  I'm so anxious.  It has been mentally taxing to not be able to take my morning walks that I've done for so many decades of my life. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be rainy/snowy/windy.  So, maybe the treadmill?  For a little while? The elliptical is a luxury just like the treadmill, but outside walking is my preference.

So I'll be valiantly trying to affix the pads in my shoes in the proper place and will likely be wearing my walking/athletic shoes pretty much all of the time.  Which is ok, I'm old and not expected to be lovely in any way.

Surprised The Husband with an easel-style puzzle board.  He has resisted my attempts to buy him one in the past.  I think he likes it!👏 Yay!!  It's rare that I can find something fun for him these days.  

We are attempting to clean out/get rid of/ pare down all the things we've accumulated over the years.  I know we've attempted the same thing in the  past and have done pretty well until we lose our momentum.  I'm determined this time to persevere until more of the unneeded belongings are gone. It is definitely a process. 

I'm grateful today that I was able to stop by a friend's house with a store-bought cinnamon roll and treated like I was the best thing she'd seen all day. I'm beyond grateful for a decent dr. visit and hope I'll continue to progress.  Surgery is unthinkable. I'm grateful that I will be able to have some driving turns again.  And grateful that the yard is mostly ready for the coming winter weather. And so very grateful for The Husband and how hard he works to take care of me.  I like that we can take care of each other.