My Incredible Shrinking Feet

Ascites (misdirected fluid/edema) can surely pull some fast ones. I wear step-in Birkenstock clog-type shoes. They are comfortable and easy on and easy off.

Maybe just a bit too easy off.

Yesterday, I went to my favourite Naturopath, got my glucosamine push, bought some watercress and a pot of parsely, and then headed home.

I decided to stop at the Bakery and pick up a treat for myself before I left the city. So, I’m pushing on this big stubborn glass door and the lady behind me decides to help me push that bakery door open.

I hoisted myself up the 4inch step and put my foot down on the terrazzo floor. Wow! That was cold and hard. There was my bare foot sticking out for all the patrons to see and my shoe was out on the walk. How embarrassing!

Another lady decided to help me get my shoe on. I’ve never had to tell anyone ‘to just set the shoe down and I’ll step into it’ before.

I got my treats and drove gingerly out of the parking lot. Trying to drive with a loose unresponsive shoe is more of a challenge than I needed. It does keep one’s mind focused on traffic close by, way ahead and off to the side as well as trying to keep one’s shoe lined up and ready for any suddenly needed action on the brake or gas pedal.

The unnerving part of this incredible shrinking foot/loose clog syndrome is that it is completely unpredictable. There are quite a few diuretic foods out there that can really change how a pair of shoes fits rather suddenly.

OK, so why don’t I just get tie-up shoes?

And throw out my Birkenstocks?

I don’t think so!

I suppose I could get lace-up, if tying them up did not mean I had to get to where the ties are to do that.. I’d rather not go there, every day. It’s frustrating enough to have to deal with boot zippers in the winter.

I could get shoes with Velcro flaps but they turn me off.

One day I may have to do something about having a back on my shoe. If I do, they’d better look cute and I’ll be buying Birkenstock’s soft, half insoles for them. I have those in my winter boots and they are wonderful.

So, Ascites, you haven’t beat me yet. I’ve got this curve you’ve thrown at me, figured out, too.