MOST Difficult job in the morning?

[Sylvsmum]

I struggle every sinlgle morning if i wear tights or socks. Somehow the task of getting them on my feet is the one thing that makes me more breathless than anything else. If I also have lace-up shoes, the trouble is doubled. Anyone else in this boat, or is it just me??

[youngwidow]

not just you, i struggle every morning getting dressed, cant wait for summer, then I can stay in nigfhtie and slippers and people will think I'm wearing summer dresses! but, I thought it was old age catching up with me, some days worse than others, when I struggle for breath.

[Lupie]

Hi Sylvsmum. I have trouble getting dressed and undressed every day and I must say that putting socks on causes me to become very breathless but I find anything I have to bend over for makes me out of breathe.

[btype]

I am exactly the same, a few years ago I would never have thought putting a pair of socks and doing my shoes up would be a struggle.

[Hidden]

Me too, I have my wife to help me and still going to bed and getting up are the big issues of a normal day. Again bending over takes my breath very quickly.

Sitting still, pursed lip breathing hand held fan blowing cool air over face while leaning slightly forward are my recovery methods.

Good luck,

Chris

[pollyjj]

My husband has to wear support stockings on both legs (two on one leg and one on the other). He does this every morning and by the time he has finished he is gasping for breath, and I can't help my breathing is worse than his.

He finds sitting on the bed with the fan on slowly facing him helps.

polly xx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

To put your socks on, sit down and bring one leg across to the other knee and rest the ankle on the knee so your foot is side on. Something like this chap does.

youtube.com/watch?v=Mxiyjzl...(Not working as expected?)

[katieoxo60]

Hi everyone I've had trouble with dressing for years,you are not alone. How puffthemagicdragon says is one option. But no good if you have inflexible knees or legs. These days there are gadgets to help put socks on without bending, shoes without laces ie velcro and slip on. If you are able, raising your foot on a chair or stool helps too.and last but not least as I was once advised ask someone else to do it for you(smiles)Cutting toe nails is another difficult one I find its easier if you soak your feet to make the nails soft but have to admit I often cut my toes to. Hope these suggestions have a use for others.Not cutting the toes of course he he

[Ashtray]

All comes in the package see what I have left after getting dressed and washed when planning what can do next some days better than others always try making the effort for some kind of daily routine that gives a day some shape.

[Hidden]

You have already been given some great ideas for socks but I have seen in shoe shops curly elastic laces that stretch when you put shoes on and contract back when they are on. I vaguely remember they were quite bright colours, probably designed for kids but they might work for you. I myself live in flip flops all year round, even in the snow. I do not possess socks or tights.

[KingoftheCocktails]

Good job I have a helping wife

[ingy]

I am in the same boat. My grandaughter who is 4 loves to help me by putting my knee highs on. Personally I would rather wear my nighty and housecoat full time. First it was the socks, then the bra had to go. So yes, you are not alone

[Sylvsmum]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. So, now I know I am not alone as I struggle. Not sure the 'brown person' putting on a sock video was a lot of help to me, puff - he couldn't do it, so what chance to do I have. !!! Not sure I could get my ankle onto my knee. Maybe I just need to work hard to get supple.

[Hidden]

I do without socks/tights and use slip on shoes/boots.

[Sylvsmum]

I usually do, but in this cold weather my tootsies need a bit of extra warmth!

[Hidden]

One good tip is something I learned at my PR group. When you bend over you are compressing your diaphram which makes you more breathless. The nurse said instead of inhaling when you bend exhale instead and that makes it easier.

Bev x

[serenityfrank]

Hi Sylvsmum.

A company called Cosy Feet (cosyfeet.com) sends us brochures regularly which includes a device for putting socks on easily (I've just found it and am about to buy it), different types of socks which support, or don't pinch, or don't have seams, and shoes which look good but open out to an extent you wouldn't believe!

They quote 2 prices, one with and one without VAT - don't forget we don't have to pay VAT if we're disabled.

Frank

[Hidden in reply to serenityfrank]

My husband has been using the Cosyfeet sock device for months he thinks it is fantastic.

[serenityfrank in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reassurance exblonde.

(Following your example I guess I could call myself exhairy)

Frank (aka baldie)

[bobshir]

like hypercat says breathe out before you bend down cos it does help.. Bob

never give up

[Stu1939]

I've given up trying to put on socks as for shoes I buy zip up or velcro ( have to buy more often but its worth it)