just a question.: I haven’t posted for awhile, so... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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just a question.

Veteran250 profile image
25 Replies

I haven’t posted for awhile, so hope you are all keeping well, I was recently released from hospital after having Mini Strokes at night….. here’s a question on a change of subject….. because of Ataxia, I have a wide gaited walk, and wobble all over the house…. Because of this, my indoor slippers get trodden down at the sides, I’ve gone through three pair’s off slippers so far, and it’s getting frustrating!

any positive suggestion to help combat this would be greatfully appreciated.

Thank you.

Take care and stay safe as winter approaches.

Don. ❤️😀

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Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250
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25 Replies
Beautifulrainbow profile image
Beautifulrainbow

Hi Don lovely to hear from you again, when you say slippers, have you tried the boot type that you can get, that way they may support your ankle, and help with coming out the, side just a suggestion. My grandad use to wear those and he got OK with them.

Love Kaz 😘😘

Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250 in reply toBeautifulrainbow

hi Kaz, yes, have tried normal slippers and boot style, have used Velcro wrap over fastening because I can’t keep down long enough to tie laces

MaggieSylvie profile image
MaggieSylvie

Hi Don, Glad you are out of hospital, and presumably over the worst. In reply to your question, have you tried backless slippers or backless with a sort of firm rim around the heel?

Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250 in reply toMaggieSylvie

As in slip ons my lovely, sadly I can’t get on with slip ons, I feel unsafe with moving around the house, even using my through the floor lift, I can’t manage the stairs anymore, but thank you for your suggestion. 😀

MaggieSylvie profile image
MaggieSylvie in reply toVeteran250

My partner won't wear them either but that's because he's missing his two great toes. Perhaps you have the wrong size of slipper - too big, too small. You perhaps need something a bit sturdier.

Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250 in reply toMaggieSylvie

ha ha ha….sturdier may be the operative word.

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie

Sorry to hear you have been poorly and must be good to get back home. The only suggestions l can give for the slippers is perhaps get some with outdoor soles, or perhaps get some advice from the nurse next time you see her. Best wishes to you too. It’s gone cold and the nights are pulling in which is somewhat depressing, especially living alone. A pun for you. Keep soldiering on. Onward Christian Soldiers. Take care of yourself. Eat well and keep warm. God Bless.

cocoa profile image
cocoa in reply toCavalierrubie

I don't wear slippers because I feel unsafe, so I wear slipper socks.

Have you ever had an appointment with a podiatrist? I have found them very helpful.

Glad to see you on the forum again, but sorry you have been poorly.

Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250 in reply tococoa

Hi cocoa, something I hadn’t thought about, maybe just the thing, and keep feet warm too….thank you. 😀

Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250

thank you for the suggestion Rubie, something to speak to nurse about……take care. 😀

Plain profile image
Plain

sorry to hear Don you have not been well. How about just wearing outdoor shoes indoors, hope this helps you, take care

Veteran250 profile image
Veteran250 in reply toPlain

A positive suggestion Plain, something to consider….thank you.

Brommie profile image
Brommie

have a look at a website called cosyfeet. They are a bit expensive but their shoes and slippers are amazing and last. I use a walker 24/7 indoors since I had a fall, anything that gives you confidence is worth a try. Lovely to hear from you xx

Pussycat1 profile image
Pussycat1

have you had a look at Shuropody website. They are very good at shoes,slippers including specialist shoes etc. Can be a bit expensive but very good fit and quality. Nearest store to Kent is Bromley or Brighton

Crisfromshipdham profile image
Crisfromshipdham

Good Morning Don, Lovely to hear from you. Have missed your cheery posts from The Garden of England. I too have problems with slippers and my feet are always cold. I spend a fortune on slippers and find sheepskins ones with a non slip sole are the best for me. They cost a fortune ( upwards of £70 . Hope you continue to improve. Hope you hospital experience was better than mine ayear ago. Best Wishes Chris

Elizabethtracy profile image
Elizabethtracy

Morning I am also feel not safe with normal slippers so have been wearing Slipper Socks I got some from Tesco that only come to ankles like a pair of shoes and got gripes on bottom and fleece inside so cosy, I have got some slipper socks that go to my knees but not as cosy maybe if I could find some that are fleece lined. One pair usually last a year and just wash in the washer, i have big feet so have to buy mens ones.

I also have a problem with keeping shoes on if they are slip on okay with laces do not know if that is because of Ataxia

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1

Always so good to hear from you! I’m so sorry to hear about your mini strokes. I may have had a couple myself, when I had some episodes of seeing double, and, suddenly could hardly walk, in the last few months. The Doc’s been testing me for Myasthania Gravis - so I sure can relate! It’s bad enough, I guess, that I’ve had Cerebellar Ataxia, most of my life, and then Parkinson’s Disease in my old age, I don’t particularly want any more ailments! So, I sure can relate to your having some problems! I have had similar problems, with my slippers, as well! I walk with a wide gait, and slippers wear on one side. I’ve nearly fallen, with my balance problems, wearing house slippers! Over the years, I’ve tried several. Also, I’ve tried moccasins, with similar results! While in hospital one time, I found the perfect solution, for walking around the house. The socks they gave me, to walk around in, had special rubber treads on the bottom, that help to give me stability when I walk! Many people call them slipper socks! I’m sure, Don, you would find them helpful, and, importantly, you would be less prone to fall! Take care, Don! I was thinking of you, when Her Majesty The Queen’s coffin, was driven past the Cenephath (Sp)! You served your country well! Doug

wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

Hi Don 🙂 I didn’t know you’d been ill..it’s good to hear you are now home

Some people prefer to be barefoot, or to wear slipper socks indoors...but neither of these options make me feel ‘safe’.. I need something sturdy, close-fitting and rubber soled.

🙂 Someone suggested asking a Podiatrist for advice..I think that’s reasonable...It could save you shopping around

🙂 I saw these, they look sturdy with two lots of Velcro

easylife.co.uk/product/all-...

nigelrheath profile image
nigelrheath

hello Don.

I wear outside shoes with special insoles. My feet seem very sensitive if not protected.

Around the bungalow, no stairs, I use an upright Walker. This keeps my posture upright and works with my wider gait. I can do stairs but it’s ungainly, particularly coming down on my bottom!

Good to have you back.

Nigel

ninotchka profile image
ninotchka in reply tonigelrheath

I have to go downstairs BACKWARDS. Have you ever tried this? Rather amazing.

auntiesally profile image
auntiesally in reply toninotchka

yes!

PatsyIpswich profile image
PatsyIpswich

hey Don, we missed you xx Good to hear you are home and in your comfort zone. Like nigelrheath , I wear orthotic insoles in my shoes indoors and out. I buy sandals from Cotton Traders which are quite reasonable. you take care and keep in touch xx

coat2003 profile image
coat2003

Don,look after yourself, i am wearing a medical shoes, clogs for nurses, it centres me better,i go through a pair in 6 months. it is annoying, but used to it.i dont wear normal shoes, just before covid 19, just about my gp referred me to ortho practice for taking imprints of my feet for insoles, once i got ataxia my gait widened yes and felt inbalanced walking..appointment i cancel in the local hospital, i am going nowhere with the issue.

tedjohnson profile image
tedjohnson

Hi Don. Really good to hear from you. I have lost your email address (Bl##### computers or is it me?!)

Drop me a line and I will get back to you

Cheers. Ted

paul456 profile image
paul456

Good to hear from you Don glad you’re ok 👍🏻

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