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Most days are better than others but some days my left leg is so stiff! I’ll limp and have the foot slap. I hate walking in front of people. Then you get the questions. “What happened?? Are you okay??”
I usually clam up. What do you even say? Maybe I should just get a shirt that says, “Yea I got the MS, what’s it to ya?”
At this point I’m ready to just tell people I have a rock in my shoe.

September 30
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Answer Summary

Members living with foot drop from MS shared creative and practical ways to answer questions from strangers about their walking, ranging from... Read more

Members living with foot drop from MS shared creative and practical ways to answer questions from strangers about their walking, ranging from lighthearted humor like joking about getting old to straightforward explanations using simple terms a child could understand. Several members emphasized the value of setting personal boundaries, with some choosing to say only that they have a nerve or back condition, while others took the opportunity to educate and sometimes made meaningful connections. A recurring theme was learning to worry less about others' opinions and finding an approach that feels right for each person.

A MyMSTeam Member

I'd say, "Millions of other people have the same issue I have; it's called 'foot drop,' Google it." Or you could get the MS t-shirt that says, "I have holes in my brain; what's your excuse?"

September 30
A MyMSTeam Member

I fully explain in terms a child can understand. Better to educate, than ket them firm false assumptions. Sometimes you make a real conection.

September 30
A MyMSTeam Member

About a year ago I became tired of having my R shoe repaired because of the dragging damage.
I decided to try neuroplasticity, which is the same method used to re-train Stroke victims.
It's working for me so far, I focus on lifting my right foot, left right, left right,...
It might be temporary, I don't know or care really.
It's taken about a year to concentrate, focus intently, practice practice.
I now can walk normally. When I concentrate, which is becoming noticeably easier.
I'm writing this as maybe food for thought. Am quite sure some might not think neuroplasticity is worth a year of my life, I definitely do.
Love to all 💕 and prayers🙏

September 30
A MyMSTeam Member

I always like to make a joke out of it and say something to the effect of it’s tough getting old, I can’t move as quick as I used to. Then I laugh it off! Hope this helps?

September 30
A MyMSTeam Member

I stand tall and explain the concept of foot drop, why I am wearing my splint, and if they haven't nodded off to sleep by then, give them the full list of injuries that I have from trips and falls caused by my foot drop - that usually does the trick!

October 3 (edited)

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