Camping Trip

So I'm going to start off by talking a little bit about a trip camping trip I just went on. For the most part it was a good trip, other than the part where I hit a deer and made a fool of myself after I had just little too much to drink. We'll get to that though. 

So what does this have to do with CMT? Well, I was nervous about this trip, specifically about my feet. If any of you have CMT, you know what it does to our feet. I would say (based on google pictures of CMT) that the deformities in my feet are moderate to severe. Not too long ago, I had an operation on my left foot where my surgeon put in nine screws, five staples and a plate. I will write a post on that soon. Long story short, my left foot is significantly better, but I still struggle with both, particularly my right. I really can't say what makes my feet better or worse at particular times but there are definite highs and lows. Sometimes it feels like I could go on forever, but other times it feels like my feet are lifeless and I start tripping all over myself. Anyway, my feet did hold up pretty well during the trip, but I wore a brace on each one to give a little extra support. They weren't AFOs but they were hard plastic braces. I'm not sure if any of you reading this wear braces, but man, can they be a pain. Truthfully, I was really glad I had them because I felt nearly invincible with them on, but at the same time I felt a little ridiculous. There is nothing like looking like an uncoordinated fool, trying to put on your shoes with the person you like looking at you. Now who the heck knows what they were thinking while they were looking at me, but it still made me feel pretty crappy. It really does hit you right in the self-esteem. Granted, I don't want any significant other that looks at my feet before they really look at me; but that doesn't make me feel any less self-conscious. So if you can relate to this, I feel your pain!

I'll end with a quick bit about alcohol. I don't really drink often but when I do, I feel it really quickly. I think it is mostly because my ability to balance sober sucks on its own, but add just a bit of alcohol and I look like I am beyond drunk. I do like drinking with friends but I don't like making a fool of myself. Luckily for me, I have some pretty great friends who support me emotionally..... and physically when I have a beer or two. 

Have any of you ever experienced any of these situations before? How did you handle them?