Good for you on getting around in the Trader Joe's! Did you get any of those fruit jellies from Greece? yumm.

Depending on your foot issues and doctor's advice you might consider trying a rolling walker too. I used one for a while after surgeries two and three. It seemed to allow a more natural foot motion and did not stress my upper body as much as crutches. It does allow a little more weightbearing. When I had enough I would prop on my knee or just sit. I think we have to try everything that works!

I remember well the zipperless pants days. I lived in Yoga gear until lately. Just made it into jeans in the last couple of months. I made it a little more fun with bright colors which is easy in athletic clothes and does lighten the day a little. You'll get there. I am back in cute skirts and am actually considering painting my toenails for the first time in two years.

on going barefoot - If you need the support for bone issues or keeping things aligned as they heal then minimize diversion from your doctor's recommendations. If they are just saying no bare feet because they think going barefoot is bad in general that is different. I found walking in grass to be awesome. It provides nice cushion and lots of texture and temperature differences in shade and sun. Packed sand is nice too. Any recovery you can do outdoors meets two needs. You need relaxation, restoration and lots of non-painful input. Being outdoors gives you so many things to focus on besides pain. Do the things that keep your pain down.

Good luck with the new doctor. This is an important relationship. We don't necessarily have to like our doctors but we do need to feel confident in them. Make sure it is a good fit and you feel your needs will be met.

Take care and keep up the fight!