[pct-l] Blisters

[Wanda Brimmer]

Hi Folks,  Last September I attempted a through hike of the JMT.  Prior to my hike I had asked for some advice concerning my Morton's Neuroma and as a consequence, I bought some shoes that were a good size larger than I normally wear.  I put about four hundred miles on the shoes prior to the JMT and never had  one twinge of my neuroma.  Worked great.  On day six of my JMT hike (dropping down into Red's Meadow) I began to develope some very serious blisters.  I'm not talking about little blisters, these covered both balls of my feet.  By the time I hobbled into the campground, I was in serious trouble.  I used some cloth and made a bandage and taped my feet the best I could.  There was no way that a traditional bandage was going to cover my wounds.  For the next twelve days, I hobbled down the trail, often crying about my situation.  Eventually the skin no longer could be used as a cover for the blisters and was discarded, which left a oozing
 mess.  I used Preparation H  (hey, I was at least prepared for that problem) as a salve for my sores and would wrap them in tape.  People noticed my gate and would offer me what ever they had....sympathy if nothing else.  Finally on day 16 of my through hike, nearing the top of Mather Pass, I gave up.  I left my two friends with hugs and kisses and it took me another three days to backtrack and cross Bishop Pass.  My husband met me at the trailhead after a heads up from Ranger Rick and I went immediately to the emergency room.  Because of my attempts to avoid pressing down on the blisters on the balls of my feet, I had developed tendonitus and two stress fractures in my left foot.  I made one reckless mistake and paid a terrible consequence.  My mistake was not stopping to fix my foot in my eagerness to reach Red's before the barbecue was over.  How can I toughen up my feet.  I am fifty eight years old and walk a lot.  I wear orthotics
 (may have slipped and agrivated my ball) for Plantar Faciitus so can't go barefoot.  Don't forget my Morton's Neuroma....my feet need some serious swelling room in my shoes.  I will do the JMT this summer but don't want to repeat this mistake.  What do you recommend for wrapping to prevent blisters.  is there a special tape?  You thousand milers must have something that works.  Thank you so much for your suggestions.   Whimpie