Monday 1 October 2018

Carbon fibre "legs"

For the last six months I've been working toward getting some AFOs (ankle foot orthoses) and after seeing my GP, neurologist, orthotist, rehab specialist and special shoe guy (some more than once) I finally got them.
There's the AFO itself, designed to stop foot drop and some of the associated problems. They have some bounce and help me to get full benefit from the work I put in to walking.
Then the super deep orthotics which should stop me getting a pressure ulcer. They also help straighten out my wonky ankles. I currently have an ulcer so it's going to be back to the drawing board for some modifications.

I need special deep shoes to fit it all in....


So, I wake up every day, have a coffee and a shower, inspect my feet and then put these on. I thought I could wear them over some of my old narrow legged pants at home but the pants pull up and bag out like knickerbockers so wardrobe adjustments will be needed.

After a very shaky period of learning to walk in new shoes, new orthotics and new legs I'm really starting to like them but don't ask me to get in or out of them in a hurry!

28 comments:

  1. Whew, I thought we were talking amputations! Knickerbockers might be cute on you. Just kidding. It's great you are getting new help with your ambulation problems. I had foot drop about 40 years ago after hurting my back. It is very annoying! And, very hard to walk. I could help with your wardrobe problem if I were there.


    Don't worry about walking or doing anything fast enough to suit others. Sometimes, I am slow. Get over it is my attitude.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. My kids call them my new legs, maybe I should have put it in quotation marks!

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    2. Linda, I should say I wear wider legged pants over the top but had hoped to get a bit more wear from the narrow ones. Never mind, they aren't exactly new

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    3. Well, I could alter them to be wider...yes, I can.

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  2. Wow! I am impressed with what modern science has come up with. I believe that they are available here too.

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    Replies
    1. Science gives us a lot! I wish they would be available to everyone who needs them, I think we are very slowly improving conditions for most of the world population.

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  3. Well, here's hoping all these clever innovations do the trick! I'm sure you'll give us regular updates....

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    Replies
    1. I'm hoping that I'll get on with life and have little to report! Your interest is appreciated though

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  4. I hope this works for you . We need our feet in good condition.

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    1. They are better than what I have had! With progressive disease, any solution has a limited lifetime. Aging works like that for all of us 😊

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  5. This is really a cool solution to your condition. I am sure it took (will take) a while to get totally used to them but I am so glad you have them. Hope you will be well adjusted to them soon!

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    1. Thanks Anne! I think I've got the hang of it now.....

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  6. They look a bit complicated. Glad they are working for you, aside from the ulcer, which sounds painful. I don't like having to get used to new things, but once that part is over, I have room to be thankful for them. It sounds like you've fast-tracked to that stage; good for you!

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    1. There is a lot about the disease that I resent but in the end it's more efficient to just live!
      The ulcer isn't too painful and will be ok with time and care.

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  7. I do not envy you having to live with the mobility problems that you have endured so bravely but it looks like the new arrangements will be of huge assistance. By the way, I like your new sidebar picture Kylie. You look lovely.

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    1. Thank you! What a hairdresser can do, eh?
      I'm not brave, I just have stuff to do

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  8. I do hope they give you some relief. I am working on my own ambulatory issues but not with diligence (pain) but need to. You inspire, yes there is so much yet to do :

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Pain is very hard to cope with and it never goes away. I hope there are answers for you

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  9. I do admire your positive attitude and I wish you good fortune with the new AFOs.

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    1. They make things easier and even if they didn't, they should give my knees and hips a longer life which is important!
      Thanks Graham!

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  10. All the very best with your new legs!
    It's good to know that science is coming up with some useful solutions.
    Sx

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  11. Your positivity and determination are really admirable.

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    Replies
    1. If I can create a tiny bit of awareness, I'll be pleased!

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    2. If I can raise awareness a little, I'll be happy.

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  12. Sounds like somebody needs to invent the perfect pair of pants for your new equipment or perhaps skirts would do the trick?! As long as they help you I guess it doesn't matter what they look like...right? Hope the ulcer is improving!

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    1. I have bought myself a new pair of pants which could become favourites and they work well so it's just a matter of building a few options.
      The ulcer is all gone so it's all good here!

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    2. I guess looks don't matter if it helps but I enjoy nice clothes so if I can get a good outfit together, I'm having a good day :)

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