I'm very excited today because I finally got fitted for my first set of AFO's . I really didn't know the process, they put both my legs in plaster castes, I looked like I had two broken legs. But before he did that he had me walking up and down the parallel bars watching my feet. So they will be ready Wednesday next week, can't wait because then my PT is going to start me on crutches, which will give me a lot more freedom around the house I hope. So I will keep you all updated on my AFO progress. This is exactly how they did it to me this morning
I didnt realise this is how they fit AFOS, very interesting Butiki Im sure you cant wait to get them and start using them..they should certainly help with your mobility.
Im looking forward to following your progress with these
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Apr 28, 2014 6:39:25 GMT -8
I use to say breaking in new AFO's was like breaking in a new pair of boots. The truth is it's more like breaking your body into a new pair of AFO's. It's takes awhile and expect some pain. Your body will adjust to them and then your in business. I'm on my third set, and working on getting a fourth made. Really be sure to keep a good eye on your skin.
Yay, got my AFO's today, well actually they are called GRAFO's ( ground reaction ankle foot orthotics ) we did a bit of walking in them while the specialist checked everything out, he was happy so I was allowed to take them home. It's like having lead weights on my feet, but I was assured that I will get use to them in no time. I have to get the marking pen out and mark any red marks on my feet so he can see where they might be rubbing. But what really excited me was that I stood completely unaided for the first time in 17 months , that really gave me a boost.
So this is them, they look like a part of a suit of armour. So hopefully with a bit of weight lose I'm on my way to crutches then a walking stick.
Wow, that amazing that you could stand unaided with them Butiki. Do you feel 'supported' in them..what felt different with them that enabled you to stand? Im very interested:)
Yes kilg0retr0ut, they are carbon fibre, I'm very glad the tax payers are paying otherwise they would have set me back about $4000.00 . Haven't tried them out at home yet as I have friend from interstate staying with us and by 6 pm I would have been a bit unsteady on my feet after downing 8 or so beers, I'm fact I'm not quite sure if my reply will make sense.
Wow, that amazing that you could stand unaided with them Butiki. Do you feel 'supported' in them..what felt different with them that enabled you to stand? Im very interested:)
Hi Lαrα, yes I felt very supported. I was at the parallel bars doing my walking test for the specialist so he could see what my feet where doing, and I just stood tall and slowly let go of the bars and there I was standing, to the specialists horror, because he thought I was going to try and walk. I think the different feeling I got was that my ankles where locked and I now have very good knee support, it is hard to explain, but I'm very happy I did it, and I did it for about two minutes.
I know I sound like an old hag, but really watch your skin.
Nahhhhhhh kilg0retr0ut, you don't sound like a old hag. It has been drummed into me by everyone at rehab to look for ANY changes in my feet. They gave me a marker pen to draw circles around any red spots if they appear and I'm not allowed to use the AFO's for more than half an hour at the moment.
I have a pair of AFO's that I never use. I was fitted for them early on while I still had leg muscles and when I had less leg function. I have used them twice in the past two years. My right leg function returned to about 65% so I have no use for the plastic braces anymore. The problem isn't in my ankles and feet; it's in my hip adductors.
Also, I'd rather roll than have gnarly pressure sores down to my ankle bones.