Hi Athnar2, this is the first response I have got from the group and am glad
about that ;0) I Have polio from childhood, and the doctors say I am one of the
youngest polio survivors they seen yet, I have what they call a drop foot and
it's getting worse, and now I'm at the first stages of PPS< post polio syndrome>
and the AFO braces I have worn, and they work well for me. I was working and
fell in a dirt pile and it broke, cracked at the ankle, this was a plastic AFO,
and was wonderful, but real expensive. Any how that was two years ago, and I
have been wearing a small ankle brace to keep me from falling and tripping till
I can get my insurance to help me get a plastic AFO again.... Well it took a few
months of bugging the insurance to help me, but When the doctor braced me this
time for a new one, I think they braced me wrong, cause now it feels like I have
to walk with a bent knee. I have worn a AFO before and been braced differently
each time. In 1987 I was braced in a laying down position with my ankle at a 90
degree angle, and my knees were straight, which the doctor had to bring my foot
in that position cause I have no foot lift and that worked fine, perfect
even..... The second time was recently, 4 months ago, this doctor had me in a
sitting position in a chair, putting pressure on my legs bending at the knees so
I could get a 90 degree angel to bring my foot to a 90 degree angle , but my
knee was bent forward, which when I wore this brace this time, made me walk
like I have a bent knee always, as though I should be in a sit down position,
not walking. Its not like the other at all and not comfortable, so I went back
to the small ankle brace, till I can get the insurance again to help me get
another fitting for another AFO... It's been tough but I have other alternatives
till I get it straightened out.....
Any how, I just thought I'd write a response back to you ;0) and Thanks for
sharing ;0)
----- Original Message -----
From: athnar2
To: youngpoliosurvivorsgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 4:15 PM
Subject: [Young Polio Survivors Group] I wonder if I should be here?


I have a degenerative Achilles tendon condition that has forced me
to rely on heavy-duty AFO's for my good-sized frame. It will only
get worse, but it not your disease. I will continue to have more
problems with walking.

The need for traditional heavy AFO's comes from my work as a habitat
biologist and horticulturist trying to bring salmon habitat back in
the Pacific Northwest. I tend to break stirrups with my outings and
Hanger just does not build braces, they fabricate from premade
pieces now.

Anyway, glad to be here to talk, but feel like an outsider that did
not go through what all of you have.






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