Have you tried metal braces? They work much better for me. They don't break
like plastic ones do and are much more adjustable.

Bob

--- In youngpoliosurvivorsgroup@yahoogroups.com, "Kay Guess" <
lavizme@h...> wrote:
> 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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