Yeah, the orthotist originally tried plactic afo's that I promptly
broke (bent to heck and no support). They reinforced them and that
did not help. The traditional metal ones are a pain, but they give
me the support and, with crutches, I can get to my project sites.

I realize that many orthotists are younger and more in to
fabrication with available stock parts that a central fabrication
center puts together for them (so much for a personal touch). I went
through them doing a terrible job numerous times. The orthotist was
apologetic and worked hard to correct the
problems, but it took forever.

I would go back to the orthotist and tell them they did it wrong. It
is up to them to make it right and comfortable for you Kay. You are
the one that has to live with it.....

Veritas,

athnar

--- 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.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> youngpoliosurvivorsgroup-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]