Re: leg braces - Ortho Rehab in Las Vegas - Helios

[Guest guest]

Hi :

Look up this website and you will get all the info. I understand they are the

best on the market for CMT. Its called Ortho Rehab. info@...

Hope this helps...good luck.

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I will look at the website.

[Guest guest]

I actually have some made here is KC by Balzer. They are called the

Balzer Brace and are very similar. I love them and they may be somewhat

more cost effective. They allow mobility with stabilization.

Merrill

[Guest guest]

Hi; I just got in on the end of your conversation about the braces. But can

you drive with them on? I can't drive cuz I wear a Crow boot, it doesn't

fit on the pedal and there isn't any bending in it, it's ridgid. Dennis

Staton's in Olathe <statonhouse@...> wrote: I actually have some made

here is KC by Balzer. They are called the

Balzer Brace and are very similar. I love them and they may be somewhat

more cost effective. They allow mobility with stabilization.

Merrill

[Guest guest]

I have looked at the Helios AFO and spoken with someone at Ortho Rehab

Designs. I am a teacher (at least until July 1 when I begin the

odyssey of SSD) so cost is a big factor in decisions I make. The cost

of the AFO and the cost of the Vegas trip and the cost of returning to

Vegas should I have fitting issues worried me. I spoke with another

orthoicist (not orthoicist who I work with) who my wife met through

her work. I referred him to the website and he looked at the film

clips and the design and said he couldn't see what benefit the design

offers over other designs.

I have been wearing an off-the-shelf Ossur Dynamic on my left leg with

great results. The device is light and extremely adjustable. While

wearing the brace I have about 5-10 degree of ankle flexion which

comes in handy while on the treadmill.

Here is the Ossur webpage:

http://www.ossur.com/template110.asp?PageID=733

Larry

[Guest guest]

Larry,

I also checked out the Ortho Rehab in Vegas and I was shocked at the cost.

I have been wearing regular AFOs for about 3 years. I resisted wearing them

until I fell and broke my leg. I guess since I have never had anything else,

I just cannot imagine the benefit outweighing the high cost.

[Guest guest]

Since there has been some discussion of the cost and efficacy of

Helios braces, I'd like to share my experience.

Exactly one year ago this week I went to Ortho Rehab Designs to be

fitted with new braces. Over the course of eleven years I had tried

all kinds of AFOs, both custom made and off-the-shelf, but my CMT had

progressed to the point that even with braces I had severe foot drop

and I could not stand at all without a cane. My orthotist said he

couldn't do anything more for me, and suggested I explore the Helios

brace.

After I got over the sticker shock ($10,000 a pair) and the

frustration of dealing with my insurance company (they'll cover 80% of

the usual and customary charge, but they won't tell you what that

number is) I realized that I had no other options. I decided it was

worth the risk of paying the entire cost if it meant I would be able

to walk.

Armed with this resolve, I traveled to Las Vegas, using a wheelchair

at the airport, and rented a scooter to get around the hotel. I

hobbled in to meet Mitch Warner on a Monday morning, and walked out

with my new braces on Friday.

They have changed my life. It took a few months to get entirely used

to them and to build up new muscles, but I now have a normal gait. I

can stand without support indefinitely, and because my foot collapse

has been corrected my posture is perfect and everyone comments that I

seem taller (I'm 5' 8 " ). My local orthotist and physiatrist were

astonished when I stopped by to show off my new gait. They admired

both the design and the functionality of the braces. I have not needed

any adjustment at all; they fit perfectly right from the start. In

fact, I am more comfortable wearing the braces than going barefoot.

And because they are such a good fit, I can wear a much wider range of

shoe styles, albeit flat and with shoelaces or straps. Halleluia, no

more " old lady " SAS oxfords!

But wait, there's more good news. My insurance covered $6600 of the

cost and New Hampshire MDA provided $2000, as they do for any

registered member who needs a wheelchair or braces. So I was

out-of-pocket$1400 plus the cost of the trip, which we made a family

vacation.

Yesterday I traveled to Washington DC for a meeting. I made my way

through the airports and got around the city and even a few museums on

my own and without a cane, something that would have been unthinkable

a year ago. Sure, I ache a little from all the extra walking, but I am

exhilarated that I was able to do it at all.

The only downside I've noticed is that because there is very little

flexion in the Helios braces (this is the trade-off for the stability

I enjoy so much) my Achilles tendon was starting to tighten up. I

solved this by adding water walking to my daily swimming regimen. It's

also difficult to descend stairs, so I use the railing. Other than

these minor issues, the Helios braces have been nothing short of a

miracle for me.

Donna in New Hampshire

[Guest guest]

Donna,

How great to hear about your wonderful success with the Helios leg braces.

Hopefully, one day more of us will be able to obtain them.

Thanks for the info.