AFOs denial

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

When I got my AFOs in the summer of 2002, I believe they changed my

life. I have never fallen while wearing them and I used to fall a lot.

Expect changes in your wardrobe. Your days of wearing dresses or skirts are

probably over, but that's minor. I still wear shorts in the summertime. You

probably won't be able to treadmill with them on, but that's o.k. - you don't

need to wear them to exercise if you don't want to.

Remember, your ankles won't bend. You'll probably want to wear them, though when

you walk outside, and you may even be surprised with your increased stamina

while wearing them. Proper shoes (I wear New Balance) are probably as important

as the AFOs themselves.

If it all fits right together you shouldn't have soreness. I had my orthotist

glue the pads from my New Balance right into the plastic AFO to minimize

friction and heel soreness. The minimal discomfort I experience is if I wear

them too long, like over 10 hours. Otherwise I'm comfortable, and most important

I'm much safer. Also, I have

absolutely no trouble driving. Good luck with everything; I was in denial for

awhile, too. I know what you're going through.

K.