I got my AFOs today

[Guest guest]

I picked up my AFOs today. Talk about a bittersweet moment.

About two months ago I talked to my wife's childhood friend who also

happens to have CMT. She had picked up her AFOs just a week

before. I quizzed her extensively about the comfort, the

embarrassment, the usefulness, and most importantly her energy. She

told me that her ability to get things done increased dramatically.

Her statement to me was that it was " a life-changing event. "

With that in mind, I started the process. All the while knowing

that today would be a difficult moment in my life.

I don't like seeing myself as different. We all know that AFOs are

a badge of some type and tells everybody that we are different, and

somehow unable to meet life's challenges without assistance. I

wonder if I have given in, or given up. I wonder if I'm just not

strong enough emotionally. I know this is just my pride talking.

At the same time I am also elated. As I put on the AFOs for the

first time, I was shocked at how comfortable they are. As I stood

up, I felt stable for the first time in years. As I took my first

steps, I felt incredible joy simply because my feet rolled from heel

to toe correctly for the first time in my life.

The doctor warned me not to walk to far today. It's hard. I feel

as though I've been set free.

It is ironic that the badge that labels me as disabled is so

enabling.

Mike

[Guest guest]

Mike,

That is a life changing moment! I applaud you for having the courage to get

them. Just think what you would have missed out on if you hadn't.

Bravo,

in Virginia ;>

[Guest guest]

Hi Mike,

I couldn't have said it better if I tried to. For the first 2 yrs I wore 2 socks

one on the inside and one on the outside so they wouldn't show under my pants.

Now I have given that up. It is just so nice to be able to walk without having

to worry about tripping and falling in front of people. I also feel the freedom.

You are lucky to have a friend as a resource. I don't know anyone else with

these problems. Except for this group.

Take care,

Bobbie

[Guest guest]

Mike,

What a great report! I felt the same way on my first set. Your story should be

in the newspaper.

As people age most need to start wearing eyeglasses. Just think of it that

way!!! And, think of those people who had a hearing loss and would refuse to

wear hearing aids because of the way they looked, and look today at the people

walking around with these wireless bluetube (?) earphones stuck in their ears

larger and more noticable than hearing aids!

Aren't we glad we have the AFOs in 2006? We've come a long way since the 1960s.

People are so wrapped up in themselves and on the pocket computers and cell

phones, they aren't sitting around labeling people. I think society is more

accepting.

We all offer unique things to the world. I think it's neat whenever the PTs and

Occupational Therapists say " you can teach me a lot of things to pass on. "

As the population is aging a lot of people are changing things, inventing things

for a better quality of life, no telling what's on the horizon for aging people

and those with more challenges. Women are even electing to go Gray!! (Well,

give me 10 more years...ha!) My favorite TV show now is the American Inventor.

Self acceptance and a who cares what others think or say. We only go around

once in this life.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Mike. Take care.

Donna B. in Texas