AFO's and other

[Guest guest]

Husband Tim just got new AFOs, this is his third pair in about 5

years. He wears them out fairly quickly, but likes that he can stay

active!

These new ones are black, with metal hinge at ankle. They are much

sturdier than his others, but he has to go back Tues to ortho guy and

have them changed a little. The metal hinge is digging into the

ankle (this is where his ankle is the worst of course, swollen

and " broken over " ), and the top of the foot piece is digging into the

top of his foot (due to the extremely high arch, it is hard to get

brace to fit his foot and still fit in a shoe).

BTW I got my copy of the CMT book (Paolo Vinci) in the mail, and

hubby really has enjoyed being able to read about different aspects

of CMT and see clinical information and pictures. I would recommend

this book, it was worth the money.

Son age 8yrs has been wearing his braces for about 3 mos now, and is

doing well. He wears hiking boots now, but we will be looking for

tennis shoes for the summer. Hubby found some sandals at Walmart

that he can wear with his braces around the house, he is really happy

about that as well, as it gives him a break from wearing heavy boots.

WARM WEATHER: Hubby says warm weather in Indiana is better than the

cold, the cold here really cramps him up and makes him ache. But the

extremely hot weather here also causes him to tire quickly. Sunshine

would be a plus right now....all we've had lately is rain and more

rain LOL

We're going to Chicago (museums and such) for a week the first of

June. I would appreciate anyone's experience with handicap

accessibility issues and pointers from that area, or who has been to

the museums. My son can't wait to go see SUE the TRex!

Happy Mother's Day....and have a great day!

in IN

[Guest guest]

Fran,

AFO stands for Ankle Foot Orthosis or short leg braces. They are noticeable

Fran, but less if you wear pants or a long dress or skirt. I am a new AFO

wearer, just 2 wks, now. I have been wearing dress slacks to work and they do

not show with slacks or jeans that are long enough. Tie shoes are a must

however. They are not a fashion statement, but we must do what we must do. For

years I put off thinking about AFO's but now I wished I had gotten them sooner.

I walk upright, almost naturally, and my hips feel better already. I have

retired my cane and I could not be more pleased. Forgive me for going on and on

but I am just so happy with my AFO's. If you want more info about braces and CMT

check out this site, http://www.cmtnews.com/

As far as warm weather for me I am fine unless it is real humid. It really does

me in. My ankles seem to swell in the humid weather too. Spring and summer are a

welcome sight though. Our winters here in upstate NY are long and hard.

My best to all,

Sharon

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