Re: Helios braces...Vegas here I come!

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone!

I have been wearing the Camp Scandinavia/Allard Blue Rocker AFOs now

for over 2 years (had to replace the right one due to severe de-

lamination & eventual breaking in half), and previously wore their

Toe-Off (had even worse de-lamination problems & had to replace

both), but they became. I had great success with each of them for

about 2 years each, except for the de-lamination. They really helped

me walk better & more comfortably...for a while.

I've been having lots of trouble and falling ALOT more, even with the Blue

Rockers.

I have researched all kinds of braces & AFOs over the years, my

husband & I even came up with a design of our own, and we've looked

into the Helios for several years now. Of course, our insurance will

pay NOTHING since Ortho Rehab Designs are " out of network " providers

(argh!). So, the were out of the picture for me until now.

Thanks be to God & a generous gift from a dear friend, my husband & I

are off to Las Vegas (during their hottest time of year!!) this

Sunday 8/17 to get my custom-made AFOs! I have my first live

appointment with Mitch Warner Mon. 8/18 @ 9:30am & finish up Fri the

22nd, and I am VERY EXCITED!! We will be returning home Sat 8/23,

and I feel very confident I will be able to walk & balance much more

efficiently & effectively. Hopefully I can lose the cane after some

practice and getting used to the Helios.

We made my video tape & I had spoken to sweet @ ORD several

times. Mitch called a couple times to go over his assessment &

recommendations and was extremely nice. I feel he genuinely wants to

help me, and others.

Like I said, I am very excited to be getting something new & custom-

made, plus this will be our first trip trip to Vegas, so we're going

to make it a fun vacation, as well. Not the kind of place we would

normally go, but we plan on having a great time!

I will let you know all the details when I return. Please wish us good luck and

great success! I wish you all Many Blessings & Peace.

Take care,

Holly

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

Good luck...I'm so happy for you and can't wait tell you get in touch..to let us

know everything!!

Geri

[Guest guest]

Holly ~

I haven't posted before however, I am 45 and have CMT 1A, I live in Las Vegas

and have recently met with Mitch regarding the Helios braces and the current

study he is involved with. Mitch and the Helios braces are great but I am still

considering the cost vs the benefits. I would love to hear about your thoughts

and experience with the fitting and study process for the Helios braces. If I

can be of any help to you during your visit to Las Vegas please feel free to

send me an email. And yes it's HOT!. 110 average...

Las Vegas

[Guest guest]

Holly,

You will have a very pleasant experience in Vegas and with Mitch and .

Mitch will dedicate much time and effort with you. I got the Helio's last

summer, but I need to go to physical therapy to really learn how to walk in them

better. I don't believe you will have any problems with them breaking, as I had

the Toe Off and

experienced the same breaking.

The helios are solid. My only problem is because my quads are so very weak, you

must learn to lean into the braces in order for them to work and I found I was

falling due to my knee giving out as my

brain was telling me to walk in them the say way that I used the many other

braces I have used.

This is why I am going to go to a physical therapist that Mitch will be more

than happy to instruct them on how to help me. I am hoping that in a month's

time (after I find the proper PT) I will be walking much better.

I did find that when I used them, my posture was much better. As soon as I put

them on, I was able to stand without assistance. Be patient and use whatever you

need to get used to them because they are very different than any other brace

you would have used before. There is definately an adjustment period, so BE

PATIENT. I am telling you this as much as I am telling myself at the same time!

As far as insurance, mine only paid $1300, which was quite a disappointment for

me financially!

Let me know how it goes. you can email me directly at jackiesachs@... if

you would like.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Holly:

I currently wear blue rockers, and, with a little heel, allow me much

better mobility. I have noticed side-to-side imbalance more. I thought this was

due to the relatively narrow added heel and/or my progressive calf atrophy. I

used the Toe-Offs for approx 16 months before the upper tab velcro catchers

broke again.

My orthotist claimed they weren't sturdy enough for my 6' 235# frame.

Tell me about Helios, ORD and Mitch Warner.

Dennis

Diagnosed 1975

[Guest guest]

THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement, advice,

and support. I am prepared for the fact they will be very different (in a good

way), because I will have to be using some different muscles and give myself

time to get used to them...so I am storing up patience! I look forward

to our experience with Mitch & , not to mention our Vegas vacation. I

will be in touch sometime during the week after our return home on the 23rd.

Many Blessings to you ALL!

Sincerely,

Holly Waters

Corpus Christi, TX