Guest guest Posted November 11, 2008 Report Share Posted November 11, 2008 Hi, I have another issue I'd like some thoughts on. I am a Respiratory Therapist (before I was diagnosed I chose this great career). I work 12 hour shifts which are getting harder and harder to cope with. I'm on my feet most of the shift. I have talked to my dr and she ordered AFOs to give me support, but they are so heavy I can't stand them. Will the AFOs help with my overall fatigue that my legs have or do I need to consider another career. The days I work I really just want to go on disability, but doubt I'd get approved just yet. I think that is one reason I have the foot pain/swelling that I mentioned in another message. Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 Angie, OK now I get it. You're on your feet a long time during the day/night, and this might be causing the pain in your toes and ball of the foot. Can you work less hours temporarily to see if that helps? Or take some time off work to completely rest your foot? There are many kinds of AFOs. Yes, they do support the legs and help with foot drop. And there are much lighter ones too, such as carbon fiber ones. Regular massage of the foot may also be theraputic. Our CMT feet are so special, they require expert care. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 Angie: I cannot speak to the swelling, but I can report that I can stand for much longer periods of time when I wear my AFOs. For instance, I found it difficult to stand long enough to cook a large meal before I got AFOs, and now I can do it. I do get fatigued when I am on my feet, but not as much. Having said that, I doubt I could work a 12 hour shift on my feet, with or without AFOs. In fact, I am sure I could not. J. Warren From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Angie Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:55 PM Subject: Work too exhausting Hi, I have another issue I'd like some thoughts on. I am a Respiratory Therapist (before I was diagnosed I chose this great career). I work 12 hour shifts which are getting harder and harder to cope with. I'm on my feet most of the shift. I have talked to my dr and she ordered AFOs to give me support, but they are so heavy I can't stand them. Will the AFOs help with my overall fatigue that my legs have or do I need to consider another career. The days I work I really just want to go on disability, but doubt I'd get approved just yet. I think that is one reason I have the foot pain/swelling that I mentioned in another message. Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 Angie, What kind of AFOs do you have? Geri in Minnesota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2008 Report Share Posted November 12, 2008 Hi Angie, The AFOs should be custom made and very easy to walk in. Did you get the right type made? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 Hi Angie, I have the same problem and a good fix is lidoderm patches. Put them on your feet and they will not hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 Hi Angie, 12 hour shifts sounds hard for anybody, so if I were you, I would ask for normal working hours. Personally I work 75%, which means 6 hours a day and 25% is on disability. So you don't have to stay at home, but work less. If you can't do this where you work now, try to find a place where it is possible. I have the Helios braces, and they are a bit different from regular AFOs, but they make it easier to walk, less effort is needed, so I think you should try AFOs asap! Beata Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 Wow, Thanks to all that replied to my 2 messages. Good advice. Will keep you posted on the work and foot thing. Angie > > Hi, I have another issue I'd like some thoughts on. > > I am a Respiratory Therapist (before I was diagnosed I chose this great > career). I work 12 hour shifts which are getting harder and harder to > cope with. I'm on my feet most of the shift. I have talked to my dr > and she ordered AFOs to give me support, but they are so heavy I can't > stand them. Will the AFOs help with my overall fatigue that my legs > have or do I need to consider another career. The days I work I really > just want to go on disability, but doubt I'd get approved just yet. I > think that is one reason I have the foot pain/swelling that I mentioned > in another message. > > Angie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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