need help with braces

[Guest guest]

I will start this post with saying I am EXTREMELY frustrated with this whole

bracing thing.

I got the helios 3 years ago and have never been able to walk in them. I have

weak quads and very weak hips, so I waddle

When I walk. The hips could not seem to support my legs when walking in the

helios. I have been wearing AFOs for 25 years, so I am not uneducated in this,

it just seems as the body changes, I am getting more and more confused.

I called Bader Orthotics in Tampa as recommended by someone on this site. Really

liked him and he is very knowledgable. He has his own patented brace called The

Noodle, but he still has you come in, casts your foot and custom fabricates it

for you specifically, just like Ortho Rehab, but only costs $2000 (a bargain

compared)

Well, as fate would have it, not covered by my insurance and after spending

$12,000 on Helios, not looking to spend more than $500 out of pocket.

Called Allard and had them send me info on Blue Rocker, which seems to be my

best option right now. Don't love the idea of going off the shelf unless the

orthotist is very knowledgable with CMT and my specific weaknesses. Any feedback

on Hanger Orthotics??????

What about Otto Bock where they seem to have a KAFO (which is actually harder

for me to walk in due to non existant quads and weaker hips)

Holli from Texas: Would love to hear more from you about your experience as I

saw you posted on HNF regarding the helios and the blue rockers.

Beata: Do you ever feel unsteady in the Blue Rockers? Is the foot plate

flexible? Bader was concerned that these braces might still be too rigid for me.

Any feedback would be appreciated. I am looking to make a decision in the next 2

weeks so I can have these before end of year and my HUGE deductible starts all

over again!

Thanks

Jackie