Re: alternatives to orthotics

[Guest guest]

The MDA paid for my first set of braces in 1981. Orthotics are less expensive,

but very, very helpful..

I have specially made shoes with orthotic inserts, Also specially made at the

university of Amsterdam's rehabilitation polyclinic at its teaching hospital,

the AMC. 2000 euro per pair, and well worth every penny.

I know there are cosmetic considerations, but making it easier to walk probably

will trump those concerns. Lord knows I really don't like walking around in LA

in ankle top boots and shorts, but I do it, because now I can.

I know the options are terrible and the decision wrenching, but getting the

orthotics earlier rather than later will probably be in your best interest.

Hope that helps.

On Oct 24, 2010, at 6:04 AM, Ester wrote:

> Insurance doesn't pay for orthotics which is ok because I'm not sure i'm ready

for them or want them right now. wondering if anyone has any experience with any

other less expensive and less conspicuous inserts or similar that has helped

them in place of AFOs.

>

> THanks.

[Guest guest]

Hi Ester,

 

Most insurance companies don't provide any benefit for standard/off-the-shelf,

orthotics (even with a prescription), but many do provide some coverage for

CUSTOM-MOLDED orthotics when prescribed by a physician for a medical

condition.  You may want to double-check.  It still may not be a benefit on

your plan, but it doesn't hurt to confirm.

 

 

From: Ester <plibae@...>

Subject: alternatives to orthotics

Date: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 6:04 AM

 

Insurance doesn't pay for orthotics which is ok because I'm not sure i'm ready

for them or want them right now. wondering if anyone has any experience with any

other less expensive and less conspicuous inserts or similar that has helped

them in place of AFOs.

THanks.

[Guest guest]

Insurance doesn't pay for molded shoes either that I so desperately need.

Geri

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri,

 

Thank you for the clarification.  It's true that original Medicare does not

cover custom-molded orthotics, except for diabetics.  (Something we should

address with our congressmen.)

 

However, most commercial, employer-sponsored plans provide some kind of benefit

for custom-molded orthotics, even if only in a limited way, i.e. payable at 50%

and/or $2,000 per year max or something similar.

 

Some Medicare Advantage plans (i.e. HMOs) offer a richer benefit than original

Medicare and may provide some benefit for custom-molded inserts.

 

From: Geri Logan <hotwheels@...>

Subject: Re: alternatives to orthotics

Date: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 1:45 PM

 

Insurance doesn't pay for molded shoes either that I so desperately need.

Geri

[Guest guest]

I like Muller's brace for mild drop foot.

You can buy them at sporting good stores. Apex has one but it is not as

comfortable.

This is the style I like.

_http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Lite_Ankle_Brace.htm_

(http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Lite_Ankle_Brace.htm)

_http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Ankle_Products.htm_

(http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Ankle_Products.htm) several styles are

offered on this page.

In a message dated 10/24/2010 9:41:08 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

plibae@... writes:

wondering if anyone has any experience with any other less expensive and

less conspicuous inserts or similar that has helped them in place of AFOs.

[Guest guest]

There ar a couple good things in the last Quest mag. I think called dorsi

something also just having a orthotic made to mold your foot that slips in your

shoe!

>

> Insurance doesn't pay for orthotics which is ok because I'm not sure i'm ready

for them or want them right now. wondering if anyone has any experience with any

other less expensive and less conspicuous inserts or similar that has helped

them in place of AFOs.

>

> THanks.

>

[Guest guest]

My story is very similar to and my experience with insurance is like the

others mentioned. My story is as such:

My CMT hit hard in the hands and feet area. I have severe numbness and a dull

stabbing pain. I do have toe drop so walking because an issue about 5 years ago.

My pride and ego held me back from getting braces.....I just did not want the

look a brace\shoe may give me. Eventually, I realized that I was stumbling and

tripping. Both at home and in public. This falling over spilled into me feeling

like I was unsafe out there.....like I may eventually hurt a knee, wrist, hip,

or something else.

I sucked up that vanity and headed off to Hanger Prosthetics. My first set of

braces was a while tennis shoe with a metal plate under the sole. This was

attached to metal arms that ran up the side of the legs to a strap that went

around my upper calf. They were heavy but life was good. I could walk without

the gate, I was no longer falling over, and driving was still possible. In

addition, insurance and the MDA partnered and my out-of-pocket was minimal.

Fast forward to last year. I noticed that technology changed so I went for an

upgrade and tried the carbon fiber AFOs. I was told by the technician that

" carbon fiber is thin, light weight, and the same material used on the Space

Shuttle " . Well, Jim Dandy....let's give it a go They were nice, fitted well,

and light. However, I did not like the edges and managed to crack this Space

Shuttle material within a few weeks.

I am no small guy but I am not so large that this stuff should not be able to

support me?? Insurance did cover the brace but the shoes these would insert into

were not covered.

I got a new tech and he suggested the plastic brace. I have had

these for a year now and have been happy. Here again, the brace covered but not

the shoes. I have had to search Sacramento, the internet, and post inquiries on

Facebook to find shoes. Why were these shoes so difficult to find??

As mentioned before, I have issues with my hands so I had to get

shoes with Velcro Straps across the top. To my surprise, these were a

little hard to find but eventually I did. People look at me and do not know I

wear braces. They may see I walk a bit different but the average person cannot

see them. The sucky part is that I have not worn, and will probably never

wear......Shorts. During the summer I dislike that part and maybe I will get

comfortable with that at some point.

Well anywho's....there is my story and I hope something here has been of

benefit.

Rashid

[Guest guest]

thanks, i think i might look into this, they have a store that probably has them

not too far.

>

> I like Muller's brace for mild drop foot.

> You can buy them at sporting good stores. Apex has one but it is not as

> comfortable.

> This is the style I like.

> _http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Lite_Ankle_Brace.htm_

(http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Lite_Ankle_Brace.htm)

>

> _http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Ankle_Products.htm_

> (http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Ankle_Products.htm) several styles are

offered on this page.

>

>

>

>

> In a message dated 10/24/2010 9:41:08 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

> plibae@... writes:

>

> wondering if anyone has any experience with any other less expensive and

> less conspicuous inserts or similar that has helped them in place of AFOs.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Medicare does pay for orthodics! You must go to a provider who is enrolled in

Medicare. You pay 20% of medicare approved amount and Part B deductible

applies.

>

>

> From: Geri Logan <hotwheels@...>

> Subject: Re: alternatives to orthotics

>

> Date: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 1:45 PM

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> Insurance doesn't pay for molded shoes either that I so desperately need.

>

> Geri

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rashid and all,

I had to respond as soon as I saw this. My good friend Rashid, I too felt that

same way once I progressed to the point of needing such obvious and high leg

braces (I now were carbon fiber Blue Rockers, and they are the best I have had

yet! I find Extra Wide New Balance sneakers work great for me, and my best

source from them has been Famous Footwear - if you find a style you want and

they don't have your size, they'll look it up in the computer and if they have

it somewhere in inventory, it will be sent to you at no extra charge).

But back to the reason for writing - SHORTS.

Rashid, you know me from Vegas. I too am no small guy. I cannot imagine going

all summer or our trips to Disney without shorts. The high braces really

depressed me, but I noticed something on a mutual friend of ours - they had dark

shoes and dark socks on so the carbon fibre braces kind of blended in and it was

hard to see she had braces on! And that was from someone " in tuned " to this

issue. When I had whiter braces, I wore white socks and sneakers with my shorts,

so it was not a big deal. But the dark braces with my all white collection stood

out. That is when I found the best thick Gold Toe socks at JC Penney - all

cotton and black. So with shorts, I wear my black NB's. With jeans, either one.

But then Awareness Week came and I mentioned this to someone. They opened my

eyes in a whole new way about the braces. Why not let everyone see them? Wear

them, show them, be proud of them! Don't let them define you, let them help you

BE YOU! If they stand out, it is an opportunity to educate new people about CMT!

We can be walking billboards for our cause just because someone may ask " what

did you do to your legs? "

We should all think about this and let them be seen!

Mark

>

> My story is very similar to and my experience with insurance is like the

others mentioned. My story is as such:

>

> My CMT hit hard in the hands and feet area. I have severe numbness and a dull

stabbing pain. I do have toe drop so walking because an issue about 5 years ago.

My pride and ego held me back from getting braces.....I just did not want the

look a brace\shoe may give me. Eventually, I realized that I was stumbling and

tripping. Both at home and in public. This falling over spilled into me feeling

like I was unsafe out there.....like I may eventually hurt a knee, wrist, hip,

or something else.

>

> I sucked up that vanity and headed off to Hanger Prosthetics. My first set

of braces was a while tennis shoe with a metal plate under the sole. This was

attached to metal arms that ran up the side of the legs to a strap that went

around my upper calf. They were heavy but life was good. I could walk without

the gate, I was no longer falling over, and driving was still possible. In

addition, insurance and the MDA partnered and my out-of-pocket was minimal.

>

> Fast forward to last year. I noticed that technology changed so I went for an

upgrade and tried the carbon fiber AFOs. I was told by the technician that

" carbon fiber is thin, light weight, and the same material used on the Space

Shuttle " . Well, Jim Dandy....let's give it a go They were nice, fitted well,

and light. However, I did not like the edges and managed to crack this Space

Shuttle material within a few weeks.

>

> I am no small guy but I am not so large that this stuff should not be able to

support me?? Insurance did cover the brace but the shoes these would insert into

were not covered.

>

> I got a new tech and he suggested the plastic brace. I have had

> these for a year now and have been happy. Here again, the brace covered but

not the shoes. I have had to search Sacramento, the internet, and post inquiries

on Facebook to find shoes. Why were these shoes so difficult to find??

>

> As mentioned before, I have issues with my hands so I had to get

> shoes with Velcro Straps across the top. To my surprise, these were a

> little hard to find but eventually I did. People look at me and do not know I

wear braces. They may see I walk a bit different but the average person cannot

see them. The sucky part is that I have not worn, and will probably never

wear......Shorts. During the summer I dislike that part and maybe I will get

comfortable with that at some point.

>

> Well anywho's....there is my story and I hope something here has been of

benefit.

>

> Rashid

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rashid and everyone!

I have been working on and off with new custom plastic braces. I need to get

them refitted, I think. They hit my ankle bone on the left side after awhile.

Rashid, your comment about shorts struck a chord with me because I was in the

same place. Then a friend who wears shorts with his braces all of the time said

he actually finds it easier to wear shorts. People are more accommodating and

understanding because they have a visual understanding. So this summer I was

brave and wore capris and skirts. It's true. The emotional baggage was a

hurdle to get over, but I found I got a lot less looks in parking lots when I

used accessible parking and in amusement parks with my accessible pass for

rides. It actually made the day easier

I totally understand the need for pants, though. Just thought I'd throw a

little incentive out there for when it gets hot

Take care! Lenka

>

> My story is very similar to and my experience with insurance is like the

others mentioned. My story is as such:

>

> My CMT hit hard in the hands and feet area. I have severe numbness and a dull

stabbing pain. I do have toe drop so walking because an issue about 5 years ago.

My pride and ego held me back from getting braces.....I just did not want the

look a brace\shoe may give me. Eventually, I realized that I was stumbling and

tripping. Both at home and in public. This falling over spilled into me feeling

like I was unsafe out there.....like I may eventually hurt a knee, wrist, hip,

or something else.

>

> I sucked up that vanity and headed off to Hanger Prosthetics. My first set

of braces was a while tennis shoe with a metal plate under the sole. This was

attached to metal arms that ran up the side of the legs to a strap that went

around my upper calf. They were heavy but life was good. I could walk without

the gate, I was no longer falling over, and driving was still possible. In

addition, insurance and the MDA partnered and my out-of-pocket was minimal.

>

> Fast forward to last year. I noticed that technology changed so I went for an

upgrade and tried the carbon fiber AFOs. I was told by the technician that

" carbon fiber is thin, light weight, and the same material used on the Space

Shuttle " . Well, Jim Dandy....let's give it a go They were nice, fitted well,

and light. However, I did not like the edges and managed to crack this Space

Shuttle material within a few weeks.

>

> I am no small guy but I am not so large that this stuff should not be able to

support me?? Insurance did cover the brace but the shoes these would insert into

were not covered.

>

> I got a new tech and he suggested the plastic brace. I have had

> these for a year now and have been happy. Here again, the brace covered but

not the shoes. I have had to search Sacramento, the internet, and post inquiries

on Facebook to find shoes. Why were these shoes so difficult to find??

>

> As mentioned before, I have issues with my hands so I had to get

> shoes with Velcro Straps across the top. To my surprise, these were a

> little hard to find but eventually I did. People look at me and do not know I

wear braces. They may see I walk a bit different but the average person cannot

see them. The sucky part is that I have not worn, and will probably never

wear......Shorts. During the summer I dislike that part and maybe I will get

comfortable with that at some point.

>

> Well anywho's....there is my story and I hope something here has been of

benefit.

>

> Rashid

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lenka,

I appreciate the encouragement. This is an odd thing for me because I was on

vacation about 4 years ago. We did a boat cruise in Mexico. It was hot and

very humid. On one day I just did not care because it was totally hot and I

did wear shorts. Yeah, many looked at me and little kids, of course, would

even ask " why do you wear those " It was cute. But that was the only day

I did that and it may have been because I know I would NEVER see those folks

again. I will admit that on the days where it's 100 plus, I wanna put on

shorts because they are easier to deal with then pants. Okay....I will take

this on as a personal struggle and work to get over it. THANKS MUCH!!!!!

See.....THIS is exactly why I love being in this group. One Love

RbQ

" Let Not The Ego Produce Evil "

http://www.charcot-marie-tooth.org/

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Lenka

Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 10:04 AM

Subject: Re: alternatives to orthotics

Hi Rashid and everyone!

I have been working on and off with new custom plastic braces. I need to get

them refitted, I think. They hit my ankle bone on the left side after

awhile.

Rashid, your comment about shorts struck a chord with me because I was in

the same place. Then a friend who wears shorts with his braces all of the

time said he actually finds it easier to wear shorts. People are more

accommodating and understanding because they have a visual understanding. So

this summer I was brave and wore capris and skirts. It's true. The emotional

baggage was a hurdle to get over, but I found I got a lot less looks in

parking lots when I used accessible parking and in amusement parks with my

accessible pass for rides. It actually made the day easier

I totally understand the need for pants, though. Just thought I'd throw a

little incentive out there for when it gets hot

Take care! Lenka

>

> My story is very similar to and my experience with insurance is like

the others mentioned. My story is as such:

>

> My CMT hit hard in the hands and feet area. I have severe numbness and a

dull stabbing pain. I do have toe drop so walking because an issue about 5

years ago. My pride and ego held me back from getting braces.....I just did

not want the look a brace\shoe may give me. Eventually, I realized that I

was stumbling and tripping. Both at home and in public. This falling over

spilled into me feeling like I was unsafe out there.....like I may

eventually hurt a knee, wrist, hip, or something else.

>

> I sucked up that vanity and headed off to Hanger Prosthetics. My first

set of braces was a while tennis shoe with a metal plate under the sole.

This was attached to metal arms that ran up the side of the legs to a strap

that went around my upper calf. They were heavy but life was good. I could

walk without the gate, I was no longer falling over, and driving was still

possible. In addition, insurance and the MDA partnered and my out-of-pocket

was minimal.

>

> Fast forward to last year. I noticed that technology changed so I went for

an upgrade and tried the carbon fiber AFOs. I was told by the technician

that " carbon fiber is thin, light weight, and the same material used on the

Space Shuttle " . Well, Jim Dandy....let's give it a go They were nice,

fitted well, and light. However, I did not like the edges and managed to

crack this Space Shuttle material within a few weeks.

>

> I am no small guy but I am not so large that this stuff should not be able

to support me?? Insurance did cover the brace but the shoes these would

insert into were not covered.

>

> I got a new tech and he suggested the plastic brace. I have had

> these for a year now and have been happy. Here again, the brace covered

but not the shoes. I have had to search Sacramento, the internet, and post

inquiries on Facebook to find shoes. Why were these shoes so difficult to

find??

>

> As mentioned before, I have issues with my hands so I had to get

> shoes with Velcro Straps across the top. To my surprise, these were a

> little hard to find but eventually I did. People look at me and do not

know I wear braces. They may see I walk a bit different but the average

person cannot see them. The sucky part is that I have not worn, and will

probably never wear......Shorts. During the summer I dislike that part and

maybe I will get comfortable with that at some point.

>

> Well anywho's....there is my story and I hope something here has been of

benefit.

>

> Rashid

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was on the phone with Medicare this morning regarding my personal claims and

went ahead and asked for clarification on this topic.

 

Here's the answer directly from the Medicare Customer Service Rep:

 

Custom-molded orthotic inserts are only covered for non-diabetics if they are

attached to or an integral part of a leg brace.  Otherwise, custom orthotic

inserts are NOT covered.  Same for custom shoes -  they are only covered for

non-diabetics if attached to or an integral part of a leg brace.  (Diabetics

have coverage for these items even if they are not attached to a leg brace.)

 

AFOs are not specifically excluded and may be covered. The doctor or provider

should call with the supply item code for confirmation prior to receiving

services, just to confirm.

 

Medicare Advantage plans may vary.  The above information is for original

Medicare.

 

From: Joann <finetuned65@...>

Subject: Re: alternatives to orthotics

Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 6:56 AM

 

Medicare does pay for orthodics! You must go to a provider who is enrolled in

Medicare. You pay 20% of medicare approved amount and Part B deductible applies.

>

>

> From: Geri Logan <hotwheels@...>

> Subject: Re: alternatives to orthotics

>

> Date: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 1:45 PM

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> Insurance doesn't pay for molded shoes either that I so desperately need.

>

> Geri

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Mark and yes, I do remember you from Vegas.

Wow....yet another email to encourage me to " let the braces fly and be

free " . You raise a very interesting point in that by letting them show it

may encourage people to ask why I wear them. Hence, opening the door to

discuss CMT. Open my friend, I will try to mentally work on this. Lastly, I

thank you for the Famous Footwear lead. I had heard that New Balance had a

great shoe. The only retailer I knew of is about 45minutes away but I know

there are two Famous Footwear's very close to my home.

RbQ

" Let Not The Ego Produce Evil "

http://www.charcot-marie-tooth.org/

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

meandcmt

Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 8:54 AM

Subject: Re: alternatives to orthotics

Rashid and all,

I had to respond as soon as I saw this. My good friend Rashid, I too felt

that same way once I progressed to the point of needing such obvious and

high leg braces (I now were carbon fiber Blue Rockers, and they are the best

I have had yet! I find Extra Wide New Balance sneakers work great for me,

and my best source from them has been Famous Footwear - if you find a style

you want and they don't have your size, they'll look it up in the computer

and if they have it somewhere in inventory, it will be sent to you at no

extra charge).

But back to the reason for writing - SHORTS.

Rashid, you know me from Vegas. I too am no small guy. I cannot imagine

going all summer or our trips to Disney without shorts. The high braces

really depressed me, but I noticed something on a mutual friend of ours -

they had dark shoes and dark socks on so the carbon fibre braces kind of

blended in and it was hard to see she had braces on! And that was from

someone " in tuned " to this issue. When I had whiter braces, I wore white

socks and sneakers with my shorts, so it was not a big deal. But the dark

braces with my all white collection stood out. That is when I found the best

thick Gold Toe socks at JC Penney - all cotton and black. So with shorts, I

wear my black NB's. With jeans, either one.

But then Awareness Week came and I mentioned this to someone. They opened my

eyes in a whole new way about the braces. Why not let everyone see them?

Wear them, show them, be proud of them! Don't let them define you, let them

help you BE YOU! If they stand out, it is an opportunity to educate new

people about CMT! We can be walking billboards for our cause just because

someone may ask " what did you do to your legs? "

We should all think about this and let them be seen!

Mark

>

> My story is very similar to and my experience with insurance is like

the others mentioned. My story is as such:

>

> My CMT hit hard in the hands and feet area. I have severe numbness and a

dull stabbing pain. I do have toe drop so walking because an issue about 5

years ago. My pride and ego held me back from getting braces.....I just did

not want the look a brace\shoe may give me. Eventually, I realized that I

was stumbling and tripping. Both at home and in public. This falling over

spilled into me feeling like I was unsafe out there.....like I may

eventually hurt a knee, wrist, hip, or something else.

>

> I sucked up that vanity and headed off to Hanger Prosthetics. My first

set of braces was a while tennis shoe with a metal plate under the sole.

This was attached to metal arms that ran up the side of the legs to a strap

that went around my upper calf. They were heavy but life was good. I could

walk without the gate, I was no longer falling over, and driving was still

possible. In addition, insurance and the MDA partnered and my out-of-pocket

was minimal.

>

> Fast forward to last year. I noticed that technology changed so I went for

an upgrade and tried the carbon fiber AFOs. I was told by the technician

that " carbon fiber is thin, light weight, and the same material used on the

Space Shuttle " . Well, Jim Dandy....let's give it a go They were nice,

fitted well, and light. However, I did not like the edges and managed to

crack this Space Shuttle material within a few weeks.

>

> I am no small guy but I am not so large that this stuff should not be able

to support me?? Insurance did cover the brace but the shoes these would

insert into were not covered.

>

> I got a new tech and he suggested the plastic brace. I have had

> these for a year now and have been happy. Here again, the brace covered

but not the shoes. I have had to search Sacramento, the internet, and post

inquiries on Facebook to find shoes. Why were these shoes so difficult to

find??

>

> As mentioned before, I have issues with my hands so I had to get

> shoes with Velcro Straps across the top. To my surprise, these were a

> little hard to find but eventually I did. People look at me and do not

know I wear braces. They may see I walk a bit different but the average

person cannot see them. The sucky part is that I have not worn, and will

probably never wear......Shorts. During the summer I dislike that part and

maybe I will get comfortable with that at some point.

>

> Well anywho's....there is my story and I hope something here has been of

benefit.

>

> Rashid

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Another New Balance tip...

My son is SO hard to fit between the extremely high arches, the

orthotics, and his small size (not men's, not boys...). So we have

resorted several times to the New Balance website. You can always send

them back and all you would be out is the shipping, but it helps you get

the odd sizes that you might not find in the stores.

I used to be such a fan of the Kirkland Signature Court Classic sneakers

that Costco sells. I wore them for many years. Very plain white, nice

width, decent insole support, all leather, and $14.99! I wore down the

sides so much with my foot roll, I really did not mind replacing them

often because they were so reasonable. Now that I am this much more

advanced with the bracing, I am sad my favorite Court Classics no longer

fit the width I need, but they are also a consideration for some people

out there.

Mark

> >

> > My story is very similar to and my experience with insurance is

like

> the others mentioned. My story is as such:

> >

> > My CMT hit hard in the hands and feet area. I have severe numbness

and a

> dull stabbing pain. I do have toe drop so walking because an issue

about 5

> years ago. My pride and ego held me back from getting braces.....I

just did

> not want the look a brace\shoe may give me. Eventually, I realized

that I

> was stumbling and tripping. Both at home and in public. This falling

over

> spilled into me feeling like I was unsafe out there.....like I may

> eventually hurt a knee, wrist, hip, or something else.

> >

> > I sucked up that vanity and headed off to Hanger Prosthetics. My

first

> set of braces was a while tennis shoe with a metal plate under the

sole.

> This was attached to metal arms that ran up the side of the legs to a

strap

> that went around my upper calf. They were heavy but life was good. I

could

> walk without the gate, I was no longer falling over, and driving was

still

> possible. In addition, insurance and the MDA partnered and my

out-of-pocket

> was minimal.

> >

> > Fast forward to last year. I noticed that technology changed so I

went for

> an upgrade and tried the carbon fiber AFOs. I was told by the

technician

> that " carbon fiber is thin, light weight, and the same material used

on the

> Space Shuttle " . Well, Jim Dandy....let's give it a go They were

nice,

> fitted well, and light. However, I did not like the edges and managed

to

> crack this Space Shuttle material within a few weeks.

> >

> > I am no small guy but I am not so large that this stuff should not

be able

> to support me?? Insurance did cover the brace but the shoes these

would

> insert into were not covered.

> >

> > I got a new tech and he suggested the plastic brace. I have had

> > these for a year now and have been happy. Here again, the brace

covered

> but not the shoes. I have had to search Sacramento, the internet, and

post

> inquiries on Facebook to find shoes. Why were these shoes so difficult

to

> find??

> >

> > As mentioned before, I have issues with my hands so I had to get

> > shoes with Velcro Straps across the top. To my surprise, these were

a

> > little hard to find but eventually I did. People look at me and do

not

> know I wear braces. They may see I walk a bit different but the

average

> person cannot see them. The sucky part is that I have not worn, and

will

> probably never wear......Shorts. During the summer I dislike that part

and

> maybe I will get comfortable with that at some point.

> >

> > Well anywho's....there is my story and I hope something here has

been of

> benefit.

> >

> > Rashid

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >