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2015036 tn?1332997788

I need a new leg brace (grumble grumble)

I know I shouldn't be complaining.  I really did bring this on myself, and in the end- everything will be okay- but...

I've lost a lot of weight recently, and my old leg brace just isn't working anymore.  They cut it down once, but can't do it again.  They're so blasted expensive, that I can only afford to replace it once- so when???  My weight loss has slowed down to about 1 to 1 1/2lbs a week.  I have no idea how long this phase will last, but in the meantime- I'm in danger of injuring myself in a leg brace that's too big!

Has anyone else had to have a brace altered more than once?  Can I pad it?  It's starting to cause pain in my ankle, and hip areas.  I can barely keep the darn thing on my leg at all.

I'm sorry to be complaining again...

Tammy
25 Responses
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2015036 tn?1332997788
Thanks!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Awesome news! Hopefully you will have it soon.

Corrie
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
Yay!  I'm getting a new brace, but it's much less expensive.   I'm getting a regular foot drop AFO in the next couple of weeks.  My total out of pocket costs will be less than $200.  Still expensive,  but better than a grand or more.   It will also be lighter,  so that will be nice.
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
Okay, I must have known how to upload pics before...  There are already a few pics of my Max in my profile.  He's a little skinnier, cause he's on a diet too.  (So is Josie, the black and white cat.)
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
Thanks!
Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
lol um...


1.  Have it on your computer hard drive.

2.  On home page, click on "Profile" tab next to home tab.

3. Middle column on "Photos" highlighted there's "upload a photo"
    Click on that

4. A silver button BROWSE  in "Locate Photo"  You find where your picture of Max is on your computer.  I sometimes place the pics on desktop so its easy to find it.

Presto
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
My "Max" is an orange striped tabby.  He's just the sweetest guy, and he's about 13.  I wish I knew how to post pictures...
Helpful - 0
5887915 tn?1383378780
Congrats on the weight loss!  

I always thought it was called duck tape lol not duct tape lol. I guess you learn something everyday.

Good luck with the new orthotist & I really really hope he can help you. A $1000 gap for a new one is not a good scenario at all & if you may need two, well what can I say other than that s_*ks.

Take care.

Karry.
Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
By the way, I have a cat named Max -- so your nick always amused me.

He's a 17 year old Maine Coon.

Sorry you have to wait another week.

xxoo

Lisa
Helpful - 0
4943237 tn?1428991095
Weight loss is a really common thing these days, which is good obviously, so I wonder whether the Orthotics people might have some 'old' braces lying around that could be modified slightly for you so you can wait until your weight has stabilised before getting a new one.  Even if they haven't, now they know you need some help they might be able to keep their eyes out for something suitable.

Just a thought

Poppy
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
Thanks!  

Nope, the brace isn't fixed yet.  My husband is trying to pad it, but I think he bought the wrong foam.  Good news:  a more experienced orthotist thinks he can bend and cut it down a little further.  (I sure hope so...)  It's getting really tough to walk, but I have to wait till next week/ Wed.

Tammy
Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
Verdict Max? Brace fixed yet?

(by the way congrats on the weight loss!)

Lisa
Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
Lulu,

   The last time I was in Walmart they had duct tape in various colors as well.

Dennis
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
I never knew that Gorilla tape existed, but it sounds like a good idea.  We love the glue...  As for the other organizations:  I'm not sure we would qualify, but it doesn't hurt to ask...  Thanks!  Tammy
Helpful - 0
572651 tn?1530999357
Tammy, another tape I find amazing and impossible to remove is Gorilla tape - it is similar to duct tape but is Black color.  It really will hold almost anything.  
Have you considered asking your NMSS chapter or MSAA or MSF for some financial help with the new brace?  Or even the brace supplier?  ~Laura
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
Thanks Dennis.  I was wondering what type of adhesive we'd need to use...

Tammy
Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
Tammy,

  One point I should mention is that when the PT people tried putting padding in my brace they used double sided tape to secure it. This was to make sure it stayed in place and didn't cause rubbing problems while using the brace because of the p[adding shifting location.

Dennis
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
My insurance will cover 80%, but the remaining 20% is still over $1000.  I finally got word back from my bariatric surgeon, and she thinks I will probably end up having to buy two new braces, before I'm finally at a stable weight.  Of course, I simply can't afford to do that.  So, if my OT guy can't pad it, my husband thinks that maybe putting that foam you can wrap pipes with may help.  If I can find some that will fit my leg, in the four places the brace goes around- that may work temporarily.
Helpful - 0
739070 tn?1338603402
Congrats on the weight loss but a bummer on the brace! I, too, would ask PT?OT to pad your old brace if it's possible to do so and keep it safe for you.

Good luck with the continued weight loss and the refitting of your old brace temporarily.

Ren
Helpful - 0
1168718 tn?1464983535
Wow, that really stinks.  But, on the good side, Congratulations on the weight loss, I know you have been working hard.  

I hope they can pad it instead of you having to buy another one.  Does your medical not pay for things like that being that you NEED it to survive.  

I sure hope it all works out, thanks for keeping me in your thoughts too.

(HUGS) to you from me,
Candy

xo
Helpful - 0
2015036 tn?1332997788
Thanks everybody!  As usual, you are the best!  So that's what I'll do.  I'll contact OT, and see if they can pad it up.  The longer I can make this one work, the better.

Tammy
Helpful - 0
572651 tn?1530999357
Congrats on the weight loss - you have done a super job at it and it stinks that there is residual problem.  I'm with the others- talk to the PT/OT folks and ask what they might be able to do to adjust it a while longer.

Keep up the good work, Laura
Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
Could occupational or physical therapy give advice on this? I know they are very crafty people.  I have no other answers for you (wish I did).

I hope that you find a remedy for your brace soon.

Lisa
Helpful - 0
645800 tn?1466860955
The VA installed some padding into my when trying to get things working right for me. Didn't really help me as it just shifted where the brace was rubbing me. So I don't really see why you couldn't at least try putting some padding.

Dennis
Helpful - 0
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