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Post by legbraces on Jul 3, 2021 23:51:37 GMT
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Post by castmenow on Jul 4, 2021 8:03:34 GMT
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rk52
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by rk52 on Jul 4, 2021 13:11:08 GMT
The first one is not available, at least not in the UK, but the second one is. It looks very adjustable, but I suspect walking would be a challenge, and I can't see it being very comfortable for long-term use. Still, it's not too expensive so could be worth a punt.
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Post by legbraces on Jul 4, 2021 15:10:59 GMT
Thanks so if I get them I should get crutches to make it easier to get around?
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rk52
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by rk52 on Jul 4, 2021 15:33:45 GMT
At least a walking stick to lessen your chances of falling over. I use one if I'm wearing both my kafos, and stairs can be managed by flexing my pelvis. A recent minor fracture led to the A&E giving me a pair of forearm crutches and I soon discovered it was almost impossible to carry anything when using them so I gave up trying. If you have a partner that will make life easier of course (I don't). If both your hips and knees are locked rigid you will have to use a swing-through gait too, and that requires significant upper body strength, especially if you need to negotiate any steps! Perhaps that's part of the appeal though.
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Post by castmenow on Jul 4, 2021 15:48:06 GMT
There is just enough flexibility in my HKAFO with the hips and knees locked that i can take small steps, perhaps 6 to 9 inches so i can get around a bit but it is still very hard to turn around or go round tight corners because although the pelvic band flexes a bit, it still prevents the foot from rotating. Therefore I still need to use crutches even if not doing a swing through gait. Of course, trying to wear the brace and not use my hip muscles means I have to crutch properly.
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Post by legbraces on Jul 4, 2021 20:08:42 GMT
If I get them do you have any tips on how to wear them with cloths? I have a sports suit I could wear under them to help with skin irritation, would pants or shorts fit better over them?
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Post by castmenow on Jul 4, 2021 21:05:48 GMT
I do not think that you need to wear anything under them to avoid skin irritation, the inside of the hard plastic shells is a padded fabric which is the blue coloured material in the pictures and this is there to protect your skin. You could wear cloths underneath if you want to show of the braces or want to avoid putting clothes on over the braces. If you want to wear trousers over the braces then they will need to be much larger waist size than normal. I am a 34" waist but have some 42" or 44" trousers to wear over my HKAFO, the one in your photo will be more bulky than mine. If you wear trousers over the brace consider elasticated waist or drawstring like some sports trousers.
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Post by legbraces on Jul 4, 2021 21:21:27 GMT
Thanks and I'll probably order crutches too if I get them so walking would be easier
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Post by JayBee on Jul 5, 2021 1:24:23 GMT
I had a look at the link. They are out of stock and not giving a date for resupply. There also is no price. Did you see a price earlier?
I agree with previous comments re crutches. In KAFOs I feel insecure without at least a walking stick. You'll need crutches with that level of restriction.
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rk52
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by rk52 on Jul 5, 2021 8:26:37 GMT
The link Castmenow posted is in stock and does have a price, a shade under £300.
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Post by legbraces on Jul 5, 2021 14:29:48 GMT
Yea I saw but I'm in the US so it's not available in my region the one I posted to ask about is so I could you his for reference then order it on the US site when ready, I have another question when I do get it I want to try sleeping in it any tips?
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Post by castmenow on Jul 5, 2021 15:01:40 GMT
I have never tried to sleep in mine. The only concern I would have is if anything pressed on a nerve or artery/ vein whilst asleep. I had a rigid neck brace (medical need) once and I was told to sleep in it and the above occurred until I worked out the correct position and thickness of pillows. My suggestion would be that if you are serious about this that before you actually sleep in them that you put them on and then lie in bed awake for a couple of hours without moving and see if anything occurs. When you first try sleeping in them perhaps set your alarm for a few hours to make sure that you are OK.
The other thing to bear in mind is that with the padding on them you may find yourself hotter than normal in bed with your covers on.
I like the idea of sleeping in braces like this, knees and hips locked and waking up to find your are immobilised.
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Post by legbraces on Jul 5, 2021 17:14:16 GMT
Thanks and was thinking of that
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Post by legbraces on Jul 5, 2021 18:52:56 GMT
And when I'm wearing them would furniture with soft cushions or hard plastic or wood would be better to sit in with the braces?
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