Post by seblad on May 9, 2023 13:27:44 GMT
So, I discovered Vintage Braces a little while ago and booked an appointment to get a plastic AFO made up for my left leg. I had no idea that the team at the shop were so awesome with folks who have this desire to wear braces. When I walked into the shop, I pretended to be disabled, because I believed it was gonna raise questions with orthotists about ‘faking it’. Having read all the threads now I realise the level of professionalism, discretion and privacy exercised by the shop. Robert put on his game face and didn’t ask me any awkward questions, but I suspect he knew I was pretender, and never gave the game away. Now I know, and having caught up with the forum, I feel a little bit silly. The AFO made for me is excellent and I will certainly buy another one to match for my right leg in due course.
I have the desire to go all the way; getting fitted with matching KAFOs…probably a year or so from now. I plan to go full time eventually as I have the career flexibility to do so, and in all likelihood, use a wheelchair full time too. I would be grateful for any constructive advice, to help with the transition. My disability story works well for me, I keep it respectful around folks with disabilities, and will continue to develop that story to enable me to become a full time brace and wheelchair user. I’ve wanted this for many years. The issue of the blue badge is obviously a difficulty one to solve but, for now, I get by on that front.
I’ve been a caster for over 30 years and my interests developed from Short Leg Casts to body casts, braces and eventually wheelchairs. I find below knee leg amputations and prosthetics rather attractive too. It’s a pity there isn’t much help out there in the medical community to enable SCIs or amputations.
I feel confident using braces and wheelchairs in public and have learnt so much about society in general from the perspective of a person unable to walk, unaided. It’s a very interesting position to be in, looking up at people from a wheelchair, legs braved up in metal, plastic, leather and carbon fibre. Some feel pity, others don’t care, some have a laugh with you, others don’t know where to look. Some help, some don’t, some are so intrigued they want a long chat. Some want to know your full story, others look away and cross the street. Humans are a funny bunch when it comes to disabilities.
I have the desire to go all the way; getting fitted with matching KAFOs…probably a year or so from now. I plan to go full time eventually as I have the career flexibility to do so, and in all likelihood, use a wheelchair full time too. I would be grateful for any constructive advice, to help with the transition. My disability story works well for me, I keep it respectful around folks with disabilities, and will continue to develop that story to enable me to become a full time brace and wheelchair user. I’ve wanted this for many years. The issue of the blue badge is obviously a difficulty one to solve but, for now, I get by on that front.
I’ve been a caster for over 30 years and my interests developed from Short Leg Casts to body casts, braces and eventually wheelchairs. I find below knee leg amputations and prosthetics rather attractive too. It’s a pity there isn’t much help out there in the medical community to enable SCIs or amputations.
I feel confident using braces and wheelchairs in public and have learnt so much about society in general from the perspective of a person unable to walk, unaided. It’s a very interesting position to be in, looking up at people from a wheelchair, legs braved up in metal, plastic, leather and carbon fibre. Some feel pity, others don’t care, some have a laugh with you, others don’t know where to look. Some help, some don’t, some are so intrigued they want a long chat. Some want to know your full story, others look away and cross the street. Humans are a funny bunch when it comes to disabilities.