|
Post by misterfingers on Dec 18, 2018 21:40:36 GMT
I have an eBay bought Kafo (remarkably good fit) I have mentioned it in other posts. I have long been wanting to wear it for longer, (I have over night occasionally - don't know it's there - not the same as wearing it while walking!). However, yesterday I did wear it, I went to an event far from home, had the chance to change into it in the car park (driving in it is not possible) I hit on the idea of using convertible trousers (you zip off the lower sections to make them into shorts). Walking round in the Kafo felt quite natural, initially with knee lock off, then with it on. I have also recently acquired build ups on a pair of German para boots and had a backstop device put into one (for the Kafo) so these were worn as well. All was comfortable and felt right, no obvious looks from people or comments, I also met no one I knew. I'm only sorry I had to change back before the drive home. Misterfingers Read more: vintagebraces.boards.net/conversation/162#ixzz5a4Zehsi5
|
|
|
Post by castmenow on Dec 24, 2018 9:59:10 GMT
misterfingers, thanks for posting this, was this your very first time out in public in your KAFO, was your heart in your mouth. My first times, I was very nervous and worried, but as you experienced, there is really no hassle involved as most people say nothing. I like your idea of the zip off trousers, masterful idea. I have an automatic car, so have been able to wear my left KAFO from home and not have to worry about driving concerns.
|
|
|
Post by misterfingers on Dec 24, 2018 17:49:07 GMT
Hi castmenow Yes it was first time! Would like to try casting at some point as well! misterfingers
|
|
|
Post by deejay on Dec 25, 2018 1:02:14 GMT
That must have been a great feeling. I am still looking forward to the time when I manage to do it. I am wondering how you managed to put it on in a car park? Although I can get into mine fairly quickly now, I would think I would attract some attention. I get the point about the zip off trousers, that does make sense and certainly would avoid some of the likelihood of being arrested! I suppose the total answer is to be lucky enough to have a camper van or similar. I am wondering just how nervous you were at the beginning? Also, its just occurred to me that there could be a situation when you find it difficult to find anywhere secluded to take it off again before driving away. 'Trapped'.... sort of exciting but possibly a problem !
|
|
|
Post by misterfingers on Jan 26, 2019 10:54:44 GMT
Hi I've recently had a chance to "sample" casting (long arm cast, btw), and go out in public with a like minded person. It was certainly easier with a companion, one did not feel conspicuous. Wearing a cast can look conspicuous, but if you are with someone, it is assumed, probably, that there is a reason for wearing it, whereas just going out on my own, I would be more self conscious of its presence. When I went public with my Kafo last month, it was far from home. Although I was alone, it was hardly visible, and there were large crowds, so movement was relatively slow, and therefore unusual gait was not apparent. It still felt "right"! I'm looking forward to wearing it again, in public. May have chance with "casting" friend. I'll keep you posted.
|
|
|
Post by rowland on May 3, 2020 21:27:32 GMT
I wear a KAFO on my right leg I have a couple of pairs of Craghopper zip-off trousers with vertical zips in lower leg. They come off- just- with a build up on left boot and caliper on right. They are summer weight, so I have started using them when the sun shines. I would like some heavier, tougher ones. Any ideas where I can get them?
|
|
|
Post by misterfingers on May 17, 2020 21:16:09 GMT
Hi I tried getting zip-off trousers in late autumn. Not many about. I think they are a spring/summer clothing line. I hope that helps.
|
|
|
Post by rowland on May 23, 2020 14:45:10 GMT
I have Craghopper zip-off trousers, which also have a side zip to make donning and doffing with boots on easier. They just (only just! ) go over the boot that has the caliper and the boot that has the build-up. Mine are summer weight. If you find heavier weight I would like to know.
|
|
|
Post by misterfingers on May 23, 2020 21:35:35 GMT
Hi Yes I could do with some thicker ones too. I keep you posted.
|
|
|
Post by rowland on Jun 1, 2020 16:25:59 GMT
The other day we went to a superstore in a local town. They were only letting in one shopper per trolley, so my wife went in. I didn't want to wait in the car so I waited for a bench to become free. I had shorts on and my shiny metal and leather caliper. I sat on the bench for nearly half an hour with people passing quite frequently. So far as I could tell no one looked at my leg-brace. People are mostly not interested. This might give one of you a nudge to do likewise in appropriate situations.
|
|
|
Post by jaylad on Jun 6, 2020 22:25:55 GMT
I would fully agree with Rowland. I've been going out as a wheelchair or leg brace user (or both - even better) and so far no has ever asked about my disability. In fact most people just ignore me although I have occasionally been asked about my wheelchair which is a rigid frame lightweight job. Usually the enquiry is from someone who knows a wheelchair user who is stuck with one of the NHS 'agricultural' models which are both heavy and harder to push and not exactly cool looking.
I think unless they are a fellow admirer most people are just too embarrassed to approach someone with an obvious disability, or maybe most people are just not interested and still think disabled people are second class citizens...…..harsh but too often true!
Stay safe and stay healthy, Jay
|
|
|
Post by rowland on Jul 28, 2020 19:58:45 GMT
This morning I noticed white lines on my right leg representing the form of the caliper from wearing shorts in the sunshine. I hope the sun shines again to make the image stronger. May it shine on all of us. Rowland
|
|
|
Post by misterfingers on Jul 30, 2020 16:40:32 GMT
Plenty of sunshine on offer today and tomorrow. I wish I could get round to sorting my Kafo and making leathers all one colour, might be tempted to wear it more often!
|
|
|
Post by castmenow on Jul 30, 2020 17:46:42 GMT
I recall a girl at school who broke her leg some weeks before we broke up for the summer hols and still had her leg casted when we returned in September. When she had the cast removed a few weeks later she had one pale white leg and one well tanned leg. No tanning salons in the 70s.
|
|