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Post by busboy on Jan 20, 2019 13:57:52 GMT
In my previous post I indicated my long held desire to wear a kafo but was uncertain whether to go ahead as I have had a hip replacement carried out. I received several responses offering me all kinds of conflicting information as it is clear that this is something that no-one else has experienced before. But thank you to everyone who responded. The most useful response was that I should contact VB for advice. I followed that idea up and their response was that recreational wearing of a kafo should present no problems . After a couple of days agonising whether to go ahead, I finally plucked up the courage to ask for an appointment. My appointment is set for Monday week, the 28th. But now my emotions are running wild. One part of me is looking forward to achieving this ambition but I keep saying to myself, I must be mad, what am I doing? Any advice on how to calm myself?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2019 16:05:40 GMT
Wow! Firstly, Congratulations on taking the plunge. I really want to book an appointment with VB also but I haven't plucked up the courage yet. So you are doing better than me.
I don't think you are mad at all. If you can afford it and will have the opportunity to wear it then go for it. I fully intend to this year to get one made by VB once I've saved up enough to justify spending on a (weird) indulgence. In my case, my existing KAFO is second hand and therefore does not fit very well. This stops me even thinking about wearing it outside the house. Once I have one that fits properly then I'll feel confident wearing it (discretely) away from home - actually well away from home!
I understand from others on here that the staff at VB are very professional and non-judgmental.
But I'm sure some one who has been to VB will post before too long to reassure you.
Best wishes for your appointment and let us know how you get on.
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Post by busboy on Jan 20, 2019 16:10:42 GMT
Thank you for your good wishes. I will let you know how I get on. Hopefully that will give you the encouragement you need.
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Post by castmenow on Jan 20, 2019 16:32:10 GMT
Busboy,
I am glad VB were able to help you out with your question and that you have decided to take the plunge. At the end of the day, most of us that have obtained braces are happy with the outcome and feel a great sense of ease when wearing them. You have to remember that the goal is worth the effort of going for measurement and fittings. I agree that there is some nervousness about these appointments, but after having gone through this myself, in retrospect, there was no problem and no need to have been nervous or worried. I did not get mine through VB, but used a local orthotics manufacturer who does not formally cater to the pretender trade as I live too far from London. That gave me extra cause for concern, but the appointments went without any problems or personal questions. I would expect VB to be better as they are used to dealing with us.
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Post by deejay on Jan 20, 2019 21:32:05 GMT
Absolutely...go for it, I did and there is no problem whatsoever. If you look back through my posts I have said quite a bit about it. You will find a friendly, understanding greeting and everything is totally discreet and 'normal'.
Whatever you want, they have probably dealt with before.
(I will send you a personal message.)
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Post by busboy on Jan 28, 2019 19:40:30 GMT
Well after what seems to have been ages, the date finally came for me to attend VB to discuss and be measured for my kafo. I felt physically sick at the thought of it before I left home, but after reading all the messages about going to VB I felt more confident when I reached the shop. The staff at VB are very discrete and professional and they soon put me at ease. Robert talked through the process of measuring and making the kafo, helping me decide which leg and the final design of it, where the straps will be and which style of boots to choose to go with it. He showed me a kafo for a customer which they had just completed in the workshop so I could see it close up. After taking the necessary measurements he worked out the bill and I then left and now await my appointment for an initial fitting. And as everyone said it would be, it was a lot less stressful then I had imagined. The hardest thing was walking into the shop and telling the lady at the desk why I was there. I shall feel easier when I return in a couple of weeks or so.
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Post by deejay on Jan 28, 2019 21:36:37 GMT
Great. I can picture the whole scene. Its such a big step to take but in the end its so easy and relaxed. Don't know about you but I just said I had an appointment to see Robert. That way, if she didn't know the reason already, that was fine...and if she did already know, she didn't need to say anything. What have you decided to go for?
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Post by castmenow on Jan 29, 2019 10:03:31 GMT
Good news, and yes similar feelings to me on the way in. You should be more relaxed for the next visit, and if you are like me, the wait will seem to drag on and on as you await your KAFO.
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Post by busboy on Jan 29, 2019 12:06:00 GMT
Thank you for the massages of support. I have gone for a left leg kafo, Robert said the caliper on the left leg would protect my hip if I fell so I took his advice. Just a basic caliper no wide cuffs etc but straps round the ankle, underneath my knee and on the top of the thigh and a knee pad. I am having a small lift fitted into the right boot to even up my legs as the left one is slightly longer then my right. As you have said, it was so easy once I had walked into the shop. All I can do is sit and wait until I am called for a fitting.
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