New AFOs

[misty]

I'm getting some. I'm waiting for my nurse to call me back so I can make the appointment. I think I might have them decorated, or at least different from these ugly, white plastic ones. I know, I'm 27 and that's too old for decorated AFOs. I don't care! I never had decorated ones as a kid, so its my turn! Any suggestions? I can't decide whether to get grown up decorations like solid black so they'll look good with clothes, or go completely nuts and do pink monkeys!

[LisaJoy]

Look at Smoop's albums -- Analise has new afo's that have butterflies on them. They're really pretty and not too childish looking.

I think someone needs to invent "skins" for AFOs (like they have for phones and computers), so that you can change out designs and colors. Any entrepreneurs out there?

I still haven't gotten new crutches in a nice color. I'm leaning towards teal.

[misty]

Skins! That is an awesome idea! They could be cloth and fit over the outside of the brace! They could come in "business" styles, and "party" styles, and "silly" styles! Someone should definitely do this! I wish I was creative with this kind of thing!

[Mustang Sal]

There are skins for crutches out there, so why not AFOs? :D All you'd need is some stretchy fabric, some velcro and a sewing machine. I'd have a go but i'm actually scared of sewing machines! Silly I know!

I say go for whatever design you like best Misty. Could you perhaps get stick-on patterns of things like butterflies? That would mean they can be changed if you get fed up with them. Not sure how durable they'd be though.

Lisa, i'm on the lookout for some cool new crutches too. I had a fright yesterday when my left crutch went flying out to the side - luckily it hit a wall and so stopped me from hitting the deck. The reason this happened? The metal end of the crutch has actually come through the bottom of the rubber ferrule :-O I've not even had them that long! Anyone else had this happen? I'm currently using my horrible NHS ones (you know, the typical grey/silver ones) but they're absolutely killing my hands and wrists :( So if you find some nice, affordable ones, let me know :)

[LisaJoy]

I use http://www.walkeasy.com/. They ship internationally, although it is not clear exactly how much it would cost. A good pair of forearm crutches, available in a variety of colors, costs about $100, plus shipping. The great thing is that they come with soft bicycle-style grips that don't callous your hands. You can also get (for any crutches) "Tornado" tips. They have an extra layer of gel cushioning. They work really well, but for me they made the smallest adult crutches a little too tall. Oh, another good thing about Walkeasys is that they are very light weight -- my first pair of Lofstrands were soooo heavy. I've found their customer service to be excellent.

BTW, you can replace just the tips of your existing crutches, but why not take advantage of the situation to get new crutches?

[Mustang Sal]

BTW, you can replace just the tips of your existing crutches, but why not take advantage of the situation to get new crutches?


Hehe that's what I was thinking ;)

Thanks Lisa, i'll check this site out. I'd love a good pair of strong but lightweight sticks with comfort grip handles and decent anti-slip ferrules. The one's i've been using have ergonomically shaped handles and are sturdy but soooo heavy! They actually give me bruises if I lift an arm to reach something with the crutch on it :-O

[NerdaliciouS]

Haha! Get something you like!
I got blue with ladybugs once. Another time with the purple & butterflies, and right now I have Batman! xD

I'm also kinda tempted to start making a "slip" for them to change them up. You guys and your ideas, lol.

GOOD LUCK WITH THE AFO'S...AND THE CHOICE, MISTY! XD

[misty]

Well, I got them, finally! They're pretty! I went with multicolored. There's pink, blue, purple, a little green, I think I might see some yellow...Back to the ortho today though because they don't fit right. Gonna see if they can get rid of the horrible sharp stabbing pain in my left arch! Fun fun!

[LisaJoy]

We need pictures!

[misty]

They're coming. My hubby is the pic expert, and besides that, I don't know where the digital camera is. He'll be home in a few hours and I'll put him to work!

[misty]

Pics are up
http://spinabifidaconnection.com/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2089

http://spinabifidaconnection.com/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=2088

[LisaJoy]

Those are pretty darn spiffy!

[Gymp]

Coooooooool...almost tie-dye...ish

Gymp

[Kari]

Love them!!!

[Dodger67]

Cool! The doggy seems to aprove too.

[Mom2Ty]

Ooh I love em!!

[susieatmg]

Those are cool! Lan just got new ones with the butterflies ;) BTW, there are skins for AFOS, they are called liners and made by the same company that makes the seamless socks.....I am going to try to cheat and make my own for her so I can cover up the butterflies when she has a fancy dress of a different color. It said on the site you put a fabric type glue on the spots where you make the slice for straps to go through. I guess the other advantage other than fashion is in the summer in theory you could wear a short sock and not feel sticky by touching bare plastic..... Congrats on the new braces! Sue

Link for the liners....

http://www.afoliner.com/

[babygirl]

Well,i have them too and they're purple butterflies,i'm 17 and normally i always have them covered so it don't matter if they go with my clothes to me,but yeah you should definitely get them decorated although i would say go for either butterflies or solid colors,i'm getting a solid color for my next pair of them probably,good luck:)

[babygirl]

Misty,them braces are cool!

[Kent T]

Walk Easy Crutches are superb. Been using them for 12 years now. Lightweight and a joy to use. We got Bjorn a pair when he began using crutches. He's back to using them some.