More about me/orthotics
JENNIFER ZUBKO
Description
Collection
Title:
More about me/orthotics
Creator:
JENNIFER ZUBKO
Date:
7/27/2006
Text:
Hello Everyone:
I have to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone on the list. You have all been wonderful. People are asking me questions, though, and I thought I would post some of the answers. I live in London, Ontario. Have had Ankle Foot Orthotics of various types for the past ten years. Receive therapy twice a week by a physical therapist for stretching, etc. I also have an Occupational Therapist, do therapeutic riding, Feldenkrais, etc. I am currently 28 years old. Have had x-rays and a bone scan subsequent to my physiatrist thinking my foot was broken because of a pressure sore from current Chedoke braces. The bone scan showed no evidence of arthritis anywhere in my body-- my knees, ankles, or anything. No wear and tear on any joints, as far as I know.
In addition to therapy and copious amounts of medicine, I also get Botox injections every three months into Quadratus Lumborum and Gluteals. (Trigger point injections, but done w/ Botox.
My sleeping posture is terrible. I am trying to get funding for a Symmetrisleep Postural Control and Alignment system, but insurance has denied it, so must look at service clubs.
I sleep with my knees bent and hips windswept to the right, with my head and the rest of my body going to the Left. Often my hands are fisted when I sleep.
I was asked if I have to stay w/ current Orthotist. The answer is pretty much yes, especially because the government pays for the braces. It would be like MEDICAID paying for a set of braces, then you need them fixed or redone, but cannot go to another place. In Ontario, you can only have braces made every 5 years as an adult
unless there is a new script, change in function, etc.
I do not have another set of orthotics. My old braces were 5 years old when these new ones were made. The new braces are now a year and a half old and not functional.
What do the braces do for me if fitted correctly?
Help with proprioception. I had rhizotomy surgery at age 22 and lost 60% of sensory function.
Help with gait and balance. (Current ones just make me fall).
Decrease tone, scissoring, allow me to walk longer distances without tiring.
The braces I had previous to these (five years ago) were anterior braces w/ SMO inside. Orthotist chose this design. It was the first time she had made these braces.They have been a disaster, causing a pressure sore, tone, pain, difficulty walking and balancing.
The pair of Chedoke braces are currently just causing an increase in tone and pain, and spasms from my knees to feet over 1/2 an hour after I take them off...
Hope this answers your questions.
Thanks for your help.
Jennifer
I have to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone on the list. You have all been wonderful. People are asking me questions, though, and I thought I would post some of the answers. I live in London, Ontario. Have had Ankle Foot Orthotics of various types for the past ten years. Receive therapy twice a week by a physical therapist for stretching, etc. I also have an Occupational Therapist, do therapeutic riding, Feldenkrais, etc. I am currently 28 years old. Have had x-rays and a bone scan subsequent to my physiatrist thinking my foot was broken because of a pressure sore from current Chedoke braces. The bone scan showed no evidence of arthritis anywhere in my body-- my knees, ankles, or anything. No wear and tear on any joints, as far as I know.
In addition to therapy and copious amounts of medicine, I also get Botox injections every three months into Quadratus Lumborum and Gluteals. (Trigger point injections, but done w/ Botox.
My sleeping posture is terrible. I am trying to get funding for a Symmetrisleep Postural Control and Alignment system, but insurance has denied it, so must look at service clubs.
I sleep with my knees bent and hips windswept to the right, with my head and the rest of my body going to the Left. Often my hands are fisted when I sleep.
I was asked if I have to stay w/ current Orthotist. The answer is pretty much yes, especially because the government pays for the braces. It would be like MEDICAID paying for a set of braces, then you need them fixed or redone, but cannot go to another place. In Ontario, you can only have braces made every 5 years as an adult
unless there is a new script, change in function, etc.
I do not have another set of orthotics. My old braces were 5 years old when these new ones were made. The new braces are now a year and a half old and not functional.
What do the braces do for me if fitted correctly?
Help with proprioception. I had rhizotomy surgery at age 22 and lost 60% of sensory function.
Help with gait and balance. (Current ones just make me fall).
Decrease tone, scissoring, allow me to walk longer distances without tiring.
The braces I had previous to these (five years ago) were anterior braces w/ SMO inside. Orthotist chose this design. It was the first time she had made these braces.They have been a disaster, causing a pressure sore, tone, pain, difficulty walking and balancing.
The pair of Chedoke braces are currently just causing an increase in tone and pain, and spasms from my knees to feet over 1/2 an hour after I take them off...
Hope this answers your questions.
Thanks for your help.
Jennifer
Citation
JENNIFER ZUBKO, “More about me/orthotics,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/226929.
