I went to see my neurologist. I’ve mentioned before how these visits are usually stress-ridden experiences, which again makes no sense, because at this point I AM living what was formerly my worst nightmare. Put in a different way, this horrendous dream has become my present day reality! Mind-blowing!
Ankle-foot orthosis: A brace (usually plastic) worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle, hold the foot and ankle in the correct position, and correct foot-drop. Abbreviated AFO. Also known as a foot-drop brace.
This visit my imagination was equipped with potential neurological instruments that I envisioned propelling me back into the land of “the walking.”
These Bioengineered devices like the WalkAide and the NESS L300 are legitimate, just not for me…not right now at least.
I’m the kind of lady that salesmen love. After all, I am a nurse with a sales mentality!
Okay, don’t fret. I still stand by my mantra of accepting new “normals,” but that doesn’t make things easier or smoother. (Click here.) Remember, it’s the transition into that normal that is the hardiest.
When I asked the doctor how many white splotches. I had on my brain and spinal cord and he responded with, “too many to count!”
I thought I would lose it right there on his exam table!
In the midst of my impending full blown mental breakdown, my husband once again pointed out, “The only difference between today and yesterday is the fact that you now know.” This is his go to rationalization, as he used it 11 years ago the day I was first diagnosed too!
Worked then and saved the day today too!
Which once again in an odd way, if right now I’m living with MY worst nightmare recently known as, “too many lesions to count.”
I guess I’m tolerating this new normal quite tenaciously.
Who knew?
My first AFO (ankle-foot orthosis)
The beginnings of my custom AFO.
The finished product...neat color! Ya think? This IS my new normal.
Dr. Jesus Lovera of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, La
That’s cool that you have a brown AFO. My orthotist makes a black one, which I have, or multi-colored ones. I may need to show him this picture so he can figure how to make one that color!
shaydee5,
GO for it!
I have a brace like this now. I was told the same thing about the lesions, “your brain is full of lesions”. The doc explained it better, He said that it depends on where the lesions are located at. One lesion on the optic nerve can be bad. Your husband is right but it is not easy….
Kim, thanks for stopping by! Yes, I tend to to get down about it when I go see the doc. Yes, unfortunately, yet again my husband is right!!!!LOL
Nicole
No, thank you for the read. Yes, please do your research, because they are some awesome devices.
Nicole
Lovely foot brace! I’ve been experiencing “toe drop”… ONE of my toes flops down and folds over itself as I walk barefoot. Kinda comical, in a twisted way… (Or a folded way.)
And “how many legions?” *I* started with only four; my regular MD (also a neurologist) asked me if I’d like to get another MRI; I said “Why? I already know I still have MS, what *new* would it tell me? Nothing, that’s what.” And, I am happy to report, he agreed.
We have lesions, and yet we keep smiling. They’re badges of honor, and the source of as much comedy as annoyance. Don’t let ’em get you down!
Never heard of that? Is there a brace for that one too? Nicole
Thanks. “badge of honor” I like that. I’ll share it with the one who gave it to me! Get it? LOL
Nicole
Lesion count hah! I obsessed over my MRI’s before – now I just like to look at them because well, they are cool to look at. Plus I can prove there really is a brain in my skull and even though my my legs seem not to be aware at times I have a spinal cord.
Lesson load does not necessarily reflect what is going on at the time or so the neuro says. So your hubby is right nothing changed with the knowing. Kind of a freaky thing though knowing that the lesions lurk. He sounds like a nice and supportive man!
Hey, stating the obvious the new color does blend in much nicer than the first one you have pictured and the articulation? Is it more comfortable?
I liked the Bioness but whoo $$$! My foot drop thankfully took a hike left side and the right is hanging on the edge knock on wood.
Jan
Well, yeah I have like 30 of those films hanging around here. It’s funny I use to like looking at the films too. I love the new disc thing they do now. I just wasn’t ready for him to say that. But he is a great doc. One of the best I’ve seen. Nicole
The shout out was cleverly done!!! Thanks again!
Yes, the articulation is nice. Tricky to get my shoes on and makes a clicking sound that only annoys me. But all in all its pretty nice. Nicole