Dearest Neurotalk Angels,

So I saw the braces specialist the week before Christmas. What an experience! I put on a pair of 'sample' Foot Ankle Orthotics in my size and was walking so much more easily right away!

The technique is moving my body slightly IN to the front of the braces, which is like the stance for downhill skiing. My balance was so much better, and I could turn easily.

Now I'm just waiting for the final detailed RX to be approved by my Neurologist (who took a week off between Christmas and the New Year) and then my braces will arrive and I'll be fitted.

These aren't the fancy fancy ones from Bracing Solutions, that have to be molded to fit me exactly. The reason I didn't order those is:

1) they cost $20,000 for a pair and are NOT covered at all by Medicare. The ones I'll order are $1,400 a pair and ARE covered by Medicare.

2) The fancy braces take 6 months of hard work to learn to use since they require a great deal of adaptation to use properly. And the FAO braces are 'put on and walk'.

3. I can always graduate to the fancy braces if I decide they're worth the money.

If I were even 20 years younger, of course I would consider the braces that would let me run, ski and dance again. But at 73, I'll settle for walking, at least for now.

I'll keep you posted, of course.

Happy NEW YEAR!

Hugs, ElaineD