right now the brace that I'm wearing is only on my ankle. It doesn't go up any higher than the calf. I don't want a brace for the knee.

What the physiatrist said, was that the adjustments that he wrote the Rx for, will make my foot lift up better, so that I'm not dragging my toes on the ground. When I walk forward, my heel will hit the floor first because the brace will be keeping my toes from kicking the floor.

Doctor told me that's going to keep my knee moving the proper way. He did say there's a chance it might make my knee bend more than it needs to, but if I'm careful, and can get the strength in the knee up a little more, and build up the strength in the upper thigh, that should work itself out. Said I needed to get that dealt with, otherwise I'll end up with arthritis. (which I've already got the double whammy for from my parents. They both have knee issues)

I just want to stop kicking the floor when I'm walking. Plus, I want my right foot moving a little bit better so that I can use my sewing machine again.

Yes, a standard AFO. Ankle Foot Orthotic. They come in many styles. My previous version, I only had 1 pair of shoes that fit that bulky plastic thing. This new one...oh dear, I see I didn't add the url. http://www.ottobockus.com/orthotics/...-brace-walkon/ This new one weighs almost nothing and fits into every pair of shoes, even winter boots!

Erin, you might have a problem working a sewing machine foot peddle. I'll compare that to me driving - I have to bend my knee instead of the ankle to push the accelerator. Certainly doable, just takes getting used to.

this is an old picture with the AFO on an older pair of shoes. But it's what I'm wearing now.





I might ask to get the different kinds that just slide into the shoe like what you linked, rather than this one that permanently wears the shoe on it. I'd have to ask the physiatrist if it would work for what I want.

I can still move my foot, it's just a bit harder than it used to be. I can walk (with a walker) without the AFO on. It's probably just safer if I have it on, so I don't roll the ankle and break something.

Hello Erin, I’ve read through this thread and I hope you are feeling much better now than you were a few months ago. You are very courageous to be able to cope through your difficulties for such a long time, and I can empathize with your role as a caregiver.

I am new to the board and have a demyelinating condition that wasn’t identified until after I had retired from work. My mobility is now very restricted, and every day is a struggle for me to try to walk without having to use a brace or walker.

In one of your earlier posts on this thread you said: “I don't think I can get Medicaid. I might not have any money that I can actually use at the moment, but I do have a retirement fund that I can't access for a long time, (not working, but not *actually* retired. I'm only 45) and that apparently keeps me from getting things like disability.”

You didn’t say what type of retirement fund you have, but if your funds are held in a traditional IRA, you are able to make withdrawals from that IRA at any age. You don’t need to wait until you are 59.5 years of age, but any funds withdrawn would be included in your taxable income for the year. The IRS also assesses a 10% penalty on early withdrawals, but there are exceptions made for disability and medical reasons. You may want to check it out if it applies to you.

No, I haven't been feeling better. My walking is getting worse, almost on a daily basis, and it seems like I can't get anyone to take me serious on that issue.

as for my money. It's a Roth IRA. I don't have enough yet that I feel comfortable dipping into it for awhile yet.

I’m really sorry to hear that your walking isn’t getting any better. If your neurologist is not taking your problems seriously and refusing to prescribe medications for you, perhaps it would help if you switched doctors. I did that when I wasn’t satisfied with the way my first doctor was trying to diagnose my own situation.

Being new, I really don’t know much about your background, but have you tried physical therapy or massage therapy? I’m using a combination of massage therapy and oral supplements to help strengthen my legs.