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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Welcome to the Neuropathy group.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet other people who are dealing with neuropathy. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with neuropathy, coping with the challenges and offering tips.
I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by volunteer patient Mentor John (@johnbishop) and fellow members when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.
We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What concerns would you like to talk about?
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I've have a total drop foot due to the butcher surgeon who did surgery on my back. I can't move my toes nor my foot at all. I have a foot brace I purchased on Amazon. It's very sturdy, light weight, so comfortable and covers my foot from my heel to the end of my toes. If you choose to go to a prosthetic place they have some, not a lot of samples, you can try on.
He offered my a bulky black brace. Not good at all. Then he offered me one like I've just described that the have on Amazon and it did the trick.
The comparison of each of these is amazing. Believe it or not, I can drive perfectly with it. Hope this helps.
Good luck and happy new year to all of you out there
Rose
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2 Reactions@jenniferhunter thank you for link I just emailed my Dr for a P T referral my thigh pain it never lets up Hears to a Happy New Year
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2 Reactions@jenniferhunter looks good I have a Tens unit I use ,the price is to high for me I need to get new pads for my tens Thanks for the link
It seems to be like the device called "Tens". Do you think they are the same?
I'm a big advocate of leg braces for drop foot. If you are on Medicare good leg braces should be covered and yes go to a clinic that specializes in Orthotics and Prostheses. I've had two versions both that slip into my shoes with custom orthotics, and then strap up around my legs. The second version is much more efficient and I get considerably less fatigued wearing them. It is bulkier but the results for my walking are so much better.
@geegie - Can you tell me how you were able to connect the foot drop to your back surgery? My foot drop became apparent following back surgery but my doctors then thought it was connected to another genetic disease in my family. Did your surgeon ever acknowledge that the foot drop was a by-product of the back surgery? Thanks, Margot
Hi Margot, No, my neurosurgeon never did acknowledge the fact that my back surgery was the cause of my dropped feet. I presumed that it was the cause of my drop feet since it (drop feet) happened shortly after my surgery. I will add that I just had a nerve conduction test given by a neurologist. The results firmly stated that my surgery was not the cause of my dropped feet. So, I am now presuming that it is genetic in nature. My dad had “neuropathy” that was probably never correctly diagnosed. Wish I could have given you more positive information to help you with the cause of your foot drop. This is not fun to deal with! Good luck in your quest for more knowledge.
Oh my gosh, you are an angel in disguise!! I just got my first pair of orthotics that must be similar to the second ones you referred to. I went to a orthodox/prosthesis physician and they were covered by Medicare. These come up to mid leg with velcrose closings. They are not very comfortable. I have an appt to go back for an adjustment. What kind of shoes do you wear with them? I didn’t realize I was so vain but, I guess I am. I have ordered and returned 6 pairs of orthodoc shoes and they are UGLY. I wear a 9 1/2 shoe and then add the 1&1/2 size up (for orthotics) plus extra wide width ( for orthotics) and you end up with GIANT shoes. HELP!!!
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1 ReactionReally interesting Cordy as I had several EMGs that horribly painful nerve tests and my surgery never referenced my surgery being the cause. My father like yours had neuropathy and wore a brace like yours.
I’ll send you a photo of my leg braces that are much lighter or more ergonomic than yours that look super clunky. I do like that you deserve something lighter.
My braces are black and made of a composite material that can be cut/shaped to my needs.
Regarding shoes.... that’s been my constant challenge as I’m refusing, even at 72 years old, to wear ugly shoes. I’ve had to go a 1/2 size larger and will get a wide if they are available. I also wear custom slip-in orthotics on top of the flat foot bottom of my braces.
Send me your email address for me to send the photos of my braces, orthotics separately and on my legs.
Well, I tried to send my email address and they wouldn’t let me do it. Thanks for offering but I guess it’s against the rules at Mayo. Appreciate your help!