tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151811238595694978.post3169639848442756486..comments2024-02-29T14:57:16.851-05:00Comments on <big><big>Deans' stroke musings</big></big>: stroke rehabilitation and drop footoc1deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02302555382262295577noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151811238595694978.post-2913946298362816662022-07-20T15:11:52.628-04:002022-07-20T15:11:52.628-04:00Yes. When I was in my first day in the rehab hospi...Yes. When I was in my first day in the rehab hospital, the PT brought along an L-shaped brace that I could use to walk, but he wouldn't leave it with me so that I could walk all day. I should have been given one Day 1. Without it, I couldn't even stand, but with it (and a cane) I could walk. The PT told me I needed a special AFO made precisely for me—and I had to wait for the next "brace clinic" to get fitted, then another 2 weeks to get the brace made. So, I spent 3 weeks in rehab learning to use a wheelchair that I was never going to use again. Then I read "Stronger After Stroke (on Dean's recommendation) and, as soon as I read "once an AFO, always an AFO," I sent of a pissed-off email to Peter telling him he was just WRONG about me. I'd wear my AFO now to walk, then give it up. He suggested I get a Walk-Aid or Bioness L300; I bought the L300 because the Walk-Aid blasted the heck out of my leg, even with the rep setting and resetting everything.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151811238595694978.post-66554638314854943622018-11-05T21:22:11.944-05:002018-11-05T21:22:11.944-05:00Actually, if common sense were to prevail, a strok...Actually, if common sense were to prevail, a strokee should have their affected ankle put into a 90 degree splint as soon as they turn up in intensive care. This would surely short circuit the contracted calf which is the major cause of the toe drop. If I could have got my heel to the ground immediately upon getting out of bed and upright, then the drop toe disability would not have become endemic. I wonder if medical personelle actually observe stroke patients, and think about the problems we all end up with, or do they, more likely, just go along with old training, and not bother to try to turn the lights on to try to facilitate a better recovery .mareehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12493592720884313375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151811238595694978.post-25689132088899465092018-11-05T21:21:44.153-05:002018-11-05T21:21:44.153-05:00Actually, if common sense were to prevail, a strok...Actually, if common sense were to prevail, a strokee should have their affected ankle put into a 90 degree splint as soon as they turn up in intensive care. This would surely short circuit the contracted calf which is the major cause of the toe drop. If I could have got my heel to the ground immediately upon getting out of bed and upright, then the drop toe disability would not have become endemic. I wonder if medical personelle actually observe stroke patients, and think about the problems we all end up with, or do they, more likely, just go along with old training, and not bother to try to turn the lights on to try to facilitate a better recovery .mareehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12493592720884313375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151811238595694978.post-28945849840545763442012-01-07T19:26:51.762-05:002012-01-07T19:26:51.762-05:00Ever since you and Pete schooled me on the use or ...Ever since you and Pete schooled me on the use or rather, the disuse, on my AFO, I put it to rest. My bedroom door has an expensive door stop now. While it is advantageous to use immediately after one has a stroke, I believe continued use of one has detrimental effects. The AFO hinders the return to walking. Since I bailed on my AFO, I'm walking better and strenghtening the muscles in my leg and ankle. At first I was just able to take a few short steps, but now, I'm able to walk without it and I have transitioned to a soft ankle brace exclusively. Thank you Dean and Peter for showing me I can walk without my AFO.phildoggnoreply@blogger.com