Whom It May Concern,
My name is Jennifer Zubko. I am a patient with cerebral palsy, chronic pain and a movement disorder called dystonia. I live in Ontario Canada.
I walk short distances with my feet in internal rotation. My knees almost always touch each other during gait, and I tend to also have a scissor gait when ambulating.
I also have crouch gait.
Have had many orthopedic surgeries over the years such as Achilles tendon lengetenings, left posterior tibialis transfer, femoral derotation osteotomies and most recently selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery.
I am writing because I have recently been having extreme difficulty having my body “accept” bracing. I have a pair of AFO’s called Chedoke braces. They were invented at the Chedoke McMaster Hospital in Hamilton. Basically very hard, plastic reinforced braces that end prior to reaching the metatarsal head. They have caused me pain and pressure sores, and I have extreme difficulty walking in them. They make my gait worse, make me fall, and cause excess spasms in lower legs and knees during use. They are Flexor spasms, and last for 30 minutes or more after taking the braces off.
Also tried were Anterior AFOs to prevent my crouch gait and allow me to walk better. These did not fit me and continually gave me pressure sores. I have looked for other types of bracing, and came across your site I am desperate for a pair of braces that assist me rather than hurt me.
Is there a new style of bracing help me? Is there someone in Ontario that could assist? Do I need a different type of bracing like knee ankle foot orthotics?
I am just so confused and need bracing that works.
If you could help, it would be appreciated more than you know.
If you need further information, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Zubko
Don’t Quit.
Don’t quit when the tide is lowest,
For it’s just about to turn;
Don’t Quit over doubts and questions,
For there’s something you may learn.
Don’t quit when the night is darkest,
For it’s just a while ’til dawn;
Don’t quit when you’ve run the farthest,
For the race is almost won.
Don’t quit when the hill is steepest,
For your goal is almost nigh;
Don’t quit, for you’re not a failure
Until you fail to try.
~ Author unknown~
The word ‘Impossible’ itself spells – “I’m possible”.
