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Post by sittingpretty on Oct 8, 2008 1:22:29 GMT -5
I dont have insurance, and my doctors are stupid. So I've taken it upon myself to save up the cash for a pair of braces.. I have a standing frame but that isnt good enough, I want to bare my weight.
So I found this guy on ebay, wouldnt be surprised if the guy was on this site himself.. anywaysss Im not too sure what kind of braces I need or what works best. The pics this guy sent look pretty much like the braces in Quid Pro Quo.. down to the stripper heels he had attached.
Got me to thinking I may be wasting my money on a pair of braces that dont do the job I desire.. So, any suggestions? Anyone with pics of their braces, will you show me?
Thanks
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Post by Triassic on Oct 8, 2008 1:58:38 GMT -5
braces must be custom made for each individual. you can't just buy them off the rack. you have to go to an orthotist who casts youir legs in plaster and then crafts the brace from that. then they must be fitted, sometimes over several visits.
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Post by sittingpretty on Oct 8, 2008 2:02:19 GMT -5
Uhm.. yeah I guess I left out every detail.. I understand the measurements and the fittings, I realize I will need to purchase a CUSTOM pair. The guy was just showing me examples of different style braces to start with.
Thanks for you help.
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Post by Claire on Oct 8, 2008 7:14:10 GMT -5
Hey SittingPretty, I *think* I know the guy you're talking about and if I'm right, I know second-hand from several people that he's an honest guy and makes good quality, uh..."recreational"...braces. (apparently it's a "bondage" thing to many people...but I digress...) Tri is right, you should go to an orthotist and do the job right. But if for some reason that's impossible due to $$ or some other reason, and this is the best you can do, you can make casts of your own legs (he even has instructions on how to do this on his site) and send them to him and he will custom fit them to your leg casts. As for what *type* of braces you need, unfortunately I can't comment on that...maybe mlosee (Michael Losee) can help. Send him a private message? I'm not sure if he's reading this stuff. Better yet, maybe Michael will have some ideas how you can get the funds to get a *real* pair of braces made.
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Post by Ouch on Oct 8, 2008 10:51:54 GMT -5
Gotta' concur; I don't know your specific circumstances, but not having orthotics designed for you, personally, could wind you up in a whole world of trouble.
As for type, it depends on the function needed/desired, and the circumstances of limitation of disability - without detail, I couldn't guess to what would work best, but that's something that could be discussed with a medical professional and an orthotist.
...if you don't like your doctors, you should find others! It's your health at stake, you shouldn't compromise it to less than satisfying medical professionals!
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Post by BA on Oct 8, 2008 17:03:13 GMT -5
As a medical person, I would strongly advise against buying anything that has not been custom fit and molded to your specifications and needs by a certified professional. You could cause your body damage of all sorts, including pressure sores, pulled muscles/ligaments and worse, particularly if you are lacking sensation. There are orthotists out there who are awesome and may be willing to work with you at a reduced rate or partial payment scale.
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Post by mrjefffurz on Oct 8, 2008 19:43:17 GMT -5
u might check with your local center for independent living...where i live im on a committte that helps ppl with the cost of,,,whatever,,,that helps there independence,,,maybe theres one near u
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Post by dolly on Oct 8, 2008 20:32:23 GMT -5
ditto what everyone else said. it's definitely worth seeking out a professional who can assist you. you can still pay out of pocket, if need be. but you'll at least be getting what you need and won't cause yourself unnecessary harm in the process.
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Post by dolly on Oct 8, 2008 21:29:24 GMT -5
i'd like to add that although everyone seems to be steering sittingpretty to an orthotist, pics are still most welcome... to um, illustrate what she might need. purely for educational purposes, of course.
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Post by sittingpretty on Oct 8, 2008 23:10:56 GMT -5
Haha Dolly.
Seriously though.. I want to see some pictures..
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Post by art5080 on Oct 9, 2008 1:46:06 GMT -5
From an old "garden variety (leg brace) devotee" here and Claire knows who I am.... Please check this link: www.fantasylegbraces.com/I have personally known several people who ordered custom made leg braces from "Bob" at the above site. Not cheap... no way! But ultimately custom fitted and authentic - quality - durable, etc. Yes, I've seen the braces, too and I have even met Bob on one occasion. He provides a unique service. You can see photos of braces at his site and ways to contact "Bob", also. He's dedicated and professional in providing this very specialized service to those desiring to wear and use leg braces for non-medical reasons. Recreational, pretender, wanna-bee, need-to-be, BIID conditions, etc. I think you'll find he comes highly recommended by the select few who are into this fascination or need. /Art |
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Post by Claire on Oct 9, 2008 7:53:49 GMT -5
Yup...I was thinking Bob too, Art.  But if SittingPretty is a para, I don't recommend this option! |
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Post by art5080 on Oct 9, 2008 8:52:55 GMT -5
Claire,
A very valid point. I thought more about that after posting.
A lot of medical workup would be needed for a para to determine
the suitability of braces or the risks. Bone density, for example.
And a valid medical prescription for them. Yes, in some instances
standing in braces MAY cause harm. Bob might well decline
making braces for that reason, too...he's just that professional
and well informed.
But, at least there are some photos which she can view on that
web site.
/Art
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But if SittingPretty is a para, I don't recommend this option!