Although working smart not hard is always my goal when you have a disability, smart work morphs into a necessity. If your weak left side keeps you from carrying a box of items down a flight of steps, you better figure out a smart and safe way to get your stuff to the first floor….
Tag: Foot drop
Learning To Walk Part 2
This is post 3 of a multi-post series about my DBS Journey. Make sure to catch Part 1 and Part 2 as well. Forty-seven years ago when I was mastering the art of walking I was cute, daring and most importantly, closer to the ground. (And lots of Italians with big hands were there to pick me…
Learning How To Walk Again With My Dynamic Bracing Solution (DBS)
In January 2017 I received my DBS. Pre-Brace Information: I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in September of 2009. With the exception of weakness on extremely hot days, I had no symptoms or issues until the spring of 2012. For the next two years my left sided weakness was minimal and something I could hide…
2017: Cautious Optimism Or Reckless Certainty?
A few months ago I was frustrated by my continued gait dysfunction. No matter which medications I’ve taken (Copaxone, Tysabri, Ampyra, Low Dose Naltrexone), therapies I’ve attempted (yoga, Feldenkrais, Anat Baniel Method, physical therapy, myofascial release, basic calisthenics), or medical equipment I’ve purchased (AFOs, foot drop braces, canes), my walking was going to shit. I’d…
Day 9: Failing at Foot Flexion
I have foot drop. Foot drop sucks. Foot drop is a gait abnormality where I’m unable to keep my foot flexed while walking. This results in an awkward dragging of my foot-hiking up my hip action with every step I take. I trip a lot, don an ugly as shit brace and at this point can only wear…
Day 6: Failing at Leaving The House
I really need to get out more but the truth is, it’s hard to leave my house. I have to wear a special brace on my ankle that attaches to my shoe to keep my foot flexed. As of now I can only wear this brace with tennis shoes, which means I can’t go anywhere…