Friday 27 February 2015

Six Million Dollar Man - Part 2 - The upgrade

For those who follow my posts regularly you will know that last week I attended a specialist Physiotherapy appointment for my Muscular Dystrophy and was to be fitted with new equipment; For those who don't know you can find the original post here.


The Equipment








I was given these ankle straps; each strap is velcroed just above the ankle as tightly as possible. Each strap has an elasticated tag that has two Velcro patches at the end. The tag is then folded and placed through the loop.  You then stretch the elastic over a metal hook that is placed within the eye of the shoe. As seen below.


I was also given a supporting back strap which is ultimately like a corset with bone panels throughout; this is placed just above my pelvis and reaches just under my ribcage.


I thought that the best way to explain how it works was to show you.

(I apologise for the condition of the video still haven't worked out how to upload a higher quality to the blog yet)




This video is me walking without the straps on. What you need to really see it that my waist has a habit of leaning to the side and swinging out. My legs will flick out and subsequently so will my feet. If you can see my feet land on the side and not initially flat. This can lead to me falling and losing balance easily.






In this video you should see the back support straightening me up more potentially stopping the swing around my hips. My feet are restricted so they are walking straighter and landing more flatly on the ground.

I am more stable when I am using them that much is true. There are some perks to it; when wearing the back support the added strength given has straightened me up enough to add another inch to me so I am now 5'4ft (Yay!!)

I am a little disappointed though; the impact that they said previously to how my walking would look I don't feel is that noticeable. I think it has improved my walking and has definitely made me more secure but it hasn't corrected my walking as much as they have previously suggested. It is, however, early days and there may always me a new gadget to try out.

What do you think can you see the difference in my walking?




The Dad Network

22 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm unable to play the videos for some reason. But gaining an inch of height sounds like a winner. Hopefully as you can get used to the braces your walking can improve more to your expectations. Thanks for hosting #BigFatLinky -Mike Smith

JOhn Adams said...

My word, you have MD? Small world, I used to work for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. I have very fond memories of working there. I take you have Becker? Anyway, I can see a difference in the way you are walking. Best of luck with the physio.

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks Mike! The added inch was a great bonus! I did joke though if they had anything that could make me 6 ft lol.
I'm hoping that with time ill correct other bits and really see the difference!

Martyn Kitney said...

Oh really? That's cool and a small world indeed! I actually have FORD but is similar to aspects of beckers.
Great you see the difference at the moment can't quite see it but maybe on time I will. Thanks for commenting.

Unknown said...

Yes there is a difference mate. As with anything. You'll probably be the last person to notice any difference. But the more you use them, the better you'll be :)

Single Mother Ahoy said...

Ah, I can't see the videos. Are they on YouTube?
I agree with Tommy above though, you probably won't notice the difference but I bet others will!

Martyn Kitney said...

That's good. Thanks mate! I hope so.

Martyn Kitney said...

Ah no! I don't know why. Some can and some can't. :-/ and they're not on YouTube either. Thanks tho.

Louise @ Little Hearts, Big Love said...

I can't see the videos either but sounds from the other comments that it does make a noticeable difference and I think it is sometimes harder to see these things yourself. Adding a little height sounds like a bonus too!

Unknown said...

I can't see the videos even on my laptop! What a shame. But I'm sure it will be making a difference! And as others say an extra bit of height is a bonus! If the videos get working tweet it xx #bigfatlinky xx

Ashley Beolens said...

Saw a few people saying the video isn't playing you have to watch it off mobile (so remove everything after html in the url bar and reload).

I think you can see a difference but as Tommy says, you'll probably be the last to see it.

Martyn Kitney said...

Mmmm. .It might depend how you're watching it. I can view it both on an android phone and off laptop. Lol the height was a very good bonus indeed!

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks for commenting Sarah! It's been a problem but by the looks of it Ashley below has the solution. But the height was a bonus indeed.

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks for commenting Ashley. And for solving the viewing problem.
Glad you could see the difference but as you and to my have both Said ill probably be the last to see it.

Jenni said...

Ah got the video working after trying the suggestion from Ashley (so thanks!)
I can see a real difference, hopefully you will also gain more improvement in the future too, and gaining an inch in height is great too!!

Martyn Kitney said...

Glad you got it working and that you can see a real difference!! I'm sure in time I will see the greater difference. But is always harder when you're looking at yourself. Thanks for commenting!

Helena Clarke said...

I can't make the video work either, but am glad to hear that there are constant developments for MS sufferers. I hope you continue to see improvements.

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks for commenting Helena! Sorry you couldn't get the videos working :-/ thank you. It's good to know there are always something new available to try.

Unknown said...

6 feet tall! Ha, you'll have to get some platform shoes for that! I got on my laptop and played the videos simultaneously. There is absolutely a difference. I'm sure not as much as you had hoped but it's a start. Plus it's good to have a little swagger in your step :) -Mike Smith

R.C. said...

I'm 5'10 but think 6 foot would be a great height! Unless you're doing barbell squats, seems like being short helps out a lot then! There's always a plus side to things....usually! Either way, this is a great way to add an inch in a cinch!

Sorry, the dad in me likes to rhyme!

Martyn Kitney said...

Lol I know worth an ask though wasn't it! Have to get the platforms out! Thanks Mike glad you see the difference. I've been thinking about it today and think maybe I'm too close to ot physicality and mentally to see how much of a difference. Definitely not what they said but, as you said, it's a start. And with me having a pimp cane it's worth having some swagger! Lol

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks for commenting R.C
5"10!! Jealous! Lol.
Haha been reading to much Dr suess? Lol