HAS ANYONE USED THIS ?

[sefsha]

Has anyone tried the weighted OT vest. I have just seen it on the internet and have read the testimonials but would rather hear from you guys for an honest opinion as it is rather expensive.

[Brommie]

Hi, I bought an OT vest and wore it religiously for a few months. Unfortunately when the hot weather arrived I stopped using it and it is still hanging in the wardrobe. I wouldn’t like to advise you whether a vest would be worth the investment but they are expensive and you would have to pay import duties on top.

[sefsha in reply to Brommie]

Thanks for your reply but did the vest help your balance? I can appreciate that it would be hot for the summer, but if it helps my gait then I dont mind .

[Brommie in reply to sefsha]

Yes, I think it did, I wore it all day. The OT vest people were really helpful and actually gave me lighter weights than I should have had for

my bodyweight. Obviously I am not a doctor and therefore anything I say/think relates to my own personal experience. but for me having a bit extra time without mobility aids made the whole thing worthwhile.

[sefsha in reply to Brommie]

Thanks, your remarks have helped me to make up my mind and I think it is worth the investment.

[Brommie in reply to sefsha]

If you look at the testimonials on the website, the person on the trike ( Stacey Goodeve) is me. Everything I said is true and after reading it again I have decided to start using my vest again. I have SCA1 which has progressed but it would be interesting to see if the vest can still help me. 😍

[sefsha in reply to Brommie]

Hi I have just read your testimonial and I am really impressed . I shall order the vest right now, thanks for all the info.

[Libra7 in reply to Brommie]

Hi Stacey

I too have read your full testamonial on the OTvest web site and am feeling encouraged to try the vest myself. I note that you intend to start wearing it again. As you originally wrote about it two years ago I wonder why you stopped wearing it after it seemed to help you so much. Have you noticed the benefit this time?

I suggested to Nancy that it would be good if she came to the Ataxia UK annual conference in October. The shipping costs from USA (around $71) would be prohibitive for some I fear.

Kind regards Barbara

[Brommie in reply to Libra7]

Hi Barbara, I am think that I gave my vest up for a few reasons. I wore it to Sheffield to see my Ataxia consultant and whilst she didn’t say don’t use it, She made me feel that the vest couldn’t possibly achieve what I thought it was achieving. I also found that I became a bit lazy about doing my other exercises because the vest was doing so much. Strangely, since my Ataxia has progressed I have begun to realise that since there is no cure it is up to us as individuals to do what we can for ourselves. I have now been wearing my vest for two days and already my confidence has improved, I am still a bit wobbly but I am more grounded, more confident, calmer and sleeping better.

[Libra7 in reply to Brommie]

Thanks Stacey. We’re all looking for that miracle cure but even a small improvement in balance is worth pursuing. The comment from your neurologist in Sheffield was most unhelpful and obviously comes from someone who has never experienced Ataxia symptoms herself.

[wobblybee]

🙂 I tried 2 Vests at a NAF Convention, motiontherapeutics.com and otvest.com They work on different principles, so it really depends on the type of ataxia a person has. My specific problems are Vestibular and I found the second vest made me feel more ‘grounded’. It’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with both websites, and it’s possible that motiontherapeutics have introduced a lighter fabric since I tried the Vest 2yrs ago. The otvest was denim, the weights were attached by Velcro across the shoulders, and could be removed when washing the Vest.

[sefsha in reply to wobblybee]

Thank you , I have looked at both websites and still am not sure of what to do.

[wobblybee in reply to sefsha]

🙂 Just something in favour of the otvest. The consultation re weights can be done online, simply because it works on a different principle. The other company stipulate that the Vest must be fitted by a trained therapist, and currently there are none in the UK. Also, as ataxia symptoms progress, bear in mind that weights will probably need to be assessed and changed accordingly in order to continue to benefit from the Vest.

[february]

Dear Brommie, I've had ataxia 20+ years now. Several years ago I bought a BalanceWear vest and wore it faithfully for several years. Mine had small weights velcroed in certain places on the inside of vest (about 2 lbs). It seemed to help me initially, but as my ataxia progressed, not so much! I heard that occassionally you need to have the weights moved or maybe more weight added, but I never did. Also, I live in the USA and it's extremely hot (where I live) here in the Summer months, So I found the vest to be hot to wear (for me) in the Summer. I'm only one example, as it may work (I hope!!!) fabulously for you! My best to you..., ;o)

[Litty]

We all react so differently and this is my story!

I do find ankle weights very useful and I love my weighted cutlery.

Lol - I am mean! I did not like the price of the vest so made my own. I do not know if it helped but I got too hot. I also made my own weighted belt from a cycle belt with weight taped to - this does help. I use wrist weights but they can get uncomfortable x

[sefsha]

I have ordered the OTvest and I will let you all know how I get on with it when it comes, thanks everyone for your opinions

[sefsha]

My OT vest has arrived , it will take some time to get used to I think as it feels very heavy but if it helps you try anything don't you . Will show it too my Neoro Physio and see what he thinks of it. Will let you all know how it goes. Love Sharon xx

[Faith3012 in reply to sefsha]

Hi Sharon . I am new here . Was reading some of the previous posts and came across urs. I just ordered an OTvest too ，should be arriving this few days . Just wandering does the vest help you ?

[sefsha in reply to Faith3012]

Hi Faith,The vest seems to keep me more "grounded" but I have n ot used it much at the moment as it gets very hot,even though I know I should. Just wear it for 1 hour a day untill you get used to it.

let me know how you get on with it.