leg calliper, I'm new here.

[wolfess]

hi, I'm 57, and 15 years ago, I suffered a bleed on the brain, after surgery, I woke up, paralysed on my left-side(hemiplegic), I had severe drop-foot, and was put in a plastic splint, although I learnt to walk again, with a stick, physio, decided to try me with a calliper, which worked better for me, I have gained weight since becoming disabled, through lack of exercise, I spend a lot of time sitting, either indoors, with tv and laptop, or out, in a wheelchair, have bad nerve damage, so I get a lot of pain and spasms, in my bad leg, but a month ago, foot and leg began to swell, doc said calliper was too tight, so I went to orthotic clinic at hospital, they measured me for new calliper, plus have ordered extra wide footwear, for it to be fitted to, I wear the calliper from getting up, until going to bed, doc, calls it odeama, caused by immobility, really painful, am taking lots of pain-killers, any advice appreciated.x

[Lynora]

It does sound like chronic dependant oedema. Do you have a friendly physio who could teach a family member or carer how to do lymph drainage massage or simple effleurage to the limb everyday? Do you manage weight bearing transfers from bed to chair etc?

[wolfess in reply to Lynora]

Thankyou, yes, I can transfer, I no longer get physio, think because of cutbacks, and the fact, I will never recover, owing to the brain damage involved, money is better spent on those with a chance of recovery, I don't mind, I can understand the logic of that, taken a long time to accept... this is it for life, but theres plenty far worse off, I want to try to help myself, and keep some independence, so grateful for the advice, many thanks, jo.x

[Snaomi in reply to wolfess]

I don't think age or if someone will heel quickly or not should factor into health care. Unfortunately I know that it does. Sorry you are having a rough time. Your attitude sounds great though. Stay positive. Do you have access to a pool and can you get into safely. That is where I would begin. Just try to keep moving.

[wolfess]

Thankyou, no, I don't and to be honest, I would be far too embarresed to use a public pool, I have a huge belly, and only use of one arm, so think I would be afraid out of my depth, cant dry or dress myself either, so that's a problem, I do keep moving around the house, as I try to do some household chores, my partner is also disabled so we have to just get on with it, as best we can.x