Maybe you have a fabric idea

[massbikebabe]

Girls...

I have finally taken that big step and climbed onto my trainer successfully!!!
(I actually had an unsuccessful attempt at Christmas and ended up doing an endo off my trainer...have the scar to prove it!!)

Anyway, I have found that my braces fit into my cycling shoes, however my brain still does not want my leg to clip and unclip, so I have gone back to platform pedals for the time being. The problem is...this brace is going to be with me for a long time, probably the rest of my life. It goes from my toes, along my foot, to my knee, then to my thigh, where it locks. I can pedal a little with the brace on...but no pedaling at all with brace off. What I need advice on is, How can I pad this brace so I can use it in the hot weather, or on the indoor spinner? Any of you sewers have any idea what type of material would be best against plastic and skin??? Are there any physical therapists out there who have gotten a left sided plegic like myself back onto a bike??? Do you think I could buy chamois to mold into the brace??

I sincerely appreciate any and all help. I am making some progress in that I can make my left leg pedal every third stroke or so, and to me that is cause for happy dance. I never thought this would happen!! I climbed back up on my trusty Trek because I seem to be losing muscle mass on my left leg very quickly...and I don't want to have to start all over again!!! :mad:

karen
trying hard to be ready for spring

[gilly]

Hi Karen. Sorry, I have no idea as to how you might pad your brace :(

But hey girl YOU'RE PEDALLING :D Way to go http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/aktion/action-smiley-033.gif

[mary9761]

I wear carpal tunnel splints periodically and I have cut up a pair of hosiery tights to help with keeping my hands/arms from sticking to the plastic material. If I'm correct in thinking that you are talking about the same kind of material, you might TRY cutting the leg out of a pair of these to put on your leg before putting your brace on and see if that helps? I know the ones I've used are similar to the material they've cut at OT when I was fitted for the carpal splints.
I hope you find something that can help you, keep us up to date and WAY TO GO!!!
Good luck and be careful
Mary

[Lise]

Hi, Karen,

I don't have an answer for you, but I want to add my voice to the cheers you hear all around you here on the TE forum! :D :D :D Good for you! Keep us posted. Best wishes, Lise

[margo49]

Go, lady, go!
I reckon a physiotherapist would be your best bet for advice
or maybe
The Special Olympics people (whoever and wherever)

[Surlygirl]

Go Karen, Go Karen, Go Karen
Way to go! So happy for you!

[bouncybouncy]

WOW....i was offline for a few months and missed your thread "where i've been"...just looked it up and i must say HUGE KUDOS to you...there is one inspiration after another around here!!!!

as far as material i can't say i could help but finding out what is used for prosthetics is my first thought...i remember a mention of that when the wounded warriors were cycling across the states, a couple of them lost limbs and had chafing issues...just a thought.

Glad to hear you are back on the bike...pedal on!!!!! but watch out for Christmas trees:o

[Irulan]

Girls...
How can I pad this brace so I can use it in the hot weather, or on the indoor spinner? Any of you sewers have any idea what type of material would be best against plastic and skin??? Are there any physical therapists out there who have gotten a left sided plegic like myself back onto a bike??? Do you think I could buy chamois to mold into the brace??

I sincerely appreciate any

I can probably make a fabric recommedation but I need more clarifacation on what exactly the needs are -
Padding?
wicking- moisture transport?
insulation?

I've got some ideas, but let me know if those are the right needs first.

Irulan

[SadieKate]

Yeah!!!! You made my day!

I really don't know, but contact the Special Olympics staff. I bet they could put you in touch with some athletes who wear DME stuff and run marathons. Does the Special Olympics have cycling? Maybe some folks who have personal experience.

SK Dancing around the room for you!

[MomOnBike]

I think I'd ask my Physical Therapist if I were you. (I assume you have one) or the folk you got the brace from.

Most PT people I know do a little happy dance of their own when a patient shows your kind of initiative. I'd bet they'd be more than happy to help.

There is probably some sort of miracle fabric/padding out there they use for chafing. It will be expensive. Find out what the pros use, then find your own, cheaper, alternative.

Good luck in your hunt. And let us know...

[Blueberry]

Karen - you are such an inspiration to us all!

As far as padding, I wonder whether you could use the adhesive moleskin that hikers use when they blister. It's sticky on one side, so you could stick it to your brace and soft and padded on the other. Just an idea:)

I'd also second the recommendation of talking to the special olympics folks - hopefully they'll have some suggestions for you!

Good luck!

Carrie Anne

[Trek420]

SadieKate, you do mean Para'lympics not the Special Olympics right? ;-)

also contact BORP, a Bay area adaptive athetic organization. Stay tuned while I do a little research, I wear a brace when doing anything that involves lateral movement. Not as elaborate as yours but...I think I have an idea.

this is just one example:

http://www.townsenddesign.com/products.aspx?ID=1-2

The brace I wear sounds similar to yours although nowhere near as extensive, it's just the knee. Butt-loads of cloth, velcro and waaaay too hot, there's friction and hard to keep in place and.....

If I get a new one I'd go carbon fiber. All the support and would be cool (temprature wise). Some will even let you go custom color so you match the bike, favorite quote printed on it, whatever.


doing the happy dance around the room for you!

Also, OT to this...Spazz just got an apartment!!

[SadieKate]

SadieKate, you do mean Para'lympics not the Special Olympics right? ;-)

also contact BORP, a Bay area adaptive athetic organization.

doing the happy dance around the room for you!Perhaps! Way back when didn't Special Olympics work with all special needs athletics? Not that we all aren't special in our own way.

You all do know what Sarah means in Hebrew, don't you? :)

Sadie "The Princess" Kate

ps - Trek, Thanks for bringing me into the 21st century.

[CorsairMac]

Oh Karen - that is the just about the bestest news I've received all day! Huge Virtual Hugs go to you my SAC friend!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Irulan]

topic drift, can't help myself.

Speaking of paralympics, check out the DVD "Murderball" about the guys who play wheelchair rugby, freaking inspirational...

[Trekhawk]

Girls...

I have finally taken that big step and climbed onto my trainer successfully!!!
(I actually had an unsuccessful attempt at Christmas and ended up doing an endo off my trainer...have the scar to prove it!!)

Anyway, I have found that my braces fit into my cycling shoes, however my brain still does not want my leg to clip and unclip, so I have gone back to platform pedals for the time being. The problem is...this brace is going to be with me for a long time, probably the rest of my life. It goes from my toes, along my foot, to my knee, then to my thigh, where it locks. I can pedal a little with the brace on...but no pedaling at all with brace off. What I need advice on is, How can I pad this brace so I can use it in the hot weather, or on the indoor spinner? Any of you sewers have any idea what type of material would be best against plastic and skin??? Are there any physical therapists out there who have gotten a left sided plegic like myself back onto a bike??? Do you think I could buy chamois to mold into the brace??

I sincerely appreciate any and all help. I am making some progress in that I can make my left leg pedal every third stroke or so, and to me that is cause for happy dance. I never thought this would happen!! I climbed back up on my trusty Trek because I seem to be losing muscle mass on my left leg very quickly...and I don't want to have to start all over again!!! :mad:

karen
trying hard to be ready for spring

Im no help with material advice Im afraid but I just wanted to chime in with the rest of the crew and say WAY TO GO KAREN.
You constantly amaze us with your recovery and tenacious spirit.
:) :) :)

[massbikebabe]

Hey Thanks Guys!!!

I actually have my son and hubby to thank because they made my bike and trainer sort of wheelchair accessible!!! Meaning I have lots of room to get on and then I have poles to keep me from listing over to the left all the time. (A
slight issue with balance).

Thank-you Penny for your reply...I am looking to make a sleeve of some sort that can cover at least the AFO splint on my lower leg. Right now it is just skin on plastic and I have limited feeling in the lower part of my leg, so it would be easy to get an abrasion, or infection. I was thinking of chamois but my hubby thinks that may be to thick, and is worried it may cause more problems. Something wicking would be good. I would prefer to sew a sleeve that would be tight, and not leave wrinkles that could cause skin breakdown. Something that I could take off to wash etc. etc. I don't want to glue anything onto the splint for fear I would damage it...it was very expensive to have built, (Thanking God for health Insurance). Unfortunately, without my splint I spend more time on the ground than I do standing upright...so it has become a very important part of my life.

Thank-you to my local TE gurl Surly who sews...I think we could come up with a design!!!

Thanks to you all for cheering me on. First the trainer and maybe later this month I may try a road spin...the balance issue still is looming large!!:eek:

I love you guys
karen

[wavedancer]

Wow, Karen, you are just amazing!!!

For padding the splint, what about some sort of synthetic "sheep-skin" covering like we used to use to prevent abrasion for bed-bound patients? I like the idea of contacting the para-olympics folks, I bet they have thought of just about everything!

Just a thought...what about some sort of memory-foam...check this out:

http://www.sunmatecushions.com/sosunmate.htm

I am sure you will come up with just what you need, because you are so determined and motivated! You go, girl :D

Linda

[Irulan]

am I seeing this right in that it would be something like those neoprene sleeve thingys that some wear as a light knee stabilizier, yet this would go between your leg and the brace?

If it's something like that here are some things to try. all of these would be machine washable, line dry, and have some sort of varying strechy andvwicking properties.

*polartec 200, or some polartec 1000 that has some lycra to it. ( stretch fleece)
*Aquashell ( polartec 2000) this is the 2mm neoprene bonded to fleece that is used in various wetskin type application.
*powershield
* any of the above could be combined with a 9 oz beefy lycra. There are also some velcro compatible fabrics out there, I'd have to think which exactly of the sources carries it, if you needed to build in some adjustability.

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/sources.asp

[Embellina]

No advice for you, I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus! Way to go!

[annie]

Karen,

Sounds like the spirit is stronger than the body -- but it's your spirit that will, and already is, making your body strong again! You are truly amazing. Getting on that trainer and pedaling -- what an incredible high that must have been for you. Just be careful, please, whenever you try that road ride!!! NO crashes!

Sounds like you've gotten some very good ideas on fabrics to prevent chafing. Hope one of them works for you.

Keep up the battle! You are already a winner.

annie

[solobiker]

Hi there, I have worked with people with braces before. what kind of brace is it? It sounds like an AFO that extends up to your knee. does the ankle portion flex? what kind of material is it made out of? does it slide on or are there a lot of straps? just asking for skin integrity reasons

[massbikebabe]

Gee Solo thanks...

Yes, it is very much an AFO to the knee, and then on the side of the knee is another pole for second support...this will eventually be "cut away" and I will just have the AFO portion on. It is made out of very hard plastic, does not bend at the ankle. The only strap is just below my knee...this is made of velcro and holds the plastic around my calf. Any idea's?? Can something be purchased or will I have to make something???


thanks a million
karen
enjoying the warmer 50 degree temps.:)

[Veronica]

I don't know nothing about no fabrics...

But all I can say is WOW! Good for you Karen! Are you Irish? You're certainly fighting! :p

Do be careful when you go for that first road ride.

V.

[CorsairMac]

Gee Solo thanks...

Yes, it is very much an AFO to the knee, and then on the side of the knee is another pole for second support...this will eventually be "cut away" and I will just have the AFO portion on. It is made out of very hard plastic, does not bend at the ankle. The only strap is just below my knee...this is made of velcro and holds the plastic around my calf. Any idea's?? Can something be purchased or will I have to make something???


thanks a million
karen
enjoying the warmer 50 degree temps.:)

Don't know anything about fabric but what about leg warmers?? for bikies?? mine fit fairly snug and go from ankle to mid-thigh (and you can thank your hubby for me but I can manage these ok by myself and still ride my bike! ;) {sorry.....couldn't resist})
Would that work??

[solobiker]

Well, do you wear it over or under your street clothes? if you wear it over is it snug?? just asking for size reasons. There is soft blue foam that i have put on splints before for padding but I imagine it would be too thick. There is a material called stockinet, may have spelled it wrong. It is a thin material in the shape of a tube that can slide over extremities. are you looking for a material to keep from sticking to the brace? To keep from sweating too much? Stockinet is thicker then a stocking but thinker then normal socks. I dont think you would like the "sheeps wool" which is a soft material but does not stay well adheared to the brace and can get bunched up. Another idea for you would be to call a prosthetist. I know you dont have a prosthesis, thank goodness, but they have to make "socks" that fit over the residual limbs to accomodate the prosthesis. just some ideas. hope everything works out for you. you certainly give me motivation. Thanks

[mary9761]

Well, do you wear it over or under your street clothes? if you wear it over is it snug?? just asking for size reasons. There is soft blue foam that i have put on splints before for padding but I imagine it would be too thick. There is a material called stockinet, may have spelled it wrong. It is a thin material in the shape of a tube that can slide over extremities. are you looking for a material to keep from sticking to the brace? To keep from sweating too much? Stockinet is thicker then a stocking but thinker then normal socks. I dont think you would like the "sheeps wool" which is a soft material but does not stay well adheared to the brace and can get bunched up. Another idea for you would be to call a prosthetist. I know you dont have a prosthesis, thank goodness, but they have to make "socks" that fit over the residual limbs to accomodate the prosthesis. just some ideas. hope everything works out for you. you certainly give me motivation. Thanks

The lightweight stocking tights that I recommended earlier is the closest I've found to the stockinet that the Physical Therapists used with my carpal tunnel splints.

[latelatebloomer]

I was so beat tonight that I was sure I did not have an ear-to-ear grin left in me. I wuz wrong! MBB, you ROCK!!

[Surlygirl]

Hey Karen,
Did a search last night for linings for leg braces and came up with a couple of sites that have a few different ideas. Some have the knee high stocking set up that you can use that just slip on under the brace and they are washable.
Since I haven't seen your brace I'm not sure what we are looking for but google linings for leg braces and see if anything strikes your fancy.

[massbikebabe]

V; Yup, first generation irish american...tis a cross indeed

Solo: I had to go out and buy a whole new lot of pants to go over the damn brace.

Surly: Thanks for the search and for watching my back:D I'll talk to you soon!

Corsair, dahlin...my honey has a little drinkin song 'bout tights he just may share with you someday. Gotta tell ya, I was an ER nurse for 13 years and his little number made me blush:o Watch out girl!!!


karen
doing a stroke challenged happy dance for all my great TE gurls!!

[CorsairMac]

Corsair, dahlin...my honey has a little drinkin song 'bout tights he just may share with you someday. Gotta tell ya, I was an ER nurse for 13 years and his little number made me blush:o Watch out girl!!!


karen
doing a stroke challenged happy dance for all my great TE gurls!!

well that did it - I'm Definitely gonna have to figure out a way to get over to your side of the mountain now! This drinking song??.......this would be something I gotta hear! :D

[DirtDiva]

...doing a stroke challenged happy dance for all my great TE gurls!!
Isn't a happy dance supposed to look a little dorky? Being somewhat lacking in coordination really shouldn't hinder one that much. I mean, it's the happy part that maketh the dance! :p ;) :D

Good luck with finding a solution to the brace issues. :)

[veloputt]

Have you had any success yet with the padding?

I saw one reply that was about what I would suggest--neoprene.

But if there's a lot of motion between you and the brace, wearing something on your skin or the "moleskin" in addition to the padding would help w/ any chaffing, too, but not necessarily good for heat.

I've sewn with neoprene backed w/ lycra (made a cold weather cycling suit once, actually) and also now sew a lot w/ leathers and other fabrics, and would be happy to help make something for you if you still need help!