Moving on From AFO’s

    • Peanut-WI
      April 16, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Hello everyone. I was diagnosed with CIDP two years ago and have had to use AFO’s ever since. A couple of days ago I decided to try standing again without them and found my feet and ankles could finally give me some support. Now with COVID-19 present I’m proceeding with caution so I don’t fall and end up in the hospital. Have any of you been through this or have advice for me?

    • Ron Brunelle
      April 16, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      Hi Peanut,
      It’s funny you should mention it. I stopped using mine about a month ago. I was diagnosed January 2017 and started using the braces in 2019. I’ve had some therapy and had done some exercises to help with the drop foot. Not sure if the therapy helped or the Gamunex infusions are helping, but I stopped using my braces to let my feet and ankle get some use and exercise. My balance has gotten better.
      Good luck, hope you’re feeling better.

    • robm
      April 19, 2020 at 9:24 am

      While I have not been doing this battle for as long as some I certainly share the frustration.
      I was diagnosed with CIDP in November 2019. I had 4 months of IVIG and now am on SCIG (mosly as it is easier with Covid 19 right now to get treatment).
      While the symptoms had started to subside some the first few months, they seem to be getting worse again. Numbness especially and some increase in the “lightening bolts”. I look after myself well for the most part. I eat very well, workout as best I can 4 days a week.
      With the pain and frustration, my one bad habit is I do enjoy 2-3 drinks at night to help relax me. I am thinking this is likely not a good thing and might possibly be contributing to my increased symptoms as nerves wont heal? Any similar experience here from anyone?
      While I do not want to go on Prednisone due to side effects, it seems like many have had success with it. I am going to cut out the one bad habit I have now for a period of time and see if that helps. Failing that, I guess prednisone is my next option.. A long haul ahead I fear.