Spasticity and Splints (Part 4)

My first pair of new splints didn’t have any heel on them at all, which caused rubbing and awful bruising on my heel. When I tried these splints on at the hospital, I knew that they didn’t feel right, but I went with it because I wasn’t used to them. I had suspicions right from when I saw the moulds of my legs because they didn’t look like my legs at all.

I was sick of the constant battle just to get splints that actually work for me. I was sick of not being listened to. I had splints that were being held together with gaffer tape, cardboard and Sellotape, and although they lasted pretty well, I didn't know how long they would last. One buckle had come off, so I had to wrap the strap around the splint itself. Luckily this is my good foot, so it held it enough, but if anything more happened, I'm not sure if it would have been ok to use. Walking is a lifeline for me, but if I can't walk for whatever reason, it really has an impact on my mental health, as well as my physical health. When I haven’t walked for a few days, I notice the difference in my walking pattern and I can’t coordinate my steps as well. If I don’t have any splints, I can’t go for walks.

I had an appointment to discuss my splints on Thursday, 6 February 2025, but two days before, they cancelled because they wanted a joint appointment with my consultant so that they wouldn't get it wrong again! I kind of understand why they did this, but it didn’t make much sense to me to get my consultant involved because she only sees me for a few hours every six months, and she doesn’t deal with my feet and legs; she only reviews the Botox in my right hand, arm and shoulder. I didn’t see any point in it at all, especially when all they need to do is listen to and act on my suggestions.

Due to having so many issues with my splints in the last few months, I felt really anxious about going to yet another appointment. As the appointment got closer, I got more nervous about attending. I was going over and over it in my head, thinking of all the things that could happen. The main thing that I was worried about was not being listened to and them assuming what I need again. I was so angry that they cancelled the appointment two days before it was due to take place. I thought that it was pointless to postpone the appointment just to involve my consultant, who only deals with one of my upper limbs because as far as I remember, she has never even discussed my feet and legs.

As usual, I went to this appointment. Again, I was extremely wound up about going to this appointment because of all the problems I have had in the last few months. I don’t tend to use this phrase because other people always accuse me of over-thinking things, even when I’m not, but this time I was over-thinking it. However, do you blame me when I have had so many issues?

At this appointment, we discussed what I need in my splints again. I explained the characteristics of the splints and what their purpose is. However, to my dismay, the Orthotist proceeded to argue against what I was saying again. He said that I didn’t need this, even though I have had two pairs of splints which haven’t worked… So, I had to step up and make him listen. I was incredibly anxious about this appointment anyway, but this made me feel worse. It made me so worked up that I felt like I was about to cry, but I was not prepared to stay quiet and put myself through this situation where I get splints that don’t work again! After a few minutes of back and forth, he said that they couldn’t do what I was asking as the inserts are made from a thinner material so I asked for the new splints to have inserts that hug my foot, like my long-term old ones.