Standing with leg braces - It's nice to get out of the wheelchair 

My husband is an aerospace engineer, and I bet I could get him interested in designing something like these. He just retired, our garage has become an engineering design lab. I'm a retired nurse, I bet we could research. The problem, I imagine, would be the regulatory demands more than design though. The price of those braces just seems outrageous!

SUCH COURAGE SUCH BRAVERY SUCH A COMMITMENT TO LIFE MAY YOU ALWAYS BE HAPPY

Thank you so much for posting this video I'm a welder by trade trying to figure out how to build some leg braces for a nice lady from Cameroon so just knowing what difficulties you know you guys go through helps me a lot best of luck to you

I think I'm going to cry the day i can walk...hopefully very soon.

I love your physical and mental strength. You are such an inspiration. Watching your channel is so educational for everyone. Thank you for your time, effort and drive!

Got to love this kid, she's so feisty and has such beautiful eyes! 😇God bless her sweet girl!

We should never complain about our disabilities after watching how you manage. I have a partial amputation of right foot that caused other problems but NOW I can walk again with a lower leg brace and orthotic 👟. I’m 70 years old and I doing fine after 2 yrs of being off foot!! So happy to watch and listen to you. Sorry about your accident. We all think NOTHING can happen to us. Love ya kid!! 🥰. Don’t give up EVER !!

Russ Griffith you are an inspiration to me, i am an above knee amputee for 5 -1/2 months now going thru therapy to learn to use my prosthesis its so much to take in but you have it together don't know you but very proud of you

You have such a great attitude and your an inspiration to all.

It's lovey to have a partner who support you in whatever conditions you are.

You got a good man there! I been in a chair for over 30 years but can walk with a KAFO and a AFO and 2 canes. I’m a level L123 incomplete injury. Took me 5 years to take my first few steps so don’t give up. I spent years in the pool and gym working out to strengthen the few muscles I had. Life is much easier in a chair as our hands can be busy with what ever but it’s nice to stand and walk a bit! Get yourself some lofstrand crutches or start with a walker, wouldn’t recommend wooden crutches or canes until you are stabilized! Best wishes and work hard, you look like a hard working young lady....carpe diem!

Started following your journey this week and I wanted to share how informative and helpful your videos are to me. Also, I always love all the houseplants in your videos!

Your video was very inspiring for other paras and quite informative. Thanks

I take it that Jesse is your significant other. I did notice the looks you gave him and the slight swaying during the embrace. He couldn't help but dance with you. Too cute!

I’m not in wheel chair , but I have known people and family member and I like your Volga. I think they very very helpfully and I enjoy them very much

I'm not paralyzed but I am a wheelchair user due to many health issues and u help me learn ways of getting around challenges I face. I have no muscle tone in my legs.

Great job. Hopefully, as you're able to stand for longer periods of time, you'll be stronger and will see less side effects such as light-headedness, etc. You're a beautiful, inspirational, woman and I wish you all the best.

Made me happy kept up the work my neighbor walks with her legs and drives.

Great attitude and spirit! I was surprised to hear that the Canadian medical system doesn’t supply these? $6,000 is pricey but everything medical seems to be. You are an inspiration to many!

Inspirational videos. Keep working. You are strong and tough.

You are an inspiration to so many. Your optimism, spirit and knowledge of your condition are so uplifting. God Bless! 😇😇😇

I honestly started tearing up when you stood up honestly. Idk why.

Thanks for sharing, putting in the hard work in will pay off, inspirational

Watching this video of you brought back so many memories. I dated a quad for 4 years and helped her do all the same stuff that you're doing. It was eye-opening situation. We dated for two years before I saw how tall she was after she got her leg braces. You get a whole different perspective on life and how people view you when you're handicapped. I applaud you and your man he's a good man You're a good woman God bless and I pray that you heal soon and one day you can walk again. 🙏😇

I used to wear a KAFO for 25 years (my left leg was paralysed) I tried out numerous different brands and found that the Townsend & Ossur Braces are by far the best, the hinges are really durable and they scan you to make sure the fit is perfect. It’s awful just how much they cost though. But standing hugs are the best 🤗🤗

Heat is how those are modified. And to go small enough to fit you properly they would need to be cut down a bit too.. Those are actually quite big for you. They also should have one more strap on the shin. I have made afos and modified many braces, knees, feet, hands, back shell, and wrists.. Thankfully I was able to come back from my leg paralysis due to neuro.

What an amazing gift! Thanks for sharing

Great job on the videos! AK single leg. Ran across you vids looking for single AK help vids. Yours are down to earth and the way you adapt is inspiring big time. Pls keep them coming, great work!!

I do not know about the molded material of your new to you leg braces but some of the materials used for braces can be reshaped by using heat Chum

You do have a great spirit! I hope that some one will sponsor all the things you need! God bless you!

Dont spend too much time standing. I broke bones in my feet from using braces for to long. Kitchen counters work good for standing on your own. Theyre usually higher than most tables and more stable. God bless.

Had a great uncle who had polio n he used leg braces n arm crutches. They really helped him alot. He drove, had his own barbershop n all. He never let it slow him down. Hope you get arm crutches soon.

should you require extra assistance for your lower back posture to assist you to stand you can get a back strap. It helps me stop leaning forward or backward too far.

What an extreme inspiration you are; love your attitude and work.

I tried leg braces and a walker for a few years. I thought it was going to be better than using my wheelchair. After falling several times, I put them in the closet and used them for just a weekly weight-bearing exercise.

The closest I can do is use the standing frame. I use a blood pressure cuff to check bp. Thanks for the info!

I'm also paraplegia patient and very tough to live with that you so brave

In BC are KAFO’s not covered by the provincial health care. I use KAFO’s the one pair I have were over $22,000.00 dollars and another pair I have were over $8000.00 dollars. In Ontario the ADP assistive devices program pays 75 % of the cost for wheelchairs KAFO’s and such.

If you have a heat gun, I’ve heated the plastic on mine and bent them more to my shape. When the plastic cools, it’s permanent. You can remold these more to your fit that way. Just be careful with the heat. Hope you got these fixed. Your amazing 🤩 ❤

Hiya, I’ve been watching this video. I have MS and am pretty much in my wheelchair all day. I recently started using a sit to stand aid which means I can pull myself up from my wheelchair and stand for long periods of time by holding onto the aid. It means i don’t rely on my husband to always help me stand. It’s also easier to do sit to stand exercises too. Have you heard of one of these? I wonder if it could be useful to you? You are so inspiring ❤️❤️

I suggest that you use elbow crutches instead of the normal ones that go under your arms because the normal ones will really hurt your shoulders and the elbow crutches are easier to use and take less space

I like this video so much that I watch it everyday

thank you for making this video!

I can only imagine how awesome it must feel to get up on your feet when you spend your days seated in a wheelchair.

I use a wheelchair because of POTS and EDS. I have a lot of the same issues with standing and walking because of dysautonomia (dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system) and because the tendons and ligaments in my legs don’t work very well, although I do have full muscle function in my legs. Another way to help the blood pressure drop and heart rate increase when standing is to increase your salt intake along with your water intake beforehand. It won’t fix the lack of tightening in the muscles and veins to counter the force of gravity but it will help increase your blood volume, which will help with the dizziness. Wearing compression socks, tights, leggings, or stockings can also help reduce blood pooling and decrease lightheadedness. Another tip: If you get a choice, start with a standing frame or stationary walker before switching to a rollator/walker with wheels or crutches. It’ll give you more stability and decrease your fall risk as you get used to working your remaining muscles to stay upright with your KAFOS. Loved this video. I hope you get lots of benefits from being able to stand more on your own power.

I’m sure he is happy to help take care of you. What a beautiful person!!

Those braces are so amazing

Ive never seen this before. You can really see that your holding up all your weight. Good for you. I think doing the videos is going to help your recovery too.

Damn, you stood for ages!!!!!! Well done. Holy smokes I can't get over it. You are one strong cookie 😊👍 I imagine a walker would be easier than crutches. Is that true? Oh and BTW. I love the outfit 😘❤️️ Thanks for sharing 👍 ... omg ... and you guys look so cute together!!

Where in Canada are you? I was in Alberta and all my braces were fully covered by provincial health insurance. I also didn’t pay for my wheelchair. All the daily aids I needed (such as grab bars, shower stool, grabbers, forearm crutches, etc) were also fully covered.

If I had £6,000 I would send it to you so you could get a pair that actually fit you, you're incredibly strong and brave I cried watching all your videos.

I so admire this woman, thank you!

Awesome, what an attitude to have, inspiring, keep it up. I'll be sharing this with a few patients in similar spots.

This was the first video of yours that I’ve seen, and I just wanted to say thank you! New para myself, so something touched me deeper than just the content at hand. And Jesse? Was that his name? Thanks to you also. You were both awesome and inspiring.

This video made me smile. 🌹 Thank you for this update 😁

I had a mojor stroke and I lost my left side watching u gives me the dtrenght to keep fighting on I was looking at a company ottobock they have a brace called the c brace I am hoping to get it in the near future it’s very expensive in Northern Ireland keep going I wish u all the best xx

Joni and friends gives wheel chairs away . U can google and find out . God Bless you

KAFO’S are fantastic I wore them for over twenty years. It’s fantastic that you’ve found a pair that can work for you without having to fork out such crazy money. If the straps are struggling to tighten enough, I used to add adhesive velcro onto the plastic to stop them coming loose. If the soles are slippy you can add some hot glue gun strips on the underside. Standing hugs are the best and are so worth the workout🥵🤗.

icried the first time i was able to stand out of my chair

Good girl, never give up trying.

Suddenly~ after hug Love scene ^^ you look so happy.

Your great attitude is inspiring ! 🇺🇸

This is amazing to see tht she is standing and yes with help. But that is so good for you becuz your body needs that circulation through out your body. Girl you got guts to do that. Hopefully they will come out with a walker for people that can’ stand by themselves.. create a an adult size walker that will help you move your legs to walk and at the same time a harness like seat in case your trying to fall it will catch you. A remote control walker for people that have spinal cord damage or what ever the case may be when it come to the spinal cord damage. Even thou that people can’t feel there legs or there behind by sitting all the time. This machine will help them move one leg at a time while the harness that protects your body from falling down. Even if its for 3-5 minutes to where you feel comfortable standing as long as you can. Keep strong stay confident in yourself and trust God for your everyday journey. Good job!

Just came across you. Great video to have discovered you. No self pity or drama, just facts. Kudos to Erik for sure. This will undoubtedly unlock new avenues for you. Wishing you the best.

That was very sweet of him to send you those. I hope that they help you.

My accident was in 1974. T12/L1 complete. For over 30 years I used calipers and crutches at work and did not use the wheelchair. It took a lot of effort but was really worth it. I tried a set of calipers similar to the ones in the video but found that, without a flexible joint at the ankle, I could not walk up any sort of incline as my hip flexion could not compensate for the angle. Also I had a tremendous amount of sweat from the legs from the plastic of the prosthetic so I abandoned them and went back to the more traditional type of caliper. I was amused when visiting a museum in Indianapolis to see the sort of caliper I use portrayed as a museum piece but they certainly worked for me :-) Forty six years on, yes, I am having issues with my shoulders but I don't regret using them to the extent that I did as I had so many adventures that just would not have been possible if I hadn't persevered with them. Based in the UK.

I’ve been watching your RU-vid channel I’m a para was shot with a 22 rifle was I was 4 I’ve been with leg braces for 56 yrs I can tell you once you get started with leg braces you’ll love. I actually get around good as I got older I gained weight don’t let that happen to you it hinder you from getting around as good. Also make sure you get braces that fit right as you be gain to use brace you can develop pressure soars. I’d love to see you with leg brace I think your ready for them Look up on the net warm springs leg braces This is what I wear they stop making the warm spring crutches.

You have found a very good man there.. I know your life is very hard at times but the fact that you are in love and have a wonderful person to share your life with warms my heart. I’ve been going through what I consider a rough time lately but you give me perspective. 💚😇😌

Oh, man! I know what you mean about looking someone in the face. One of my doctor's PAs is under 5 feet tall and she's my favorite healthcare professional because I can see eye to eye with her from a wheelchair! Ok, that's an exaggeration, but it does get to be a drag looking up to talk to people all day. :) Keep up the good work!

Thank you Eric!!!

I am with a spinal injury and used to use leg braces as well, when I was 6 years old. Used them for 2-3 years and then I stopped. That turned to be the biggest mistake ever, because when I stopped using them, not long after my legs lost their flexibility and I cannot stretch them fully now. Spoke to specialists and they all refused to do anything due to my mobility from waist down with an explanation that, even after a surgery, there won't be any long lasting improvement.... But yes, I agree on what you said there. We spend more time in a sitting position or laying down. When we want to stand up, the heartbeat is changing and it is impacting our organism and the whole body. The heart which used to be more relaxed and not needed to push so much blood across the body and out of a sudden we are forcing our body to change in a split second. However, I can't imagine what would it be if I ever step on my feet... Before I felt dizzy a lot and having hard time breathing until I got used to the braces. But now, after 20 years or so being in a sitting position .... That will be interesting experience.

Thanks for making these vids!

I love mine. Yours are a little different than mine. Mine lock like yours by clicking them in place but you twist a little knob to get them to release. Anyhow I scoot slightly forward in my chair and push on my knees to lock them then to stand up without someone else I use either the kitchen sink or go outside and use the railing around the deck to pull myself up into the standing position. Oh one more tip which takes some getting used to. When hour braces are locked pull up so your tips if your feet touch the counter or railing turn back your chair up just a few inches so your feet have room to go flat. If you get dizzy or are done standing just extend your arms and you will fall backwards. If you don't have someone move your chair after your stand it'd still in the same place so you basically just fall into it. After you do that, unlock the braces so your legs go back down but it's nice because you don't need anyone to help lift you. You just use your arms to pull yourself up and since the tips of your shoes are against the cabinet it railing you don't have to worry about them sliding forward. I like using the railing the best but where the sink is cut out I feel line I can get a good enough grip to the edge if the sink if it's cold or raining to do the same thing.

Just seeing this now because my OT is recommending that i get some,And like i said i really find your vids to be very important to me.

Bless you ..❤ this clips filled my heart and my eyes..❤ well done ..

Amazing! Keep it up. Try every day for a little while.

Praying for you.

Great to see you on stand!

I also have braces, but except it reaches around below the knee. Thinking of getting one of these

Try calf length compression socks to help with orthostatic hypotension. Can be bought online in different mmHg compression strength.

I lost my lift leg tow years ago and I know how much it means to be able to stand up again you doing a good job 👏👏

I say this. I watch you and comment cause you are positive and awesome. Won't tell my whole story but I have had 3 back surgeries. Am told I won't walk much longer. My back stopped my college football playing but I was a monster wanted to go pro. Went to work at factory where my dad worked. Had to quit few years back cause more surgeries. I won't quit trying until I can't go no more. Doctors say I won't walk much longer. All the shots and surgeries I'm still rocking and rolling. That's why I like you plus you are beautiful no matter what. I won't stop. And you give me strength. Thank you! Just thank you. I'm no creep. You are just awesome. We deal TBE hand we are dealt and go with it and thats what you do also. So awesome. Thank you Scott

Hi, you should be using the HKAFO instead of KAFO. That will give you more stability, a good body posture and a good support.

Be Well.

Actually, those are also called TKAFO because they go up to the thigh. I have 2 of those myself. :)

You are a fighter!!! God bless you...😍

Желаю тебе здоровья. И ,с божьей помощью , научиться крепко стоять на ногах и в скором времени сделать самостоятельно первый шаг. I wish you good health. And , with God's help, learn to stand firmly on your feet and soon take the first step on your own.

Very nice vid. I was injured two years ago and got similar braces for my legs. The walker will help you tremendously!

Good strong man with the tattoos. Always a requirement. Rolling my eyes.

I wish you all the best.

A heat gun will soften that plastic enough to reshape it a little which might help your thighs. Carefully though as it's easy to burn it.

I wear leg braces a AFO and KAFO the KAFO cost $ 3000. With out them I would be in a wheel chair. I get around good in them. I have post polio

Thanks for sharing! God bless you!!!

I hated my leg long brace. It was so uncomfortable. I like my short afo better. It was supposed to help me walk some with my dislocated right hip, but it only hurt my hip more I’m glad they help you through

Standing must be the best feeling. Good girl

i want the power to make it right so brave you poor girl i feel so helpless

The love and connection made me tear up

You are an inspiration. Thank you!

Just found your channel today. I think you definitely kickass

Thank You Eric. We don't have to change the world to make a difference in someones life. A