The path to recovery after a stroke is rarely straightforward, and knowing where to find the right support can be particularly challenging. Many people have never heard of orthotics or the role an orthotist can play in rehabilitation, yet the right intervention can have a profound impact on mobility, independence and quality of life. Annie’s* story highlights the difference specialist orthotic care can make and offers hope to others navigating their own recovery journey.
Before her stroke three years ago, Annie was a fit and active 70-year-old and a regular at her local parkrun. She had just gone on holiday to Devon when she had the stroke and picks up the story after she was discharged from hospital back home.
“We’re lucky in this area, in Gloucestershire, as we have a team of nurses focused on stroke care. They were excellent, they encouraged to me with what I could do and very entertaining – they also gave advice and helped with equipment.”
“I went on a list for NHS physio but the last thing you want to do on rehab is wait but I did get six weeks physio at Tewkesbury hospital.”
Annie found the endless hospital visits a challenge. For the best part of two years these were the only trips she made outside the home and in a wheelchair. The huge sites and long corridors, and “tanking along in a wheelchair holding on for grim death” to attend “another appointment which offered something that then didn’t work.”
It was a tough time. “Finally, I said ‘I want to find someone who will tell me what I’ve got and what I can expect’ and we visited Victoria at The Medical. She was excellent, explained that I needed to work with what I’ve got and keep going with the rehab to get stronger. She recommended that I visit a specialist orthotist, Laura Aggett to see if she could assist me with my walking so I made an appointment.”
“When I visited Laura, she was so thorough, so knowledgeable and explained everything. She knew exactly what the problem was, I didn’t need to explain – I was most impressed. For the first time [since the stroke] it was very encouraging.”
At the first assessment with Laura, Annie explained that if someone could resolve either her knee or her ankle issue she could cope – but both together were really restricting her mobility. Laura was able to design and order a bespoke 3D-printed ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to stabilise Annie’s knee and ankle during walking.
Annie had been restricted to using a wheelchair when going out as “I was limping about, knee going forwards and backwards – think flamingo!” Then, once the ankle-foot orthosis was ready:
“I went to see Laura on Thursday for a fitting and on Friday I was suddenly able to get in and out of the car with just a stick and got to the Dobbie’s coffee shop. It was the first time I felt normal – I could have cried but I didn’t! Laura is my hero.”
“The AFO isn’t uncomfortable or claustrophobic. It’s easy to put on and get off with Velcro straps.”
[After the first trip to Dobbies] “I thought – I’ve got to try more of this and went to Lidl – who would have thought that could be exciting!”
“I went to a friend in Cirencester who I hadn’t seen for the best part of a year – when I got out of the car she said ‘You don’t even look disabled now, you look so well.’”
It continues to be a multidisciplinary team supporting Annie’s progress.
“I’ve now also got a turtle brace from Laura, for swimming” and swims at Milestone School’s Chamwell Centre. “From sinking like a stone the first time after the stroke, I taught myself to swim again and can now do a length. The turtle brace has made a huge difference when I am walking to and from the pool and paddling about.”
“Another team which have been of huge support and always cheerful and encouraging is everyone at Two Rivers Osteopathy”. Annie also attends regular classes at Get Ahead Physiotherapy.
“I am very lucky and grateful and look forward to being able to do more.”
Annie’s advice for anyone in similar situations: “Just do your best. Immediately after the stroke I fully expected to be alright but it’s not happened like that”. “Always have a goal and something to strive for but make it attainable. Last year my goal was to walk into Christmas lunch and I managed that.”
If you would like to find out whether orthotics could support your stroke recovery contact us on 07355 371 522, or email hello@lewisbrand.co.uk
*name changed to protect client’s privacy