Medical Musings - The Donjoy SERF Strap

While I enjoy writing about how I see Jesus in my day to day life, it dawned on me recently that I should to share more of the medical aspects of my journey. Surviving chronic illness requires trial and error with medicines, supplements, and medical equipment. What works for me may not work for you.

But you never know.

So I'll begin posting weekly medical tips today as I recover from a weekend trip to Philly to see my grandparents.

I lost normal use of my legs in December of 2005. It started with nerve pain but soon progressed to unpredictable spasticity. Some days my legs moved with ease. Others, they felt stiff and unsteady.

Bottom line, mobility concerns have been an issue for almost ten years now. While an L-5/S-1 back fusion (in June '13) eased the slap foot that exasperated the issues, my right leg is still weaker than my left and a source of daily struggle.

I've used a cane off and on and even succumbed to a Rollator walker for long distance walking. But a new orthopedic doctor recommended the Donjoy SERF Strap last spring and it has made a huge difference.

To clarify the physical reason, let me add that there's definitive muscle/nerve damage in my right leg, noted by a recent EMG. So discerning whether my ankle, knee, or hip needs the most attention remains difficult. But when recent hip pain flared, sending me back to orthopedics, the new doctor felt the ligaments in my hip were somewhat unstable and thus recommended the SERF strap.

And I love it. It's like wearing a cane instead of leaning on one.

DonJoy SERF Strap

Draw backs: It's rather tight around the bottom part my knee to the point of discomfort after hours of wear. The strap moves out of place if it's not tight enough around my waist. And some days I'm self conscious about the added bulk around my belly. (Simple vanity!)

Benefits: I can walk at least twice the distance on an average day with it on than I can without it. Hip pain is less. The ankle more stable. And I walk straight up, not tilted to one side like I was when I used a cane. The strap is designed to rotate your foot out for maximum hip stability. Some days I wrap it the way it's designed. Others I keep my foot more forward to allow different muscles to continue working. And it still seems affective.

And in case you're shopping for doctors, Dr. Morrison at Peachtree Neurosurgery performed my back fusion. Dr. Shu with Kaiser Permanente Orthopeadics suggested the SERF strap. And I highly recommend both specialists.

 Now for some closing inspiration:


Happy Monday!



photo credit: Henrik Moltke via photopin cc