"I'm still pinching myself at how amazing the device is"

I'd like to thank Orthotics at QUEH Glasgow, particularly Niamh (Neve - sorry, not sure of spelling.) Dr Webb, the neurology consultant for my case, made me a referral to go back to the department. 

Previously, I'd been offered all of the walking aids they were using at the time. The team were great and made me an individually-measured, solid, leg splint and also gave me a boxia strapping to try. Unfortunately, both of these caused a lot of bruising and the leg splint was painful after about three hours. I'd thought that was all there was, so hadn't made further enquiries and was managing as best I could.

When I went back this time (September 2025), after Dr Webb's referral, I saw Niamh. I explained what I'd tried before and the results. She said there was something else I could try and fetched a device that fit on my shoe with an upright that isn't in contact with the leg, and with a soft strap at the top. I have foot drop due to MS and haven't been able to step with my right foot. I hadn't walked properly in about three years and walking was very exhausting and stressful because of the constant focus needed to prevent tripping and falling. I'd fallen several times, on one occasion breaking my front tooth. 

The new brace (?) is an absolutely amazing invention and I was able to take an actual step, for the first time in years. I tried a few steps back and forward in the room and the brace completely removed the foot drop! I burst out crying, I was so overwhelmed and could hardly believe it was real. Niamh was absolutely wonderful and completely got why I'd reacted that way. She understood how amazing it was for me and was delighted, herself. Niamh was professional and efficient but I also couldn't have asked for a kinder, friendlier or more empathetic person to be with me at that moment.

Niamh took my personal measurements so that a device could be made for me and I collected it in October. Niamh was there to fit it to my shoe and show me how to do that myself. Again, she shared with me my delight and was very encouraging and positive. She made it very clear that I could contact the department with any question, at any time, even if it was a few years down the line. It felt very reassuring to have that level of support. 

Four weeks on, I'm still pinching myself at how amazing the device is. It's truly giving me a big part of my life back that I was making peace with being gone for good. I'm having to build up strength in the leg muscles that haven't been used for so long but I'm walking as often as i can, doing things and making plans that I either wouldn't have before, or that would have required a great deal of "psyching up" and mental strength.

So - I'm very grateful to Dr Webb for referring me back to Orthotics, and to Niamh for her kind and empathic help and real care.

(And to the inventors of the device itself!)