I had fractures in the pelvis and a hip repaired in November 2013. I was told I could stop using crutches after my Out Patients' appointment at the end of February 2014 and - because there was a noticeable leg length discrepancy - that I would be referred to the Orthotics Department. After three weeks of waiting and of backache resulting from going around with one leg so much shorter than the other, I bought some heel raises myself over the internet. Unfortunately the leg length discrepancy is so great that insole heel raises aren't adequate - I need the whole sole raised externally. I inquired about this and later my GP also wrote a letter. Again - nothing has happened. Today I was due back at work after five months' absence. So over the weekend - being desperate about getting some shoes with a raised sole that would allow me to get through a shift - I resorted to DIY. I bought some cheap flip-flops, superglue and a Stanley knife and glued my own raised sole on. It meant I got through work today but a DIY version is far from ideal; the two soles are made of different material and react differently as I walk and I still go over to one side and end up with backache. I would like to continue working but unless I get some adequate footwear I'm not sure if it will be possible. I've done everything I can think of at my end and don't understand the deafening silence from the Orthotics Department. Andrea M. Shaw
"bottle-neck in orthotics department ?"
About: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham B31 2AP
Posted via nhs.uk
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