11 replies to this topic

[JohnDeere8530]

Hi I am a 30 yr old male paraplegic L1 from the UK.

I am becoming increasingly sensitive about the wasting of my legs (muscle loss) I am average build but 6 foot 2 inches tall so have very long legs.

My legs are now very thin and am embarrased about them, as I cannot get any trousers (pants) to fit correctly. I was wondering if any of you out there know a company that makes like padded pants that can be pulled onto/over the the entire length of each leg that could they can be worn under normal pants to return some sort of normality in the way of shape to the legs.

If not have any of you ever 'customised' any such item of clothing, or have any tips.

Thankyou in advance John

[Lucky]

I can remember this question popping up before, some time ago.
I don't know wether or not it was on this site or another?
But I do remember the question being answered.
So, if I were you, I'd search this site and if you have no luck, say so and I'll try the other sites I use.
But I'm sure some one will answer you question!
I'll keep an eye out.

All the best.

[Lucydog]

Hi John

Im T12 and am starting to suffer the same way. But as a woman my legs were always short and fat so I still have a lot to lose!! LOL I cant really suggest much, have you thought about wearing a pair or tracksuit bottoms uner your trousers? I would have thought this would bulk you out a bit and be ok while its cold. Dot know about the summer though. Im considering shorts but that might just be too much for the population up here!! Whereabouts are you in the uk?

take it easy
Lucy

[JohnDeere8530]

Lucky, on Apr 17 2006, 11:29 AM, said:

I can remember this question popping up before, some time ago.
I don't know wether or not it was on this site or another?
But I do remember the question being answered.
So, if I were you, I'd search this site and if you have no luck, say so and I'll try the other sites I use.
But I'm sure some one will answer you question!
I'll keep an eye out.

All the best.

Hi there, can't find the thread you mentioned apart from wheelchai clothing outlets, but they do not make 'padded' trousers. I would be very gratefull if you could find it.

Regards, John

[russ1]

You could try fibre pile trousers - the sort worn under a dry suit but these sort of things are serious cold weather wear and you'll cook your jewels in them

I have a couple of nice pairs of fleece lined trousers - hawkshead sell them but again definately not summer wear and they only help a little in the making the legs look big department.

A better solution might be to build your legs back up - best way to do this would be FES stimulation on a bike or rowing machine but even lots of standing or a passive bike should help.

FWIW my advice would be to learn to live with it. It's not great but you just have to get into the 'this is the way I am. You got problem with that?' attitude.

[JohnDeere8530]

russ1, on Apr 17 2006, 07:48 PM, said:

You could try fibre pile trousers - the sort worn under a dry suit but these sort of things are serious cold weather wear and you'll cook your jewels in them

I have a couple of nice pairs of fleece lined trousers - hawkshead sell them but again definately not summer wear and they only help a little in the making the legs look big department.

A better solution might be to build your legs back up - best way to do this would be FES stimulation on a bike or rowing machine but even lots of standing or a passive bike should help.

FWIW my advice would be to learn to live with it. It's not great but you just have to get into the 'this is the way I am. You got problem with that?' attitude.

Many thanks for all your help

John

[Gary Anderson]

John

May not be be much but I agree with Russ. Prior to a more recent accident I had FES treatment to help me walk. I would SERIOUSLY think about getting perhaps an electric bike that you could use to build up the legs. I have one and use it all the time I can. Once wastage starts you cannot usually stop it. So I tend to use what I have or lose what I have. Cant be more help than this.

[kanga2433]

See your point, Gary, but is there any serious point in artifically exercising the legs for those of us who are not getting back on our feet? I have tended to assume the legs can safely be left alone as I am not going to need them again. Have I been missing something?

[russ1]

It's supposed to help with staving off osteoporosis, improve circulation and with that help protect the skin, help with spasticity, to name just a few. I'm sure there are others. Having said that I don't bother personally although I do quite fancy having a go at the FES rowing.

[Gary Anderson]

I just prefer to exercise what i have. I was told eons ago when i first had my accident not to let my legs waste away so have always done some exercise to keep them sort of "normal." However, a mate has typically very thin legs although i understand it is everyone's choice.

You'll all think i was not going away but as of now - i am.

[kewlcatkez]

Hi,

I have lots of spasms and so my legs look pretty much like they did before, aside from they are sort of 'doughy' when spasm free..if that makes sense...

I do agree with what Russ said though, its other people's problem if they don't like my legs, just as it is if they think I have too ample chest or my arms look wider ( muscley??lol) than they did. HOWEVER, if it is bothering YOu then I can understand that it may be a problem.

As for camouflage I would suggest that you get some of the 'camo'/cargo trousers. Either get those with no back pockets if possible, or remove them if there are lots as it may become a pressure issue. The appearance of lots of pockets will deceive people into thinking that your legs are wider than they are.

I do know that you can buy the padded stuff which is used to make 'shoulder pads' lol from Haberdashery stores. Maybe this could be added to your trousers at strategic points to give the illusion of bigger legs? Not sure how this would be on your skin/heat wise, but could be limited to just putting it in a few places. Just a random thought really..perhaps less hot than the padded motorbike trousers..and probably a lot easier to get on/off.

I know that some people wear 'thermals' to keep them warm and also it may give the illusion of bigger legs because of the extra material. Some seam free ones are available so may reduce chances of the seams being a pressure problem as long as they don't 'bunch' up.

Finally, some people avoid patterns and horizontal stripes etc when they have large legs so maybe if you are into patterns you might want to try those. However, imo it would draw more attention to your legs as patterns tend to scream "look at me!"..lol..

The bottom line though, is that we all have areas of our bodies, some more than others which we dislike to varying degrees. Try and focus on the positive aspects of your body..ie muscley arms =better push, etc. Either that or see what you can do with regards to FES.

Take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 04 November 2007 - 09:45 AM.