splints have split....gaffer tape?!

[hazeyjane]

We have been waiting fo an orthotics appointment for 6 months, one arrived last week that clashes with his multi disciplinary school transition meeting and when I rang to ask for a rearrangement I was told they have no appointments so he will have to wait for a cancellation!

Typically I took his splints off today and noticed they have started splitting! It may be yet more months until he can be seen.....has anyone ever mended splints with gaffer tape?

[youarenotkiddingme]

Try dripping some superglue into the crack first! Or use a silicone gun?

[hazeyjane]

Haha, yes, I fixed the straps on ds's last pair with duck tape. This time it is the plastic shell part and now we are under Virgincare, getting an appointment is like getting an audience with the Pope.

I think something like epoxy resin might have more bend in it, they have to be able to move to get them on, so I it needs to have some flex.

For tonight it will have to be tape, and we'll see how they hold out.

[JsOtherHalf]

Sugru?

<a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Sugru-Mouldable-Glue-Classic-Multi-Colour/dp/B008URBC9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486418372&sr=8-2&keywords=sugru&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.amazon.co.uk/Sugru-Mouldable-Glue-Classic-Multi-Colour/dp/B008URBC9I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486418372&sr=8-2&keywords=sugru&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[whereonthestair]

You need a molten glue gun..... In my considerable experience with split and broken splints it is the only glue we have found that sticks to the material, will hold the split splint together. Then get thick elastic, and sticky back Velcro, stick the Velcro onto one side, wrap elastic round leg, foot as appropriate and Velcro tight to the other side. It just about keeps the foot in place until an appointment comes through. And phone every day before a clinic day to ask/plead for a cancellation.

(We once went looking for molten glue in Italy, that was an experience. Gaffer tape from the hotel didn't work!)

[whereonthestair]

We have fixed a walking stick with that other stuff mentioned above though, when the end came off in the hold of a plane. We pack it in our suitcase. Moral of the story don't travel.

[hazeyjane]

Ok have ordered Sugru, and friend is lending us a glue gun if sugru doesn't work.

Ds wobbled in in trainers today. So hopefully he has had a day of no falls.

Called orthotics -

her - 'we have just allocated all our cancellation appointments'
me - 'could we not have had one of those when we had to change appointment the other day'
her - 'no'
me - can we go on a cancellation list, as ds's splints have split'
her - 'well we will see, but you may have to wait a month or 2.....'

ffs.

[UserOO7]

I remember doing my little sisters with heat, but I can't remember technique. Don't use a hairdryer unless you want to widen or adjust a bit!

Think I used a tea towel covered iron...

[UserOO7]

And do you have a simpathetic senco/ GP or someone to write a stroppy letter to them about needs for them to have on file....