-=> Quoting James Harding to All <=-
 JH> Hello all,
 JH> I would love to hear more and learn more about PPS .... I was
 JH> stricken with Polio in 1945 at age 3. My left leg was hit the worst,
 JH> and I have had a bad limp all my life.
 JH> Now in the last 3 years the leg is getting to the point it just won't
 JH> support me anymore (Use wheelchair more and more lately) ....
 JH> I would like to hear if there is anything that can be done to
 JH> get some strength back in the leg? Excercise dosn't help as far as I
 JH> can tell. Any info. on PPS would be greatly appreciated.
Hi James,
Along with my entire upper left side, my entire right side from the waist
down was hit hard.  The neck, back and shoulders are in very bad shape.
For the leg, I got a full length leg brace made, because it's just not able
to take the weight of my body anymore.  All of the "glut" muscles in the 
ight
side were severely hit, hamstrings, quads, knee, lower leg and the feet.
If there was any power in that side it was coming from the gluts, but now
due to what I suspect is Post polio, even that area has been rendered 
seless.
This has complicated things.  Now, there is much more strain in the lower 
back,
and the hip, and increased pressure on the other leg and foot, basically,
throwing the whole body further out of whack.  All of this has aggravated the
post polio symptoms.  At a time in my life when I need all of my physical 
resources
this was a pretty shitty thing to happen.  Nevertheless, Polio cannot take
my soul, that I know is MINE.
You may well be able to be more mobile and ambulate more easily, with the
combination of a supporting orthotic device, and a walker, or a scooter.
Or perhaps, just the brace and a cane for additional balance.  The less 
overhead
you carry, allows you better access to move about.  Leg braces have come
a long way.  they are made of lightweight plastic, and the minimum amount of
lightweight steel.  They take a little practice, but once you get the hang
of it , it becomes quite indispensible.  You will have to be more careful
around slopes, and stairs, sidewalks, or any uneveness in the walking 
rface.
Therefore, the brace may not be suitable for all occassions.  In this case
your wheelchair would be more appropriate.  But for parties, or taking walks
in the shopping malls, or for work, or other social situations that would
require you to be on your feet for ANY length of time, then the brace would
be a good bet.
Later.
... "Scotty, beam me up another Blue Wave message."
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