-=> Quoting Patrick Ross to James Harding <=-
 -=> Quoting James Harding to All <=-
 
 JH> 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) ....
 PR> Hi James,
 PR> Along with my entire upper left side, my entire right side from the
 PR> waist down was hit hard.  The neck, back and shoulders are in very bad
 PR> shape. For the leg, I got a full length leg brace made, because it's
 PR> just not able to take the weight of my body anymore.  All of the "glut"
 PR> muscles in the right side were severely hit, hamstrings, quads, knee,
 PR> lower leg and the feet. If there was any power in that side it was
 PR> coming from the gluts, but now due to what I suspect is Post polio,
 PR> even that area has been rendered useless. This has complicated things. 
 Hi Patrick,
 Same with my left leg... Useless!
 PR> Now, there is much more strain in the lower back, and the hip, and
 PR> increased pressure on the other leg and foot, basically, throwing the
 PR> whole body further out of whack.
 Identical to my left side, from waist down.
 PR> All of this has aggravated the post
 PR> polio symptoms.  At a time in my life when I need all of my physical
 PR> resources this was a pretty shitty thing to happen.
 Ain't that the TRUTH?
 PR> Nevertheless,
 PR> Polio cannot take my soul, that I know is MINE.
 Well said Patrick, and I agree..... Never thought of it that way.
 PR> You may well be able to be more mobile and ambulate more easily, with
 PR> the combination of a supporting orthotic device, and a walker, or a
 PR> scooter. Or perhaps, just the brace and a cane for additional balance. 
 PR> The less overhead you carry, allows you better access to move about. 
 PR> Leg braces have come a long way.  they are made of lightweight plastic,
 PR> and the minimum amount of lightweight steel.  They take a little
 PR> practice, but once you get the hang of it , it becomes quite
 PR> indispensible.  You will have to be more careful around slopes, and
 PR> stairs, sidewalks, or any uneveness in the walking surface. 
 PR> Therefore, the brace may not be suitable for all occassions.  In this
 PR> case your wheelchair would be more appropriate.  But for parties, or
 PR> taking walks in the shopping malls, or for work, or other social
 PR> situations that would require you to be on your feet for ANY length of
 PR> time, then the brace would be a good bet.
 PR> Later.
Thanks for all the info. Patrick....... I am gonna try a new leg brace,
and see if I can get used to using it. Right now the one I have, I just
can't wear it .... I may have the same results with the new one, but I
am gonna try it. BTW... I am finding that the W/C ain't all that bad
afterall.... Kinda getting used to using it.......:)
Take care Patrick,
James
... Life is just one damn thing after another. - Mark Twain
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