-=> Quoting Patrick Ross to James Harding <=-
 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. 
 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.  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.  Nevertheless,
 PR> Polio cannot take my soul, that I know is MINE.
Patrick, you envolvement is almost identical to yours.  My left leg has
made up for the weakness in the rest of my body until it is just about
wore out.  Realizing that some very dramatic things were happening to me,
I found a knowledgeable doctor who advised me to quit work.  I began
drawing SSDI one and a half years ago and paced myself - life is much
better ;->.
Peace,
   Radical  :)
 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
 PR> you carry, allows you better access to move about.  Leg braces have
 PR> come a long way.  they are made of lightweight plastic, and the minimum
 PR> amount of lightweight steel.  They take a little practice, but once you
 PR> get the hang of it , it becomes quite indispensible.  You will have to
 PR> be more careful around slopes, and stairs, sidewalks, or any uneveness
 PR> 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.
 PR> ... "Scotty, beam me up another Blue Wave message."
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 PR>  ! Origin: Ability OnLine - Toronto Canada - 416 650-5411 (1:250/518)
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