RD> Thanks for your kind and very welcome reply!
 Your quite welcome.
 
 BL> Hopefully, in this echo, if anyone thinks you're out of place,
 BL>they'll  let you know without flaming.
 RD> You're right.  I've had no such replies...
 I'm certainly glad to hear that.  This is a very special group of people on
 this echo.  Although most of us have never met except via this medium, there
 are some really close ties being developed and we all care for each other.
 
 RD> About a year ago, when I was experiencing my worst period of weakness,
 RD> I had new leg braces prescribed and fitted.  However, much of the time
 RD> I can actually maneuver without either, albeit slowly and with some
 RD> hesitation if it isn't over long distances.  I frequently give in to
 RD> the forearm crutches, and sometimes one brace.  I'm lucky, I guess,
 RD> that I don't have to use the crutches and both braces all the time,
 RD> although I realize that may be a possibility down the road.  I take
 RD> therapy twice a week and that seems to help.
 Please don't overwork those, already overused muscles.  That only seems to
 aggrevate PPS.  I've used two full length leg braces and forearm crutches
 50 years now and can certainly understand your need to avoid them.  I have
 finally gotten to the point, after so many years, that I have to spend much
 more time out of my braces.  A lot of the people around here can tell you of
 the aggrevation I've had over that and I still haven't completely resolved
 my feelings about it.
 
 BL>Was the PPS the cause of your previous relationship ending?  That's
 BL>another
 BL>thing that many here have experienced.
 RD> Yes, I feel it was, although my partner insists that it was the least
 RD> important reason.  We have remained distant friends, and I think he
 RD> has said that to ease his own feelings about the matter.
 I've been married to the same wonderful woman for 32 years.  Of course she
 was totally aware of my condition when we married, but neither she nor I had
 any idea that it would worsen.  Especially so quickly.  I fully expected to
 work until I was 65 or older, but had to retire in 1981 at only 41 years 
ld.
 Now, we're really dependant on her salary and that can be frightening at
 times.
 
 RD> I quite agree...  This was actually a venture of last resort, but
 RD> thank you for the welcome, and I'm sure I'll stay in here if only as a
 RD> lurker .  Actually, I'm rather new to the nets, and the only
 RD> FidoNet gay echo my BBS seems to carry is Gaylink.  I haven't tried it
 RD> yet, although it's worth a shot.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
 Glad you're going to be around.  Don't hesitate to jump right in and raise
 h*** with the rest of us. 
 Hugs...Bob
 
... "Aren't we the hub of activity."  Q
--- Blue Wave/RA v2.12 [NR]
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