<snippers>

I know that people who have had polio as children often begin to have
problems again as adults.  But I'm guessing you have already done the
research on that.

***yes, i did.  years ago, when post polio syndrome was suggested as a
possibility, for something else that was happening, by one of my doctors who
really didn't know much about what he was suggesting.

the problems adults incur are the result of the overwork and burnout of
surviving neurons.  i mean, eventually, the neurons that survived the
initial polio attack die, because they were having to do the work of the
neurons that didn't survive polio and they're own work for so many years.
this is manifested in many ways--in my case, it was the sudden overwhelming
weakness in my legs and my "hitting the wall"/taking at least 3 days to
recover when i overdid physical things--started when i was between 18-22 (i
know i was working as a grocery clerk and physically collapsed in the
checkstand, legs wouldn't work/support me, were too weak.  started to clerk
at 18, but i can't remember exactly how old i was when that happened.  i
only weighed about 108 pounds back then, so it wasn't a weight issue, nor
past injury issue and for all practical purposes looked and seemed
physically fit to doctors.  never even broke a bone until my car wreck at
23.).  and it progressed until i learned what was occuring. i learned to
pace myself a little better and had to give up strenuous things like playing
tennis, volleyball (the way i played them--all out), long cycling trips and
ice skating, lifting more than 40 pounds, etc.  used to throw 50 pound
dogfood bags around at work and bags of water conditioner salt, which was
heavier.

I've had doctors that oppose any long term bracing because it could further
weaken the already weak joint.

***but isn't that assuming that the weakness can be strengthened and that
the neurons and muscles are somewhat normal otherwise?  you can't strengthen
blown out/dying neurons nor the muscles the blown out neurons support.
neurons make the muscles function.

I'd be looking at physical therapy to strengthen some of those weak spots if
that is an option.  And some nerve conduction tests to make sure your left
foot is getting the messages it is sent.

***studies have indicated that physical therapy and exercises, for dying
neurons, actually makes the waning  neurons wear out faster.  i have had
emg/ncv studies done on that particular foot, at least a decade ago, when i
noticed my foot was dropping and i kept tripping and falling (which used to
irritate butch, cuz he thought i wasn't looking down at my feet).  i'd
forgotten that until now.  that neurologist said there was definitely
evidence of moderate to severe neuron deterioration in that foot.  sheesh!
no wonder i'm falling and breaking bones!

Also if I were falling flat on my face more than twice (been there, done
that.  I'm well padded and fall well so no bone damage) I'd be considering a
cane.  I don't know if your right wrist is up to handling one though.

***i do use a cane, sweetie.  now, more than i ever used to.  but i have
used one, at least intermittantly, since my car wreck.

Then there is the good old, 'up with the good leg, down with the bad leg'
mantra.  Of course there are times it is hard to know which is which.

***that has been ingrained in me, since the '70s and my car wreck.  the
physical therapy training comes with broken legs.<smile>  thanks, sweetie.
you actually helped me the whole picture a little better.

kate

Jo