Post Polio Syndrome

[CathyOne]

Hi everyone!
I haven't been on for a couple of weeks. The condition I have had for the past 5 years has finally been diagnosed - Post Polio Syndrome.

I had a mild case of Polio as a child & apparently 40 - 50 years later it can come back. I have been trawling doctors for the past 5 yrs trying to find out what is wrong with my legs & feet, one even sent me to a psychiatrist, which I found very upsetting, just cause he didn't know what was wrong.

I just wanted to let you all know that this is a problem that not many doctors know about (most were too young & it was so long ago) I have been diagnosed with everything from Avascular Necrosis to Rheumatoid Arthritis to Chronic Fatigue. But none of them could ever tell me why I have weakness in my leg muscles.

It took a chance comment from a Podiatrist & lots of web searching, to find a specialist that knows about it, and confirmed it. Now I'd like to make others aware.

Thanks for reading my post.

Take Care, Cathy

[Mesmereyes]

Cathy, wow that must make you feel so much better that u are able to put a name to the (THING) you have been accustomed too, I am so glad you have found the Name for it, ( it must make you feel so much better), Now you know what you have is there anything you can do ? Or is it a aliment you have to deal with?

[Heather]

I have a friend Cathy who is suffering from that very condition....it has slowed her down but not stopped her.
It is very good tho' that you have now had your symptoms recognised....no more guesswork.:)

[Mad Old Cow]

glad you finally know what is wrong Cathy, is there anything at all that can be done to help you feel better?

[CathyOne]

Thanks, girls.

There is no real treatment at the moment. They say to just take it easy, have rest breaks when you need & don't overwork the muscles ( I had actually signed up at a gym 18 months ago, to try & build up the strength in my legs, quit after 4 months when it wasn't working!)

There is a new drug trialled in Sweden, I'm hoping to hear more about. Until then I just try & make little changes in my life (home delivery with shopping, not carrying things too heavy, etc) Luckily, the specialist said it is a slowly progressing disease, so that's good.

There is probably a lot of people out there with symptoms that the doctors are diagnosing incorrectly. I don't have much faith in doctors, there are good ones and bad ones - like mechanics, builders, lawyers, etc, etc.

Hope your friend is doing okay Heather. Did it take long for her to be diagnosed?

Thanks again everyone, take care, Cathy

[lucyloo]

You sound like a strong woman Cathy. I am glad that it has been diagonised for you. :comfort:

[Di Nana]

Take care Cathy, :comfort:

[miss kiki]

glad that you now know what's going on with you. :comfort:

[Heather]

Hope your friend is doing okay Heather. Did it take long for her to be diagnosed?



We have known for a few years now but the possible difference in her diagnosis and yours is that she suffered a full attack as a child.
She has always been a strong willed person and I think that her attitude has played a major role. Not everyone has such strength and I can only hope that you have support around you.

[Cherie]

Thinking of you Cathy. Pleased you now can put a name to it.