A friend had polio when he was a baby and is now 42 years old. His 2 legs are not of the same size and?

Question

neither one can support him to stand. He uses 2 crutches. He's about 5'1" because of this. Is there anything that can help him walk aside from crutches or is too late in his life? Are there prostheses, callipers that can help him stand or walk without the crutches? What is the life expectancy of people who are like this? He's only 42 but lacks exercise and his blood pressure has always been high like in the 150's/i'm not sure what they're over sorry... what are things he can do to have a healthy and long life when he can't walk much with his crutches? It makes him really tired really fast? I just really care about him so I would like to be able to help him. Please share whatever information you know about this. Thank you!

Answer 1

My cousin had polio and generally they would learn to adjust to their disability. Persons with polio suffer from the same problems that the general population has. They are no different except that they have impaired ambulation due to nerve damage.

This means, if he would choose to modify his lifestyle he can. Healthy diet and increased physical activity will generally improve his conditon.

Nerve damage is permanent, but need not be debiliating. I know you mean to help, but ask your friend if there is anything you can do help. He may look helpless, but in reality persons with polio can lead ordinary and sometimes extraordinary lives ( ie FDR, President of the United States)

You are a good friend. May God be with you.

Answer 2

There may be braces and such that could help, but I would be more concerned about a 42 year old trying to adjust to them than just going with the crutches.

There are exercises that can be done in a chair. I don't recall the name of the video, but there's a really neat wheelchair aerobics video a friend of mine used to do. It's all upper body work. Water aerobics may be feasible as well. And your friend should probably see about blood pressure medication. There are some new ones that are really good. :)

It's so sweet of you to want to help.

Answer 3

What your friend has is post-polio, I do too. Yes, there are exercises he can do. What he needs to do is be referred to a physical therapist that specializes in post-polio cases. She will give you exercises she will want you to do that will help. Did you know, you aren't totally alone. There are post-polio groups out there where you can network with other survivors and ask how they get over some of the hurdles we face. You might have to work with an individual therapist or one that works with groups, but your muscles will tone up nicely and you won't have to do alot of exerciseing. Water exercising is a possibility. Try it, it did wonders for me. Yes, there are braces and other that might stop him from using 2 crutches-that is something to ask the therapist or a specialist in post-polio cases. It doesn't look real rosey for us, but its sure better than I had been told at first it was going to be. (I'm 57 and had polio and you will find people in there 60's also that are survivors).