Collateral Damage

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I haven't seen anyone mention the effect of childhood polio in one limb on the other limb. My left leg is 4cm shorter and weaker by far than its partner, which has suffered from overwork for 70 years. This has not stopped me in the past from living an active life, but has now given me chronic pain from right calf to right upper back. I am golfing with a  buggy for the first time, albeit reluctantly. My osteo has recommended an exercise bike to try to strengthen Lefty and help out Righty, but I'm not holding my breath. Does anybody use one, if so with what results?

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello jeceris,

    I do not think your osteopath is right - exercise very little they say - swimming is the very best.  I have exactly the same problem, my left leg is very weak from polio as a baby and the right one now gives me even more pain than the left, as all my weight is on the right one when I stand.

    I have been prescribed pregabalin, which is a neuropathic painkiller, and it has helped a little.  I now also have some oromorph to try, but have not opened the bottle yet....I am 73 and finding life difficult lately.

    Hope you find something to help, best wishes to you, Marion x

    • Posted

      Thank you for the feedback Marion.

      My GP prescribes paracetamol and codeine up to the maximum as needed, which seems to manage the pain in normal circumstances, but uphill climbs are to be avoided. I don't find chiro or osteo have much other than temporary alleviative effects.

      Good luck.

       

    • Posted

      Hello again,

      I take ibuprofen and codeine normally, but am finding pregabarin a great help.  I have the oromorph bottle still unopened - good to have something to fall back on if it gets really bad.  Pain is a nasty thing to live with, but we will win!!

      Marion x

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