Dearest NeuroTalk PN folks:

Recently I noticed that my knees were pressing together and my ankles were turning in when I was walking or trying to stand.

That was very scary to see!

I called my Neurologist and asked for a referral for Physical Therapy.

I have the therapy at a clinic associated with Duke Raleigh Hospital, and it has been very thorough and professional.

I have many exercises to do and many ways to improve my walking and strength and balance. But it is a lot of WORK! This is hard for me as I am constitutionally lazy and very happy to sit in my recliner and watch the world go by on my computer. IN addition I manage some websites and various social activities I am part of.

I still don't use a cane to walk since I find it is only helpful if I am going to be in a museum or some place where I am walking more than I do in daily life.

I do go to the fitness center, and use the Nu step and now the 'shuttle' (that machine where you press out on a large metal plate to strengthen your legs).
My husband also tells me there's a machine for exercising my hips, which also have become weak.

And of course I can see the atrophy of my calves since the onset, about 7-8 years ago of the neuropathy.

How many of you have tried physical therapy and what results have you had?

Regards, ElaineD

Hello Elaine, Yes it is very hard work, but after you are straightened out and lined up, maintaining what you have gained should be easier. I have to fight laziness every day, coasting is what I do best. I am trying to quit a walker that I have been pushing for a year. Those things are not the direction you want to go. I believe in excercise to tolerance as I ride a spin bike 5 days a week and will walk very carefully on flat smooth floors until I judge that I need to quit. My PT experience was different as I was in an acute phase of Amyotrophy and was losing muscle mass as they were working with me. My balance and strength have been returning slowly and I am thinking about going back to PT to learn how to walk again. It will be hard when you go, but please bring home a routine that will strike a balance that will allow you to stay upright and walking. Good Luck, Ken in Texas.