Jill’s Jottings – Framingham

Ok flight to Boston with an addition security check of having to put my w/chair cushion through the X-ray machine. After shopping with Mary-ann at Wal-Mart, I ventured off alone. Usual scenario of footpaths with 50% missing crossovers, or just stopping dead at a main road. But weather was fine and I enjoyed pottering around.

The Spalding Post Polio team is very professional, cohesive and realistic about PPS issues. I was especially taken by their frequently verbalized acknowledgement of earlier Polio experiences making it hard for individuals to revisit ‘Polio Demons’ that occurred during the initial Polio experience. Their aim to empower PPS clients with knowledge about assistive devices and support programs while not being dictatorial is well balanced. They also have the benefit of a diverse range of therapists on the team so can take several different approaches to helping PPS clients come more readily to terms with what is now confronting them. I was personally very impressed with Bob, their Orthotist. He seemed ready to embrace new challenges with PPS clients, and had several PPS folk (who called themselves ‘Guinea pigs’ to trial new designs he keeps creating. This clinic feels one drawback of the ‘E Knee’ is its weight which can be a problem for people trying to support the E Knee with surrounding weakened muscles.

Bob’s approach has been to use flexible orthotic materials to give ‘bounce’ and utilize several pressure sensitive knee joints to allow up to18 degrees knee flexion while weight bearing. Knee flexion degrees can be individually set by a screwdriver, so the client can control the level of knee muscle control they want to use/exercise. The person walks with a straight leg, but depending on the degrees of flextion set, can supplement the hinge with their own upper leg muscles. I’m feeling this could allow me to ride a horse with some knee flexion (essential when riding) and confidently weight bear through – knee - stirrup. Unfortunately I did not get time to chat with Bob, but am buoyed by the possibility something may be available for me in the future.

Early evening for me to prepare for an early start for the airport & Toronto.

Jill Pickering