In 1984, after working 38 years, he decided that the physical strain was too great and took a medical leave of absence. He had no idea that his ailments had any connection with his long-forgotten childhood illness of 43 years ago. I was really kind of lost at sea about what the problem was. After a long period in which he was mystified by his condition, Cave learned that his symptoms were those of postpolio syndrome when he attended a meeting for polio survivors held by the Dallas Area Post-Polio Association. No physical therapy, surgery, or drug shows promise for postpolio syndrome patients such as Cave.
Healthcare professionals say that the best therapy seems to be physical and emotional support.
Barre said that most postpolio syndrome patients need an orthotic or assistive device to aid in the alignment of feet, ankles, hips, or back. Some may also benefit from the increased mobility provided by a wheelchair or an electric scooter. We used to be geared to the fact that if a muscle is weak, you exercise it. I say, 'For gosh sakes, that's not what you need. Donovan treats fellow postpolio patients, and many who visit her office are overwhelmed with the increasing realization that they cannot function as well as they used to, she said.