Just wondering - with your PN (axonal sensorimotor), can you do steps? With me, when it all came on suddenly 6 yrs ago, the major collapse was in the knees. They kept buckling; the nerves and muscles would no longer work together to allow me to kneel, bend, then stand. With PT and much muscle strengthening I can walk, bend knees enough to do that, drive, and squat a few inches only. What I can’t do is hop, skip, jump, run, or jog, or step up unassisted for more than 6 inches (and that’s a risky step) If forced to climb a few or many steps, I need rails and it’s a major arm and upper body exercise as they’re doing the lifting (and they pay for it later) Walking down steps (with rails) is harder than going up, but when I have to do them, I do. Ladders, even step stools, I cannot do, and though I test myself on occasion by stepping up on one rung to reach a high cabinet or shelf, holding on for dear life to cabinets, counters or appliances while doing so, I know I’m taking a terribly stupid risk knowing the consequences a fall could have have for my already disadvantaged situation. So my question for you is how you might do it? Any therapeutic exercises or tricks that help you climb? Thanks, Debbie
Debbie - Oh brother, we do have very similar effects from PN. I am unable to lift the front of my feet off the ground, jumping up is impossible due to drop foot. I have not run since 2014 which was something I did like. Steps are becoming an issue and at times the front of a foot will not clear the step and bang. I have upper body strength which I need to hold the railing and I use that for support to assist in step climbing. I won't do a ladder either. My balance is a mess to say the least. You need to have good arm strength to assist in a house with steps. I go to PT 2 days a week when I'm up to it and much relates to balance exercises and strengthen leg muscles. Best tip I can give is to watch your feet going up and down steps and if you can, have a railing on both sides of the steps. That will improve balance going up and down and build up arm and upper body strength the best you can. Every step is a risk so be careful and again...keep walking...keep moving. The best to you!