Can You Help?
(continued)
ITEM CYH10-100
I had bulbar polio in 1957 and I am having lots of trouble with my throat muscles and it is very hard to swallow. Most of the food just goes down my throat a little way and then hangs up in my throat. I have to wash most of my food down with liquids. Do you have any suggestions on ways to improve my swallowing?
Derrel, Stockton CA, posted 1-05
Response: Dear Derrel, It is important to be sure about the cause of your swallowing problem, and then plan the best steps to improve this based on the findings. Polio survivors can have problems unrelated to polio, of course.
The difficulty you describe sounds like it may be due to post-polio bulbar muscle weakness, however other causes are possible such as an abnormality in the swallowing tube (esophagus) itself. Bulbar muscle weakness can effect swallowing, cough, speech and the upper airway. A GI medical specialist (gastroenterologist) should evaluate you to check your esophagus to be sure that there is no problem there (such as a diverticulum, or a local abnormality in the esophageal wall, or evidence of something pressing in on the esophagus from outside adjacent to it, etc.). Do not assume that this is necessarily related to PPS. If the GI specialist finds no esophageal problem (often an upper GI endoscopy is done and a x-ray barium swallow; esophageal motility studies can also be done), then the GI specialist should consider requesting that a speech/swallowing specialist assist you with ways to eat and swallow most effectively.
I think that your regular physician should be contacted as soon as possible, and he/she should be asked to arrange a consultation with a gastroenterologist, and an upper GI endoscopy, as soon as possible.
I always emphasize that brief information and discussion by email does not allow us to come to any reliable conclusions. Your physician knows your medical findings in detail and can assist you properly. However my comments may provide you with some helpful background information.
With all best wishes, Edward Anthony Oppenheimer, MD, FCCP
Pulmonary Medicine, Los Angeles, California (deceased 11-05)
Shoes
PHI receives many messages from polio survivors who have different-sized feet and want to know if there is a place where they can donate or exchange the extra shoes. Find information on "What Works for Me."
ITEM CYH10-114, posted 1-12-09
I have a size 10 right and size 8 left Women's Deer Stag indoor/outdoor slippers. They are new and in the box. I would love to give them to someone. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. pameladouble@comcast.net
ITEM CYH10-113, posted 8-27-08
I wear a size 5-1/2-6 shoe on my right foot and a size 7 to7-1/2 on my left. I'd be happy to send the opposites to anyone who can use them. I wear flat, lightweight shoes with rubber soles and heels. masteward@hotmail.com
ITEM CYH10-112, posted 1-23-08
I wear mismated shoes due to a birth defect. My right shoe size is 4-4.5 and left shoe size is 6.5-7. I am looking for someone with the mirror opposite sizes to trade shoes with. I have approximately 40 pairs of brand new shoes that I would like to share. If you or someone you know could make good use of these shoes, please email me at Pafko6@q.com if interested. Allison P; Minneapolis, MN
ITEM CYH10-111
I am looking for a shoe wearer in size 3-1/2 on left and a 1-1/2 on the right foot. I am 53 and shoes are as you know for polio survivors really gets tough. No sales shoes can be found due to your sizes are aleady gone. No age-appropriate shoes due to the children's department is where I have to shop. No straps to help to hold your shoes on, and dress shoes are yet another story. All shoe swappers are too large for me. But maybe you are like me, just never put your size up for notice.
Signed Hopeful for Help or To Be Helper to Someone, dthow@bellsouth.net
ITEM CYH10-110
Hi, I make socks on an antique sock machine from 1924 and I can offer "mis-matched sized" pairs or "sock-singles." This gives you the opportunity to enjoy warm, soft, luxurious socks made to your special requirements. I need to know your shoe sizes, colors you like, preferences (wild and crazy, or subdued). I can send pictures of what I have available. Cost: $25.00 for a pair of mis-matched sizes; $25.00 for a pair of 2 sock-singles (each being different); $13.00 for a sock-single. I accept PayPal or money orders and prices include shipping and tax. Please contact me if you have any questions for would like to order some wonderful, custom made socks.
Sharon C., dscuyler@comcast.net
ITEM CYH10-109
I would like to offer new women's mismatched shoes. Due to a birth defect, I often have a size 9 left shoe and a 6 1/2-7 right shoe. Please contact me at kvmerrill@comcast.net if you have an interest. Thank you, KM, Massachusetts, posted 10-16-06
ITEM CYH10-108
What does everyone do with their mismated shoes? I've got several pairs that I hate to just throw out. They are newer styles. The sizes are 7-1/2 right and 6-1/2 left.
Mary Alice, mortgiesen@hotmail.com, posted 7-13-06
ITEM CYH10-107
I am a 65-year-old female who wears split-size shoes because I wear a full leg brace on one leg. They now cost about $500 a pair! Is there someplace that I can get split-size shoes for less or get help in the expense? I have also been told that my leg brace will be harder for Medicare to act on going ahead if I need one in less than 5-year periods. Has anyone had this experience? I wear mine out in about a year.
Toni, Englewood, Florida, tcluck82@aol.com
ITEM CYH10-106
I have approximately 40 pairs of women's shoes that are mismatched, odd shoes. They are brand new, high tag, name brands. The majority of them are size 9, right foot, and size 7 left foot. I would like to have at least reimbursement for shipping.
Contact Grace, Knoxville, Tennessee, grf103@bellsouth.net, posted 7-12-06
ITEM CYH10-105
I have a pair of brand new mismatched Cobbie Cuddlers, women's tan tie sandals; tags still attached and still in box. Left 7 wide; Right 5-1/2 wide. They sell for $20/pair in the stores. Anyone want to swap reverse sets or otherwise?
Contact RickAdamson52@aol.com, posted 7-10-06
ITEM CYH10-104
My husband, a polio survivor, just bought a pair of men's sandles, Ocean Pacific (Rapid Escape Model). Black with two velcro straps on each shoe. Black rubber bottoms and the inside straps are totally lined with a cushioned material.We have a 9 left foot and 11 right foot to donate but ask for shipping fee of approximately $8 or less.
Contact daisy14feb@yahoo.com, posted 6-26-06
ITEM CYH10-103
I am a polio survivor who is looking for shoes with tie-up lacing on top (ideally with 3 or 4 rows of holes) and with leather soles. I do not want casual nor canvas shoes, nor rubber soles. The companies that used to make such shoes seem to have stopped making them.
Please contact Nanci, NanciTcald@aol.com, posted 7-18-05
ITEM CYH10-102
I have several brand new pairs for shoes that are size 7 right and 5 left, which I would love to share with someone with the opposite problem as mine. Also, it is getting more difficult all the time to find the size 5 because the stores are not stocking as many 5s. Because of a drop-foot problem and weak right leg, all my shoes are flat soles and either lace or have straps to hold them on my feet and lightweight. Any help in this area will be appreciated and I would love to be able to share them!
Betty, richardb@ccis.comolio