Joint effort to develop prosthetic appliance for polio induced walking problems.

Joint effort to develop prosthetic appliance for polio induced walking problems.

John E. Gough

2/15/2002

I am Jean Gough. Fifty years ago I had polio at one year of age. I am
searching for partners with expertise to work with me, to develop a
prosthetic appliance to assist my most polio damaged leg, so I can
continue walking.

I want to try applying the concepts, techniques, and equipment of artificial
legs to my leg which had polio.

MY GOAL IS TO ENHANCE THE LEG FUNCTION I HAVE, AND/OR PROVIDE FUNCTION I
DO NOT HAVE.
(I do not want to lose any function I presently have, or allow additional
atrophy.)

I presently walk without any appliance. Walking is becoming increasingly
hazardous. I have already tried several ways to improve my walking. So
far all medical recommendations and support group suggestions have been
unsatisfactory. I have done all I know to minimize obstacles to walking.
Each floor of my specially built home is barrier free. The floor plan
minimizes steps. I have used a stair chair for 30 years to change floors.
I drive a van which is easier ingress/egress than a car.

I desire to blend and balance the brace, artificial leg, and my body parts
for improved walking function (and ultimately, improved quality of life).
This includes reducing pain and reducing medical treatment from falls. (I
recently broke my femur from a polio caused fall. A pediatric rod was
surgically inserted inside the femur.)

I believe achieving my goal will require outside the box thinking. Braces
I have tried, DO NOT enhance function. They immobilize, resulting in
reduced function. However, some of the properties of braces are part of an
idea I want to develop. Artificial legs (prosthetic appliance) appear to
provide function, but I have not seen an adaptation to enhance existing
flesh and bone. Adaptation seems practical.

I suspect achieving my goal will require some research and experimentation.
I will apply myself to the limit of my endurance and resources. My husband
and I work as a team. He supports me, and will work obsessively toward this
goal. He has conceived an idea I want to try. He can brainstorm ideas
and then find a way to make them work. He sees applications for me, in
ways others have not. I appreciate his can do style.

I have no encumbrances to limit pursuing my goal. I do not have a job. My
three wonderful, healthy, grown children care for themselves, and support me
pursuing this goal. My extended family is supporting me, and praying with
me.

I want to work with someone who is willing to try something different.

I WILL NOT GIVE UP. There is a way to develop a quality assist for my
walking. I am open to consider anything. I will reconsider anything
previously found unsatisfactory.

The first step toward my goal is talking. Will you talk with me?

If you are aware of others whom you believe can assist to achieve this goal,
please include them in any discussion, or direct me to them.

Attached is a brief version of my medical history. Other than polio, I have
excellent health. I am experiencing post polio syndrome, but I have an
optimistic outlook.

Thank You for taking the time to consider working with me.

Jean Gough
P.O. Box 8606
Topeka, Kansas 66608-0606
1-785-986-9291 home
1-785-248-3157 cell phone
<Email Address Redacted>