Reply To: CIDP and Alcohol

Going into CIDP there wasn’t a question of being wobbly, just progressive weakness in the legs. From onset of symptoms, I was unable to walk at all in one month, and paralyzed below the neck in ten weeks. When the legs are so weak that standing is difficult or impossible, the functioning of the knees is just a small part of that. It was after I got my strength back, especially after starting to walj without a cane, that I noticed my knees were not working right, even though I had enough strength to stand easily, and enough balance and coordination to walj without a cane. It’s just a sensation of not having tight control of my knees when I walk, meaning running is impossible.

I started walking outside without a cane about 21 months after onset of symptoms.

I have never used a brace. My knees aren’t that bad, it’s just a bit disconcerting — a feeling of unsteadiness. I just have to be careful, that’s all.