When he retired, Effingham resident Earl “Evan” Dunlap wasn’t sure what to do with himself. For 50 years, he had worked in criminal and juvenile justice, including child victimization. Much of this work was done through the US Department of Justice and the US Federal Courts. Evan worked long days, often on the road.
While still figuring out retirement, Evan knows that being mobile and self-sufficient are crucial to his health and happiness. That’s why he sought physical therapy at the SBL Bonutti Clinic to combat the peripheral neuropathy that ails his legs. Peripheral neuropathy is weakness, numbness and pain caused by damage to the nerves.
Symptoms started appearing 10 years ago. “The neuropathy started around that time, and its impact on me has gradually increased,” Evan explained. “It feels like my legs are being stuck with a hundred pins, and I don’t have feeling from my knees down to my feet. I also have a hard time with balance.”
Evan is still mobile and can even do minor yard work with the assistance of a walker or cane. The peripheral neuropathy has affected not only his physical abilities, but also his mental health at times. “I’m not scared, but there is anxiety that comes with feeling unsteady,” he said. “There’s some embarrassment in some ways, when I feel wobbly, but this is something I have to learn to live with.”
Earlier this year, SBL Bonutti Clinic Physical Therapist Lindell Richards and Physical Therapist Assistant Grace Schuler worked with Evan to improve Evan’s mobility. “Lindell is a genuine human being and consummate professional,” he said. “He was thorough in identifying the problems, setting forth the plan to focus on my physical problems and explaining the significance of the goals.”
He continued: “Grace is truly a remarkable young professional and, in my opinion, a real ambassador to her profession. While she made the therapy fun, she also would not allow me to slack off.”
Sessions between Evan, Grace and Lindell were filled with conversations that sounded like three old friends catching up, which is exactly what Evan enjoyed. Because Evan traveled so much for work, he hadn’t made many local connections over the years. “[After retiring] I found myself in a situation where I was pretty isolated,” he explained. “I would go to my physical therapy sessions though, and while getting help for my neuropathy I also had great interactions. It was a very friendly place.”
In physical therapy, Evan was given the tools he needs to work on his strength and balance at home, such as using resistance bands and doing simple exercises.
Evan knows the neuropathy won’t go away, but he has the confidence to manage it. The SBL Bonutti Clinic provided him with a place to be active and make connections in the community. “I always felt better when I left the clinic,” he said. “After doing physical therapy, I have better balance and feel more assured of myself when I move.”
