My parents kept my 1948 bout with polio a secret. We had been vacationing when I became symptomatic. Since I did not suffer paralysis, my family died holding the secret inside. But not forever.
I started to experience post-polio symptoms in the early 1980s. An orthopedist and physiatrist confirmed the diagnosis. My aunt, who knew all along, confirmed I had polio.
So, not until I was an adult have I needed, at first an ankle-foot-orthotic (AFO) and then a full metal and leather brace on my polio affected left leg. Now I wear braces on both legs.