Question: I am 74 years old and had polio in 1954. My recent DEXA scan (to measure bone density) showed I had osteopenia. I have also recently suffered two compression fractures in my L1 and L2 vertebra due to an automobile accident in which I drove off the road over very bumpy terrain. My longtime physician, who is familiar with …
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Would a Breast Reduction or Reduction of Abdominal Fat be Beneficial for Back Spasm Episodes?
Question: I had polio in 1948, and I am now 65. Adapting was less difficult due to the helpful information gathered at support group meetings. However, I am not finding information or answers that address this issue: Has breast reduction and surgical reduction of abdominal fat been suggested and utilized with other post-polio women? While remaining relatively active and napping …
Triple Arthrodesis in Polio Survivors
Question: I had a triple arthrodesis in my teens to correct a turned ankle tendency. The cartilage is gone, and when I walk my ankle bones grind. Is this a problem? What could be done to help? I am 78 years old and in good health. Answer from Marny Eulberg, MD: Many polio survivors have had triple arthrodesis surgeries on …
Is There Any Difference in PPS Symptoms in Patients that Contracted the Disease Through the Vaccine Versus Naturally?
Question: I had polio at age 5 in 1968 apparently contracted from the oral polio vaccine. The acute illness lasted about a month, then a slow recovery ensued (upper and lower right limb involvement) that took about a year. Is there any difference between PPS symptoms in patients who have contracted the disease through vaccine and those who contracted it …
Does PPS Cause Muscle Loss Later in Life or is Atrophy Caused by the Initial Polio Attack?
Question: Does PPS cause muscle loss later in life or is atrophy caused by the initial polio attack? Answer: Dr. Maynard: Initial polio infection damage to nerves may result in a muscle’s atrophy (smaller or shrunken size) if a sufficiently large percent of nerves to an individual muscle died off. However, further dying off of damaged but not dead nerve …
Explaining Post-Polio Syndrome
Question: I am looking for an article that explains post-polio syndrome. The significance of finding the right article is being able to convey the information to my Uncle Phillip’s verbally abusive 35-year-old son who thinks his dad is “not trying hard enough,” and his nagging wife who is always trying to force him into physically demanding activities. He goes to …
Advice for Family Members as Advocates for Polio Survivors
Question: My sister who had polio in 1953 at age 17 was affected from the waist down. She also struggles with bipolar disorder. Last winter she was hospitalized on a behavioral health floor for 44 days. Her crutches were taken away because they were considered weapons. She spent the days in a wheelchair and did not receive any physical therapy. …
Should My Physical Therapy After Surgery be Specialized to My Condition or is Normal Therapy Okay?
Question: In 1988, I was your patient at the University of Michigan when you diagnosed my post-polio syndrome. I am preparing for a complete knee replacement on my right leg, which is the one affected by polio. My question is: Should my physical therapy after surgery be specialized to my condition or will normal therapy be OK? My surgeon has …
Can a Concussion Cause the Onset of Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: Can a Grade 3 concussion cause the onset of post-polio syndrome (PPS)? I developed the symptoms during recovery from a concussion and have been diagnosed as having PPS. Answer: Regarding your question about a Grade 3 concussion (the most serious level): After headaches and cognitive problems (poor concentration, attention and memory), fatigue is one of the most common post-concussion …
Timeframe for the Onset of Post-Polio Syndrome; Understanding the Approach of a New Primary Care Doctor
Question: I’ve asked my doctors in the past about PPS, and they indicate that at my age – 65 – it is highly unlikely that I could develop PPS since it has been so many years since I contracted polio. Do you have any statistics on PPS occurring 60 years after having polio? Answer: I am unaware of any statistics …