Question: I contracted polio when I was six months old in Taiwan. I was able to walk without any assistive devices until I was 46 years old, at which point I decided to use a cane. I am now 61 and feel the need to do more to improve my balance and prevent tripping or falling. How do I start …
Shared peer advice from polio survivors about what works for them.
Share your solution:
News about people who have made significant contributions to the disability community.
Share your story:
Any Gains in Muscle Strength when Using an FES (Functional Electric Stimulation) Bike?
Question: I contracted polio at 10 months old in 1953 and it affected my left leg (knee down) and right foot. It’s been recommended to me recently to try using an FES Bike with the goal of strengthening my upper leg muscles. Has anyone experienced a gain in muscle strength after using such a machine? I am luckily blessed with …
Exercise and Pain
Question: As a young kid I contracted polio in my right leg. Apparently it was a mild case because I had no noticeable effects until my late 40s or 50s. At that time, I experienced right leg pain if I had not exercised for several days or about a week. If I exercised moderately then I had no pain. If …
Are There Any New Medicines That Can Improve Muscle Functioning in Those with Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: I am a 61-year-old female who has recently been diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. I am looking for the latest research on improving muscle function in the affected limb. Are there new medicines that can improve muscle functioning? Answer: Research studies have demonstrated that muscle strength and endurance can be improved among polio survivors, even those diagnosed with PPS, through …
Are Polio Survivors Prone to Restless Leg Syndrome and Random “Muscle Tears”?
Question: I had what was termed a “mild” case of polio in 1951 at age 7. Other than a barely noticeable curvature of the spine and temporary weakness in the neck, I had no ill effects and was back in full action within a couple months. I played sports throughout high school and have run a variety of races since …
Can Exercise Benefit Weakening Leg Muscles?
Question: My husband had polio at age 8. He is now 71. His left leg has started giving out on him and he falls. He goes to a special trainer, but I’m afraid the trainer doesn’t know how to treat this. What type of exercises should benefit him, and what should he avoid? Answer: Your husband’s leg weakness is most …
Do “Cures” for PPS Have Any Beneficial Ingredients that May Help Us?
Question: I have seen advertisements for products that claim to “cure” PPS. From all I know, there is no cure. Do these products have any beneficial ingredients that may help us? Answer: One must always be skeptical of anything advertised as a “cure” for PPS, because it is a condition that almost certainly has many causes. Most advertised products are …
Can I Regain Some Muscle Mass and Strength Through Exercise?
Question: I read with great interest the question and answer about knees collapsing in the in the Vol. 26, No. 2 (www.post-polio.org/ edu/pphnews/pph26-2sp10p7.pdf). I had polio at age 1. I’m told that I made a full recovery and that our local doctor used me as an example of a “miraculous” recovery. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, I am …
Has There Been Any Research on the Effects Polio had on the Digestive System?
Question: Why does no one ever address the problems that polio caused to the digestive system? I had polio when I was 6 years old and have had problems with my digestive system ever since. Has there been any research on the effects polio had on the digestive system? A: While there are many polio survivors who complain of heartburn …
Are Cortisone Injections Advisable for People with Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: I am a 68-year-old paralytic polio survivor from the 1955 polio epidemic. I use two leg braces and a variety of assistive devices. My arms were also totally involved but recovered well. My main problem now is increased weakness and pain in my arms as I depend on them more for transfers. My primary care physician recommended using 600 …