Shared peer advice from polio survivors about what works for them.

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What Happens Over Time with a Fused Back, Does the Fusion Eventually Wear Out?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I contracted polio at 10 months of age in 1954. At the age of 13 in 1966, my scoliosis had progressed to where my “S”-shaped spine was fused from the base of my neck to the bottom of my spine. My back has been solid and pain-free (except for several brief times when some areas became sore and healed …

Is Tiredness a Symptom of Post-Polio Syndrome?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I had polio at age three. I am now 67 years old. I have no movement from my waist down. I have severe scoliosis with a 95° curve. I have had two spinal fusions. I now have post-polio syndrome. I am so tired. I cannot seem to transfer or function as I have before. I sleep for much of …

What are the Symptoms in Patients with Post-Polio Syndrome with Facial Involvement?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: What are the symptoms in patients with post-polio syndrome with facial involvement? I am a PT with facial nerve involvement due to polio. Answer: Regarding facial nerve involvement after poliomyelitis: It is not common but also not rare. I have seen well over a dozen patients with significant one-sided facial weakness secondary to polio. I have not seen anyone …

Are There Any New Medicines That Can Improve Muscle Functioning in Those with Post-Polio Syndrome?

Brian Tiburzi

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 …

Have Studies Been Done to Determine if Polio Affects Sexual Functioning?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: Have any studies been done to determine if polio affects sexual functioning? Answer: I am unaware of any medical studies of sexual function in polio survivors. Conventional medical opinion is that polio did not affect sexual functioning of survivors, and the history of normal potency in men who have had polio and fertility among women polio survivors would support …

Will a Viral Infection Take Longer to Clear Up in Those with Post-Polio Syndrome?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I have post-polio syndrome, and I have also been diagnosed with a viral infection. Will the viral infection take longer to clear up since I have post-polio syndrome? Answer: Recovery time after viral infections in polio survivors has not been studied. There is no reason to expect that the basic healing mechanisms of the body are altered as a …

A Look into Future Life with a Polio Survivor

Brian Tiburzi

QUESTION: I am dating a woman who had polio, but if you didn’t know it, you could not tell it. We are both in our late 20s and I am very interested in her. I have heard about post-polio syndrome and am wondering what I may expect in our future years if I marry her. Dr. Maynard’s response: People with …

How Does Fatigue Affect People Who Have Had Polio?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I had polio in both legs at age 10 in 1953 and was unable to walk for a year. With therapy and exercise, I pretty well recovered in one leg and can walk without help. How does fatigue affect people who have had polio? I’m constantly tired. A sleep study shows some sleep apnea and some restless leg syndrome …

Advice for Muscle Atrophy in PPSers Who Use Wheelchairs

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I have been having a LOT of pain in my back through my butt into my lower back. I looked up muscle groups and think I see what is causing the problem. I sit in at my desk nine or so hours six days a week in order to survive financially. I never realized sitting in a wheelchair could …