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 …
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Have Studies Been Done to Determine if Polio Affects Sexual Functioning?
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 …
How Does Fatigue Affect People Who Have Had Polio?
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 …
Can Post-Polio Syndrome be the Cause of a Nerve Ending Problem Over the Stomach Region?
Question: Can post-polio syndrome (PPS) be the cause of a nerve ending problem over the stomach region? I have annoying, tingling pains over the stomach region at about skin level or just below. It continues on and off throughout the day but not serious enough to wake me at night. The doctors I have visited can’t seem to find a …
Advice for Muscle Atrophy in PPSers Who Use Wheelchairs
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 …
Is Post-Polio Syndrome Life-Threatening, Will the Effects Intensify, and Does it Affect the Brain’s Ability to Function in Speech, Sight, and Thought Processes?
Question: Often we polio survivors have very few options that are helpful in understanding our circumstances and what direction to take. Thank you for being available to provide this important service. Here is my question in three parts. When I read The Polio Paradox by Richard L. Bruno, PhD, he assured us that post-polio syndrome (PPS) is not life threatening. …
Testosterone Replacement and Post-Polio Syndrome; Is Post-Polio Syndrome Life-Threatening
Question: I am a male age 60 who contracted polio at age six months and Guillain-Barré syndrome at age 40. I was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome at age 55. Four weeks ago I had testosterone pellets implanted when I found out I had a major testosterone deficiency. What happened four weeks later, as reported to my naturopathic doctor who prescribed …
Should I “Save My Strength”, and Save it for What?
Question: I am 69 and had polio in my right foot when I was 20 months old. I have had tendon transplants, heel cord lengthening surgery, and some toes fused. I wore a short leg brace following surgeries when I was eight years old at Warm Springs in Georgia. I had five children and have always been active, e.g., marched …
Cautionary Tale of Swallowing Impairment and Intubation
Question: My wife contracted polio at the age of eight. She experienced some paralysis on her right side, but with physical therapy and some bone grafts to strengthen her right leg, she made a good recovery. She is now 75 and has been experiencing some post-polio symptoms, notably general weakness, instability and some falls. She has had some difficulty swallowing …
What Can I Do About Muscle Weakness?
Question: I am 66, and I had polio at age 3. My muscles are feeling weak, so if you know what I can do about it I would be grateful. I am depressed about this. Answer: Your concerns about muscle weakening along with muscle and joint pains are the classic post-polio syndrome problem. Try to be thankful if it has …