Question: I scraped and cut my leg that is most affected by polio. It has not healed after two months. (I am not diabetic.) My family physician is sending me to a wound clinic. What can I expect at the wound clinic? Have you seen slow healing in polio survivors? Do you have any other advice? Answer: There are many …
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How Successful are Knee Replacements for Post-Polio Patients and What is Recovery Like?
Question: I am an 83-year-old female polio survivor. The knee on my polio-afflicted right leg is bone-on-bone. My doctor is pressing me to get a knee replacement. How successful are knee replacements for post-polio syndrome patients and what is recovery like? Marny Eulberg, MD: I don’t have any statistics on success and recovery after knee replacements in polio survivors, and …
Recommendations for Healing a Fracture
Question: My mother has post-polio syndrome. She recently fell and fractured her spine. Do you have any recommendations on healing from a fracture with PPS? She’s experienced a lot of medical gaslighting regarding pain. I’m pushing for her to get a customized brace, but again, they aren’t looking into the option. Finally, I feel like physical therapy is pushing her …
Recovery after Breaking Femur and Patella
Question: I fell nine weeks ago, breaking my distal femur and patella and spraining my distal ACL. A physical therapist comes to my home every week. X-rays show my bones are healing well. This week I’m working on starting to walk stairs, but it’s extremely difficult because of my kneecap. I believe the PT is being cautious, knowing about my …
Ankle Fusion for Polio Survivor
Question: Thank you for the help you have given me in the past. I’m a 79-year-old male who developed polio at the age of four. I was in an iron lung for several weeks then treated at home with Sister Kenny’s hot baths and massage. My left leg was paralyzed but improved over the years to a point that I …
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 …
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 …
Cortisone Shot Side Effects and Hip Replacement Anxiety
Question: Several years ago my right ankle muscles gave out after a cortisone shot. I wear a brace to steady this leg. Now, after two bad falls, my left hip will need replacement. My current orthopedic physician wanted to give me a cortisone shot, and I refused, recalling the reaction from my ankle. Now I am frightened about hip replacement, …