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 …
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Progression of Post-Polio Syndrome Symptoms, Fatigue and Pain
Question: In your most recent column, you referred with clarity about new pain and fatigue that many polio survivors are experiencing. I have had the same symptoms for 12 years or so, but never with the same intensity and to the same degree as I do now. I am 74 years old and contracted polio in 1952 at age four. …
Preventing Further Deterioration
Question: I am now age 89 and am plagued by extreme tiredness with sleepiness/drowsiness and terrible balance issues. My history includes a triple arthrodesis of the right ankle with a tendon transfer. My polio in 1947 was treated with the Sister Kenny Treatment—can still smell the hot, steamy wool blankets. I try to do some mostly stretching exercises and wonder …
Advice for Arm and Shoulder Weakness
Question: I had polio at age 5 and am now 76. I have weakness in all four limbs. My legs have been week for a long time while my arms and shoulders started getting weaker 2-3 years ago. I cannot lift my left arm past my shoulder. My right arm is better but not good. The PT here at the …
Are There Any Nutritional Issues Specifically for Polio Survivors, Specific Dietary Needs or Concerns, or Any Beneficial Supplements?
Question: Are there any nutritional issues that polio survivors should pay special attention to? Are there any particular dietary needs or concerns? Any supplements that are beneficial? Answer: There are several important nutritional issues for people who had polio. No other issue is more important to good health than optimal nutrition, and no other is more controversial and little studied …
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 …
Facing Guilt Regarding Caregiving Adjustments
Question: I had polio at age 5 and am now 76. I have weakness in all four limbs. My legs have been week for a long time while my arms and shoulders started getting weaker 2-3 years ago. I cannot lift my left arm past my shoulder. My right arm is better but not good. The PT here at the …