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

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Are Gabapentin or Pregabalin Effective for Post-Polio Neurological Damage that Leads to Leg and Hand Muscle Cramps?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: Are gabapentin or pregabalin effective medications for post-polio neurological damage, the type of damage that leads to leg and hand muscle cramps? Answer: Gabapentin and pregabalin are only approved for control of seizures and fibromyalgia (in the case of pregabalin). There are no studies supporting their effective-ness for leg cramps in post-polio survivors or others. Gabapentin is the most …

Advice for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Brian Tiburzi

Question: Do you have any advice about sciatica nerve pain? I have been in physical therapy three times a week for three weeks, with home exercises. It helps, but the pain is not gone yet, and my physical therapist gave me some bad news. My hyper-extended right leg has gone from -11 degrees to -13 degrees. I noticed I was …

Should Polio Survivors Take Beta Blockers and Do They Work for Atrial Fibrillation?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I’m interested in finding out if polio survivors should or should not take beta blockers. I have atrial fibrillation and the doctors keep trying me on beta blockers and I have trouble taking them. Do they work for atrial fibrillation? Answer: Some polio survivors can tolerate, and benefit from, taking beta blockers, but many are unable to tolerate them …

Shoulder Replacement in Polio Survivors.

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I have a severe rotator cuff tear and an orthopedic surgeon has recommended a shoulder replacement because of the severity of the tear and the presence of significant arthritis. I had polio in my right leg and use my left leg to lift/stabilize myself on crutches. Apparently the increased dependency has weakened my arms and, perhaps, injured them. The …

Do Those with Post-Polio Syndrome Need Higher Medication Doses?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: My father-in-law is 88 years old and has post-polio syndrome. He has had trouble sleeping for the past several years, and he claims that it “takes more medication for people with post-polio syndrome.” My wife is his caregiver and controls his medications so he will not overdose. What is your professional opinion? Answer: Your father-in-law is mistaken about need …

Muscle Regeneration in Polio Survivors and Bracing

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I am a polio survivor with PPS. Recently I began to suffer severe knee instability, but a sports medicine specialist recommended against braces, saying they would inhibit the muscles from regenerating. It seems to me that polio-atrophied muscles will not regenerate anyway and that braces would at least help to prevent collapse. Your thoughts? Answer: If your knee instability …

Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment (CCT) and Polio Survivors

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I was recently diagnosed with cancer. My oncologist has recommended chemotherapy. Are are there any specific concerns polio survivors should have regarding chemotherapy that my oncologist might not be aware of? How will it affect my post-polio weakened muscles? Are there specific side-effects that tend to be more severe among patients with a prior history of polio? Is there …

Any Study on the Long-term Usage of Gabapentin for Post-Polio Pain?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I would like your take on using drugs such as gabapentin for use in treating PPS pain. With the new drug laws, my doctor has prescribed this drug for pain instead of the hydrocodone I was taking. (Editor’s Note: Under a final rule issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, hydrocodone combination products are now in a more restrictive …