QUESTION: I am going to schedule a left-shoulder replacement soon and would like to know if recovery will be more difficult with atrophied left paraspinal muscles. I had polio at eight years of age and was paralyzed from my neck down. I made a remarkable recovery and am now 77 years old. I have never needed mobility aids, but I …
Shared peer advice from polio survivors about what works for them.
Share your solution:
News about people who have made significant contributions to the disability community.
Share your story:
Kneecap Strength and Healing After a Fall
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 …
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 is a Bisphosphonate Infusion and Is It Safe?
Question: I am 74 years old and had polio in 1954. My recent DEXA scan (to measure bone density) showed I had osteopenia. I have also recently suffered two compression fractures in my L1 and L2 vertebra due to an automobile accident in which I drove off the road over very bumpy terrain. My longtime physician, who is familiar with …
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 …
Triple Arthrodesis in Polio Survivors
Question: I had a triple arthrodesis in my teens to correct a turned ankle tendency. The cartilage is gone, and when I walk my ankle bones grind. Is this a problem? What could be done to help? I am 78 years old and in good health. Answer from Marny Eulberg, MD: Many polio survivors have had triple arthrodesis surgeries on …