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 …
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Could Childhood Polio Cause an Old Injury to the Frontal Lobe?
Question: I recently came down with Bell’s Palsy. To rule out a stroke, I had an MRI. This showed some, what was thought to be, old injury. I don’t ever remember having any such thing. It is in the right front lobe. I had polio in 1949 at the age of 2, and I now have PPS. The polio affected …
Is There a Connection Between Weak Leg Muscles and Using Toes More to Walk?
Question: As my leg muscles become weaker, I notice that now I use my toes more than my whole foot when I walk. A polio friend of mine has made the same observation about his method of walking. Is this coincidence or is there a connection between weak leg muscles and using toes more to walk? GARY FREDERICKS Answer: The …
Shoulder Replacement in Polio Survivors.
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?
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 …
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 …
AFM (acute flaccid myelitis) and Polio Survivors
Question: There have recently been several media reports about Americans developing a “polio-like illness” known as Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) that leaves them partially paralyzed. Because PHI has received many calls from members about this topic, Dr. Fred Maynard was asked to write about what AFM is and to share his thoughts about how polio survivors might be able to …
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 …
Has There Been Any Research on the Effects Polio had on the Digestive System?
Question: Why does no one ever address the problems that polio caused to the digestive system? I had polio when I was 6 years old and have had problems with my digestive system ever since. Has there been any research on the effects polio had on the digestive system? A: While there are many polio survivors who complain of heartburn …
Does Denervation Continue with Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: I am aware that as polio survivors recovered from the initial bout with polio, we went through a process called denervation. Does this process of losing anterior horn cells (AHCs) and establishing new nerve pathways continue with post-polio syndrome? A: Denervation is actually not a process but a condition of muscle that has lost its connection to a motor …
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