Question: I had a Grice-Green procedure in 1955 to correct toe drop and weak foot muscles in my right foot secondary to polio. I have had outstanding results since then. Though I have a gait specific to my disability, I am a hiker and can walk with good hiking boots for as far as eight miles. This is becoming more …
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Advice for Post-Surgical Recovery from Shoulder Replacement
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 …
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 …
What Happens Over Time with a Spinal Fusion?
Question: I contracted polio at 10 months of age in 1954. At the age of 13 in 1966, my scoliosis had progressed to where my “S”-shaped spine was fused from the base of my neck to the bottom of my spine. My back has been solid and pain-free (except for several brief times when some areas became sore and healed …
Is Fatigue a Symptom of Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: I had polio at age three. I am now 67 years old. I have no movement from my waist down. I have severe scoliosis with a 95° curve. I have had two spinal fusions. I now have post-polio syndrome. I am so tired. I cannot seem to transfer or function as I have before. I sleep for much of …
Will Individuals Who Have Had Mild Bulbar Polio with No Functional Limb Impacts Develop Post-Polio Limb Weakness?
Question: Will individuals who had mild bulbar polio with no functional limb impacts develop post-polio limb weakness? Is anything known about extra risks to recovery from major orthopedic surgery such as knee replacement to post-polio individuals? Marny Eulberg, MD: It is possible that persons who had mild bulbar polio but no functional limb weakness could develop post-polio limb weakness over …
Recovery after Carpel Tunnel Release Surgery
Question: I am a polio survivor who contracted polio at the age of two. I am now 61 years old. I started having pain after a fall two years ago and I’ve been told that I needed carpel tunnel release surgery. The muscle in my right thumb is starting to atrophy. I walk with two forearm crutches and have been …
Advice for Foot Edema After Hernia Surgery
Question: I have lower left leg PPS atrophy. Since hernia surgery recently, I haven’t been able to walk or bicycle as I regularly used to do. I’ve sometimes noticed worrisome foot edema that is more pronounced and sustained since the surgery. Other than trying not to sit for too long, cutting back on salt and elevating the leg more, is …
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 …
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 …
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