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

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Will Individuals Who Have Had Mild Bulbar Polio with No Functional Limb Impacts Develop Post-Polio Limb Weakness?

Brian Tiburzi

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 …

Stiff Neck and Back Problems Leading to Pain and Weakness in Arms and Shoulders

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I was diagnosed with a mild case of polio in 1952 when 12 years old. The polio affected my neck and upper back, and both recovered to the point where I didn’t have any visible physical problems. Over the years I have encountered a lot of stiff neck and back problems and was treated at pain management facilities. The …

Advice for Arm and Shoulder Weakness

Brian Tiburzi

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 …

Facial Nerve Involvement and Polio

Brian Tiburzi

Question: What are the symptoms in patients with post-polio syndrome with facial involvement? I am a PT with facial nerve involvement due to polio. Answer: Regarding facial nerve involvement after poliomyelitis: It is not common but also not rare. I have seen well over a dozen patients with significant one-sided facial weakness secondary to polio. I have not seen anyone …

Are There Any New Medicines That Can Improve Muscle Functioning in Those with Post-Polio Syndrome?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I am a 61-year-old female who has recently been diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. I am looking for the latest research on improving muscle function in the affected limb. Are there new medicines that can improve muscle functioning? Answer: Research studies have demonstrated that muscle strength and endurance can be improved among polio survivors, even those diagnosed with PPS, through …

Can Exercise Benefit Weakening Leg Muscles?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: My husband had polio at age 8. He is now 71. His left leg has started giving out on him and he falls. He goes to a special trainer, but I’m afraid the trainer doesn’t know how to treat this. What type of exercises should benefit him, and what should he avoid? Answer: Your husband’s leg weakness is most …

Is There a Connection Between Weak Leg Muscles and Using Toes More to Walk?

Brian Tiburzi

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 …

Electrical Stimulation in Treating Polio Survivors

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I had polio in May 1951 at the age of eleven months. I used long leg braces and crutches to ambulate. I started experiencing fatigue and muscle pain in my shoulders and lower back when I was about 50 years old. I started using a scooter occasionally and gradually transitioned to a power wheelchair full-time when I started having …

Is it Possible for Post-Polio Syndrome to be Causing Shortness of Breath?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I am 83 and had polio when I was 6, affecting my right leg. I received the Sister Kenny treatment in St Michael’s Hospital in Newark, NJ in the spring of 1942. My leg is 1/2 inch shorter and one of my quad muscles and my calf atrophied. I have led a pretty normal life with one weak leg. …