Post-Polio Health, Volume 27, Number 3, Summer 2011 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD 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 …
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Rotator Cuff Surgery
Post-Polio Health, Volume 27, Number 3, Summer 2011 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD 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 …
Swelling of Legs
Post-Polio Health, Volume 27, Number 4, Fall 2011 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD Question: I had polio in 1940. With treatment and exercise I was able to live a “normal” life and taught school for many years. At age 50, I started having new weakness. I am now 79 and my legs have shown greater weakness. I wear a full …
Polio Survivor with Numbness
Post-Polio Health, Volume 27, Number 4, Fall 2011 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD Question: Do you know of any polio survivors who are experiencing numbness in their affected areas? I did some physical therapy recently for about six weeks using both sides of my body to improve the strength in my unaffected leg, and noticed that my left arm (the …
Usefulness of EMG
Post-Polio Health, Volume 28, Number 4, Fall 2012 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD Question: I have a question regarding differential diagnosis specifically utilizing electromyographpy (EMG, a test that measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction). I am 63 with a family history of stenosis. I have low back pain, sometimes radiating diagonally to the hip/thigh region …
Hernia Surgery and Edema
Post-Polio Health, Volume 28, Number 4, Fall 2012 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD 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 …
Cortisone? Surgery?
Post-Polio Health, Volume 29, Number 2, Spring 2013 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD Question: Several years ago my right ankle muscles gave out after a cortisone shot. I wear a brace to steady this leg. Now, after two bad falls, my left hip will need replacement. My current orthopedic physician wanted to give me a cortisone shot, and I …
Fatigue (Constantly Tired)
Post-Polio Health, Volume 29, Number 1, Winter 2013 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD Question: I had polio in both legs at age 10 in 1953 and was unable to walk for a year. With therapy and exercise, I pretty well recovered in one leg and can walk without help. How does fatigue affect people who have had polio? I’m …
Feeling Weak
Post-Polio Health, Volume 30, Number 1, Winter 2014 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD 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 …
Improve Muscle Function?
Post-Polio Health, Volume 30, Number 1, Winter 2014 Ask Dr. Maynard Frederick M. Maynard, MD 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 …