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Can You Help?
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ITEM CYH310
We have a survivor in our group, and he is having problems with his skin on his leg under his brace. It breaks out when he sweats, and it gets hot here in Montana … then in winter his leg freezes.
A. Tuss, ppsocm@yahoo.com
Response: Many times, those who wear braces tend not to wear some type of interface material to absorb perspiration. Thus bacteria build up on the interface/lining of the orthosis. When the sweat glands open up, the bacteria enters the pours, and thus, the outbreak.
Wear a clean undergarment (simple cotton stockinette) each day and the problem may clear up.
Also, a good cleaning of the inside of the orthosis will help. Using alcohol or a light thinner will really get the job done. Of course, when using thinner, it will need time to evaporate and dry.
Winter time is always a problem. Usually activity helps keep the circulation going. Non-activity outside is the worst. Not wearing the brace so tight in the winter may help with the circulation.
Weight gain while wearing the same KAFO can also cause problems with circulation. If a person has gained more than 15 or so pounds since the KAFO/AFO was made, then it may be a good idea to see the orthotist for a possible adjustment to allow for more room. M. Taylor, markt@med.umich.edu
ITEM CYH309
Polio at 2 years old 1937. No problems. Muscle and fatigue problems at age 60. All problems occuring on left side. Two brain lesions found accidentally at 65 years old. Wondering if brain lesions could be from polio. Present diagnosis fibromyalgia.
Ted, Ontario, Canada, tedsell@excite.com, posted 3-05
ITEM CYH308
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has had bulbar polio with paralysis of facial muscles (5th or 7th cranial nerves or ?) AND who also has obstructive sleep apnea. I am using nighttime ventilation and have trouble keeping my mouth closed while I sleep. Any suggestions? Sieglinde S., sstieda@sd42.ca
ITEM CYH307
I have an unusual problem that started six months ago. My left hand is noticeably white and my right hand on my "polio" side is noticeably pink. Both hands are the same temperature. I have had cancer. My physician does not have an explanation. Can anyone shed any light on this? If so, please contact me. mankey@charter.net, posted 11-1-05
ITEM CYH306
I am a polio survivor with post-polio difficulties and would like to see a study of post-polio and development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I thought that post-polio was the cause of my breathing problems, but I finally got a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure. I am currently on the lung transplant list. I wonder if there are other polio survivors out there who have other lung problems that have been misdiagnosed.
Sylvia, s1935@commspeed.net
ITEM CYH305
I had polio in 1940. Since then I have exercised regularly. I ride an exercise bike each morning, do stretching and go to water aerobics three times a week. I feel like this is helping me. I know that it is helping me to have a good mental attitude. My question is how do you know when you are doing too much or not enough exercising?
Mary, Chico, California, mpleahy@sbcglobal.net, posted 8-04
Response: PHI's Statement about Exercise for Polio Survivors, published in Post-Polio Health, Spring 2003, Vol. 19, No. 2, provides some guidelines for polio survivors. Other exercise-related articles can be accessed from the Past Issues by Topic of Post-Polio Health.
ITEM CYH304
Has anyone had experience with chiropractors? I have gone twice and it seems to make my symptoms worse. My family wants me to continue, but I want to quit. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Sharon, ssvanliew@msn.com, posted 8-04
Response:
As a member of PHI and a subscriber to Post-Polio Health, I would like to respond to your query concerning chiropractors. I have personally been to a number of chiropractors and have found that, as in all of the health care professions, dramatic variations exist among the practitioners and the types of treatments offered. Fortunately, I found an expert chiropractor in New York, Dr. Vittoria Repetto (212-431-3724), who treats patients with gentle chiropractic manipulation, applied kinesiology (muscle balancing and strengthening work), acupressure, nutrition, etc. The chiropractors who use multiple treatment modalities are known as "mixers" and offer a full range of health care practices, including nutrition, etc. I believe it is important that you clarify your goals when seeking chiropractic care. My personal results with my chiropractor during the last years have been outstanding. I have increased my walking ability and am much stronger due to nutritional supplements. Don't be discouraged; I went to many orthopedists, podiatrists, physical therapists and other chiropractors before finding a chiropractor that had the extraordinary knowledge and techniques to make a vast improvement in my quality of life.
Tammy R., New York, Tammy.Raum@Chase.com, posted 9-04
ITEM CYH303
I was wondering if anyone with post-polio has tried acupuncture for fatigue and pain.
T.M., whalco@hotmail.com
ITEM CYH301
The Polio Oral History Project, sponsored by the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio at Spaulding-Framingham (New Jersey) is currently interviewing survivors of the United States' polio epidemics. Of particular interest to the project are those who contracted polio before 1940 and the experiences of minority patients. For further information on the project, please visit www.polioclinic.org and click on "History" and then "Polio Oral History Project."posted 6-04
ITEM CYH300
I have been a polio survivor since 1953, when, at the age of five months, I became another case of many thousands to fall ill with poliomyelitis. Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, I married and raised my children and now as a grandmother, I find a world of paintings filling my home. I am one of several founding members of the Agassiz Artisan Gallery located in Agassiz British Columbia, Canada. I am now a published author with a book to be released on March 20, 2006. Nevaeh, an adventure story for young readers, is published through Publish America. Calling all Polio survivors and their stories and their art for new museum opening in Agassiz call me for details. Naomi O., Canada, 604-796-0687, ian_nai@shaw.ca, www.freewebs.com/paintingpolio, posted January 2006