 |
||||||
| About PHI | EDUCATION | ADVOCACY | RESEARCH | NETWORKING | ||
Can You Help?
(continued)
ITEM CYH406
I am wondering if anyone else has pain like I do in my "good" arm. My physician found evidence of prior polio affecting the muscles and advised me to let the arm rest more and not to use it so much.
That is hard to do, since I can't reach with the other one above 90 degrees. He injected the shoulder six months ago for rotator cuff tendonitis, but the pain is in the deltoid and triceps area and severe at night.
I have tried everything and am scheduled for OT next week. I am an OT myself, and can't figure it out.
Follow up: I went to the doctor yesterday. I have a torn muscle (the deltoid) in my good arm, which I believe is from lifting a heavy sack of groceries over my shoulder. I should have known better, especially since I am a therapist. He did an x-ray to rule out rotator cuff problems and injected it six times. I finally had a good night’s sleep with no pain. Now I have to “let it rest” and start a strengthening program.
Now I have to re-think how to do tasks without using my left arm.
The lessons to be learned: 1) Don’t wait too long to seek medical help. 2) Don’t try to diagnose yourself like I did or attribute everything to the effects of polio or some other disease process you already have. The problems may be from something new.
ITEM CYH405
I am looking for artist and polio survivor Ann Adams. I have one of her drawings and I would like to know more about this talented woman." rojohousing@aol.com, posted 7-01
Response #1: Ann passed away on May 12th, 1992. But her artwork will live on in the hearts of the millions of fans who helped support her through the years. She was an angel loaned from above. Her mission was to teach all who encountered her beauty that no matter what happens, we must strive to be humble, observant, caring and creative. Dan Paulos, www.nmia.com/~paulos/annadams.html
Response #2: I also have a collection of Ann's pretty notecards and postcards, as well as other polio memorabilia from the 1950s. I have done displays and enjoy reading about other people, famous or not, who had polio.
Jann, Baltimore, MD, www.geocities.com/arojann.geo/poliopeople.html
ITEM CYH404
I am from the Philippines and moved to the United States two years ago. I contracted polio when I was 7 months old and never had any medical attention nor therapy. I never heard about post-polio syndrome until I got to the States. Now I am trying to get more information about polio and its late effects. I hope somebody will help me get started on this journey because I want to seek medical/professional help soon. I am 31 years old and hope that I still have time to start a family.
Roxane, Chickasha, Oklahoma, roxpalnov73@aol.com, posted 11-1-05
ITEM CYH403
I am a 56-year-old male who had polio at age 6. It was one of the most severe cases. After about 1-1/2 years of rehab I was able to return to school and be a boy again. About 15 years ago I stated having the late effects PPS. I had to stop working about 1-1/2 years ago. This past summer I found out I had Hepatitus C in the advance stages. I started the interferon treatments in October. I have lost about 15 pounds and the fatigue level has gotten worst. I have about 6 months to complete the treatment. The virus has been reduced to almost non-detectible. My question is with having PPS will I be able to recover some of my weight and muscles?
Gordon, Birmingham, Alabama, flashlite56@yahoo.com
ITEM CYH402
I'm having a problem with hypertension and getting it controlled with medications. I have very highly allergic reactions to all Beta Blockers, Channel Blockers, all new meds and some old. I can only take an old one, (Methydopa or Aldomet) currently and Lasix, splitting it in half and taking it every 6 hours. I'd like to speak with have anyone who has had similar problems. I truly need a pal to write to discuss these issues. I truly need help. Seems like I am at a brick wall.
Deborah R., Indiana, JDRDLR1234567890@aol.com
ITEM CYH401
I have weak neck muscles as a result of polio and now can only be up about 15 minutes at a time. The strain of holding my head up causes me to lose my concentration. I do not have pain, but feel this extreme pressure in my head. The neck braces that have been recommended result in my not being able to move at all and they make me lose my sense of balance. Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone in this situation tried botox injections? Please respond to Joan Headley at editor@post-polio.org and she will pass the message along to me.
Richard, Saint Louis, MO, posted 12-02
Response:
"I'm not sure what you mean by being "up" for 15 minutes. If you mean out of bed, rather than walking around, I may have a helpful suggestion. I have mostly upper body paralysis although I'm not particularly aware of neck problems. However, I do have an almost constant "skeleton ache" in my upper back and shoulders. I bought a recliner obviously meant for a large person about 2 years ago. I'm not sure of the brand name. I chose it for two reasons. It has a very easily worked mechanism and supports every inch of my 5'2" frame. I have found it to be the best thing I can do to relieve the skeleton ache – better than being in bed. I have successfully used my laptop computer while sitting in it and can see if one has use of arms and hands, other sit down chores could be handled. Hope this might be of some help to you."
Terry, Sequim, WA, tgross@usintouch.com, posted March 2003
ITEM CYH400
I am trying to provide fingernail care for elderly post-polio woman whose hand is drawn up into a fist and need advice. The fingernails cut into her palm. Adavan and 500 mgs of Tylenol have been no help in relaxing the hand or easing the pain. What can be used to get the nails cut without additional trauma?
Penny, Florida, posted 12-05
Response: I am assuming that the problem is due to a history of polio and that her hand is fisted from disuse, in which case, she may have significant joint stiffness and muscle shortening. If the tightness is due to contractures, using soothing heat modalities may allow the joints and muscles to slowly stretch enough to help with clipping the nails. This could be accomplished with warm water or with paraffin baths (a special mixture using mineral oil and paraffin). A splint to be worn over time may help maintain the increased range of motion and flexibility gained with heat and slow, sustained stretching. This will probably be best accomplished if you are able to have a physical therapist or an occupational therapist instruct you after they examine the person in question. Check PHI's Post-Polio Directory to find a physical therapist in your area or ask the closest post-polio clinic.
Holly Wise, PT,, PhD, PT Education, Rehabilitation Services, Medical University of South Carolina, wisehh@musc.edu