Living With Polio

Millions of individuals who had polio are living in all areas of the world. Survivors range in age from a few months to nonagenarians (in their nineties). Aftereffects vary greatly depending on the number and location of the nerve cells destroyed by the poliovirus. The challenge or ease of living with polio varies for each survivor, depending on the availability of medical care and rehabilitation opportunities, and their family and social support.

Advice, hints, explanations, etc., are categorized by topic and are searchable. The source of the material is identified.

Reminder: PHI’s post-polio.org and IVUN’s ventusers.org or ventnews.org features numerous articles to assist in living with polio.

Spirituality In Stillness: To Transcend, Transform, Then Transfuse

Spirituality: It’s Personal
Alison (Sunny) Roller, MA

Presented at PHI's 11th International Conference: Promoting Healthy Ideas (2014)

Definitions

Options When a Post-Polio Clinic Is Not an Option

Carol Vandenakker, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
University of California, Davis, Health System
Sacramento, California

Presented at PHI’s 9th International Conference: Strategies for Living Well (June 2005)

A. You must start with a good primary care physician.

1. Keys to finding a good doctor:

a. Look for a physician you trust and can communicate with.

CAM: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You

Barbara J. Duryea, MSN, RN, CPHQ
John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute
Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Presented at PHI’s 10th International Conference: Living with Polio in the 21st Century (April 2009)

Proven Energy Boosts

Carol Elliott, polio survivor

These are exercises that I find useful in bringing more energy into my daily life. These routines, practiced alone or in combination, have helped revitalize my daily challenge with PPS. Most of these stretches and gentle exercises can be done while seated. As always, check with you healthcare provider to be sure these activities are suited for your unique medical situation.

Pflex® (my new friend) and More and Physician Response

Carol Wallace, MEd, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Austin, Texas

I contracted polio in 1951 at age 5. Acute and rehabilitation hospitalization totaled two-and-a-half years with six months of iron lung treatment. Both my upper extremities and are paralyzed with only partial and weak right-hand motor function. As an adult, my forced vital capacity averages 48 percent. I require noninvasive mechanical ventilation whenever supine.

Opportunities to Participate in Research

NEW STUDY ON AFM AND POLIO A new study concerning acute flaccid myelitis (AFM... More

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Polio Place

A service of Post-Polio Health International