Do people who had polio get it again? Is there any help?
Dr Christiane Laberge, GP and television medical commentator explains this little-known syndrome.
Thousands of Quebecers who contracted polio are at risk of developing Post-Polio Syndrome, or may already suffer from it unknowingly. This little-known syndrome is the subject of a new video released today by the Polio Québec Association.
Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) appears in a large proportion of people who contracted paralytic polio, after at least 15 years of stability. It can take the form of increased fatigue, new muscle weakness and new pain. PPS is often overlooked because its symptoms are similar to those caused by aging.
A large number of people who have had polio do not know about PPS, a syndrome that has only received greater attention from the medical community since the 80’s. Still, health professionals today are generally not aware PPS symptoms and its recommended treatments.
The video released today presents polio and PPS to the public through the words of Dr Christiane Laberge, General Practitioner and regular health commentator on television and radio programs. Also featured are four individuals who had polio, each with a different story and background.
This launch is the first step in a communication strategy designed to raise awareness in the public, those at risk of developing PPS and their families as well as health professionals. People at risk include not only individuals who had polio in Québec, but also those who have settled here from other countries where they contracted polio more recently.
Pending financing, in 2015 Polio Québec plans to launch an e-learning module for health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses.
The video is available in French and English (subtitles) on www.polioquebec.org.
Doris in Michigan, USA
I had 2 of the 3 types of Polio when I was 12, and because there was no vaccine yet, none of the physicians in our town thought to do anything except leave liquid medicines and pills, but since my throat was paralyzed, I could not swallow a drop of anything. When I was finally taken to a hospital, a lumbar puncture proved I had polio, and I was put in a room with an iron lung in the corner, but never had to be put in it (because my mother had given me an enema the night before I was taken to the hospital, and she said she never saw or smelled so much poison leave a body in her life!). I was then put in the hospital’s quanset-type outdoor buildings, for 2 weeks, where my legs were immobilized. When home, I gradually gained strength and lived a normal life until about 15 years ago, when I started stumbling and falling, and saw that I had suddenly lost all the muscle in my left leg, so that it looked like a straight stick! Several doctors wanted me to accept a brace, but I insisted on trying physical therapy first, and it restored at least 85% of the lost muscle in my left leg. I continue to work on exercises and balance, happy that I did not accept the brace; if I had, I’m sure I would have been in a wheelchair by now. I think I am fortunate that the PT worked, as another friend tried it, but it did not work for her. Therefore, I think “timing” is important. At a recent check-up with my Polio doctor, I learned that nothing yet has been found to restore the synapses that have been lost over time. Keep up your valued work!
Stephen Pate
Thank you for your story. Every body reacts to polio differently. Your experience is fascinating.