The Polio Paradox: What You Need to Know

by Richard L. Bruno

Outlining a program equally useful for those suffering from CFS, fibromyalgia ME, or post-polio sequelae, The Polio Paradox enables patients to overcome the emotional issues surrounding the disease and begin a helpful regimen of long-term self-care. Using simple diagrams and illustrations, along with plenty of references to medical studies the world over, Dr. Richard Bruno has written a straightforward guide that deals with both the physical and social concerns these illnesses raise.

The first section of the book outlines the recent history of the poliovirus, and how it affected, and continues to affect, several generations. From childhood agonies to adult experiences of extreme fatigue that worsen when patients attempt to stay active, every stage is examined, with a special focus on both how the virus works and how surviving the disease often resulted in a host of social stigmas. In blunt, often humorous prose, Bruno outlines recommendations to aid in dealing with recurring symptoms.

Admonishments like "walls, furniture, and spouses are not assistive devices" and "brake before you break" are aimed at helping patients develop a reasonable exercise program in combination with curtailing exhausting activities and gaining an understanding of how to live with a chronic, potentially debilitating illness. Supplying both a historical perspective and a healthy dose of practical support, Bruno offers an excellent and thorough introduction to the world of post-polio management. --Jill Lightner

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

368 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Denise Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poliomyelitis a terrible decease.

I had polio at the age of two. This book explained a lot of things going on in my body that I didn't know. I will read this book over and over again.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really informative book. It was so easy to read and follow, that I read it in a day. I would recommend this read to anyone interested in learning all about polio. I originally intended to use this book only to learn about the after effects of polio, but it provided great use for my entire purpose for reading. I also enjoyed reading the real-life stories of former polio patients and their experiences. Excellent book, loaded with detailed information you can't always find online.

[Deb Garretson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute necessity for anyone who had polio or think they might have. It is a no nonsense guide for understanding the late effects of polio and how to take care of yourself. Every post-polio patient should consider giving copies to their doctors and family members to help them better understand this condition.

[Libby Stott · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you or a loved one had polio--or was even exposed to it--years ago, you ought to read this. Polio never really disappears, and it can recur with a vengeance decades later. And a lot of doctors aren't familiar with this condition.

[Moz Copestake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a recent book, published post covid pandemic. It shows a lot of insight into Post Polio Syndrome and current thinking. ideas are still pretty dynamic as survivors and the medical profession learn more about the condition, which has only really been more widely recognised this century.
"Use it or lose it thinking" is being replaced, or at least accompanied by "Conserve to preserve". I am a British polio survivor from 1953 and found many useful nuggets in this book. The main problem I had is that it is written very much from an American perspective, fair enough for an American author and, ultimately, we are all in the same boat making comparable journeys. However, the impact of Privatr Health Care vs our Free National Health Care is radical. it makes me appreciate how lucky we Brits are.
I found it most useful as I spent almost fifty years leading a fairly 'normal' life. Okay, I had a limp and wasted left leg. Then, as I got beyond my sixties the PPS symptoms kicked slowly in and have been accelerating ever since. I needed to find out more about the condition. This was great for both me and my wife/carer.
One thing I should mention is that the Kindle edition is not what you normally expect from Kindle. Small type that can't be readily adjusted, no progress details like percent read, no ability to drill down into dictionaries or Wiki. Don't be put off by the number of pages, there are really less than 200 reading pages with the rest being picture archives and acknowledgements. I can recommend for anyone wanting to learn where PPS stands in the 2020s.

[Rita Hosey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every healthcare professional should read this book. Polio was a virus that went away years ago, and can silently creep up on those who had it and conquered it as children. As adults, those who survived now can suffer from Post Polio Syndrome. This book also prompts reflection on the importance of immunizations and health care research. All are at risk in these times.

[Greenstar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reality can be depressing

The book is definately dated but worth the read, not a happy book ,that is for sure. I was looking for helpful medical information but other than resting and not pushing yourself too hard , there really isnt any.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Uncovering the hidden history of polio to understand and treat PPS”
Heavy going but thorough and informative

We have ordered the “hard” copy of this which will be easier to read than the Kindle version. I think you need to skim, skip and browse as it becomes brain befuddling to read from cover to cover. It was a little overloaded with anecdotal referencing for me.

Below is some pertinent information copied from the post polio newsletter :

What are Post-Polio Sequelae
“Post-Polio Sequelae (PPS, Post-Polio Syndrome, The Late Effects of Poliomyelitis) are the unexpected and often disabling symptoms -- overwhelming fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, heightened sensitivity to anesthesia, cold and pain, as well as difficulty swallowing and breathing -- that occur about 35 years after the poliovirus attack”

Is there treatment for PPS
Yes. Polio survivors need to ''conserve to preserve,'' conserve energy and stop overusing and abusing their bodies to preserve their abilities. Polio survivors must walk less, use needed assistive devices -- braces, canes, crutches, wheelchairs -- plan rest periods throughout the day and stop activities before symptoms start. Also, since many polio survivors are hypoglycemic, fatigue and muscle weakness decrease when they eat protein at breakfast and small, more frequent, low-fat / higher-protein meals during the day.

What can family, friends
Polio survivors have spent their lives trying to act and look ''normal.'' Using a brace they discarded in childhood and reducing overly-full daily schedules is frightening and difficult. So, friends and family need to be supportive of life-style changes, accept survivors' physical limitations and any new assistive devices. Most importantly, friends and family need to be willing to take on taxing physical tasks that polio survivors may be able to do but should not do. Doctors, friends and family need to know about the cause and treatment of PPS and listen when polio survivors need to talk about how they feel about PPS and lifestyle changes. But friends and family shouldn't take control of polio survivors' lives. Neither gentle reminders nor well meant nagging will force polio survivors to eat breakfast, use a cane or rest between activities. Polio survivors need to be responsible for caring for their own bodies and ask for help when they need it.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets an extra star because of its meaning to me personally. This fascinating study of how and what polio did and is doing today. It describes my mother's experience exactly and she has evangelized its message to many doctors and physical therapist: a one woman missionary force.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information for survivors of polio.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful to understand the context of the origional virus as well as the current conditions of "post polio". I would recommend to anyone that is touched by polio to read

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the details I've been missing for 40 years - great overview of the disease and its consequences

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

should have read this earlier....explains a lot about my life.

[M A Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Answers all my questions and completes the puzzle of the sequel.