Anesthesia and Polio Survivors

Scroll down for printable Anesthesia Warning Card and Symptom Checklist

Polio Survivors with Post-Polio Sequelae (PPS) often have all or some of the following symptoms:

  • EASILY SEDATED and can be difficult to wake

  • Can Have Difficulty BREATHING and SWALLOWING with Anesthesia

  • HYPERSENSITIVE to PAIN and COLD. 

  • May need a heated blanket and increased pain medication post-op

  • Additionally, Polio Survivors with Post-Polio Sequelae also experience:

    • Overwhelming Fatigue

    • Muscle Weakness

    • Muscle and Joint Pain

    • Sleep Disorders

    • Cold Intolerance

    • Difficulty Swallowing

    • Difficulty Breathing

    • Sensitivity to Anesthesia​

Related Resources:

  • Available in English and Spanish - See Below.

    • Click, Download, Print, and put it in your wallet. Unable to download? Email us: info@polionetwork.org 

      • Note:  This PDF Version for download will give a clear image ​when printed.

    • Unable to download? Send a stamped, self addressed envelope (US or Canada) to:

      • PPSN - Anesthesia Card, PO Box 557, Doylestown, PA 18901 (Note whether you want English or Spanish)

  • Thank you John Bach, MD, Norma Braun, MD, Richard Bruno, PhD, Selma Calmes, MD, William M. DeMayo, MD and Richard Rosenstein DO for your advice and support in this 2023 updated project.

​Anesthesia Warning Card

Symptom Checklist and Treatment Warnings for Polio Survivors

Anesthesia Warning Card for Download (English)

Tarjeta de advertencia de anestesia (español)

Anesthesia Articles & Resources:

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"I hope this will help people remember what it was like BEFORE the vaccine. It was an eye-opener for me to see how much advocacy comes from polio survivors.“

By the PA Polio Network

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