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

​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:

Featured
Polio Network
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Polio Survivor Treatment Warnings and Symptom Checklist
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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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Non Invasive Ventilation with Norma MT Braun, MD (PHI Video)

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