Post-Polio Health Care Considerations for Families and Friends

Joan L. Headley, MS
Post-Polio Health International, St. Louis, Missouri

Frederick M. Maynard, MD
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marquette, Michigan

WITH

Stephanie T. Machell, PsyD
International Rehabilitation Center for Polio, Framingham, Massachusetts

Holly H. Wise, PT, PhD
Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina

Introduction

"My father is in the hospital slowly recovering from prostate cancer surgery. The physical therapist tells us he 'should be walking' by now. As a kid growing up, I knew his limp was from polio but he never talked about it. I need to learn about polio. I am embarrassed to say, but I don't know anything about it. Is his polio causing problems after all these years?"

"My sister choked on some food, passed out and is in the hospital with a tube down her throat (intubated) so she can breathe. What information should I give the physicians so we are sure they understand how having had polio could affect her recovery."

"My mother is in the ICU after a heart attack. When I first saw her, I didn't recognize her. She always took control of her own health issues (and didn't trust physicians much). I recall her saying that most physicians don't know polio. How can I be sure she is getting the best treatment?"