PPS – Is it Progressive?

Question: I had Polio in 1950 at age 3. I was active in sports, outdoors activities and hobbies until about four years ago when PPS set in. Balance, weakness and fatigue issues progressed pretty quickly especially with my left 'power' leg. I went to a cane, then walker and then now a portable power chair. I feel like I've hit a period of stasis over the last 12-18 months. What happens with the periods of 'plateaus' vs. progressive deterioration of muscular capabilities? I realize now that my PPS prognosis factors heavily in our decisions over the next few years.

Dr. Bruno’s Response: I think you've answered your own question. Sixty-six years of being "Active in sports, outdoors activities and hobbies" has extracted a price, notably in your left 'power' leg. Your reduced number of remaining overworked, poliovirus-damaged motor neurons don't last forever.

The good news is that, when you started using a cane, then walker and now a power chair, you feel like you've hit 'stasis’ over the last 12-18 months. That stasis is a result of your using those devices and "Conserving to Preserve" remaining, poliovirus-damaged neurons. There is no separate process causing progressive deterioration of muscular capabilities; deterioration is caused by overuse abuse that you have stopped.

Listen to your body. It will tell you what to do. . . and not do.

Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD

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November 2022 Newsletter

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Muscle Pain, Post-Polio and the Importance of Being a Medical Detective