The Polio Paradox: Understanding and Treating "Post-Polio Syndrome" and Chronic Fatigue

by Richard L. Bruno and Richard L. Bruno HD PhD

Book Overview

Polio is a disease of paradoxes, the major one being that although the threat of the ''dreaded disease'' ended with the Salk vaccine in 1954, many polio survivors are now experiencing the onset of ''Post-Polio Syndrome'' (PPS), new but related symptoms which may include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, intolerance to cold, and more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446690694
• ISBN13: 9780446690690
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

This book changed my life

I am a polio survivor and knew that I had one post-polio problem - swallowing difficulty. This has been getting worse for about five years, so I have searched for useful info on post-polio and found nothing until this book. As I read this book, I had numerous AHA! moments realizing that I had many other symptoms. Problems that I had been experiencing were suddenly explained to me. I have read and reread portions of the book, highlighted sections and forced all four of my kids and my husband to read these sections, so that they would understand what I was experiencing. My doctor also read the book and it has helped in my treatment. Every polio survivor should read this. Polio never goes away! I now understand that it is my constant companion and have been able to make many life style changes. Advice for those who did not have polio is not the same as advice for me. For instance, I learned that all the exercise that I had been doing to try to stay healthy was doing just the opposite. My doctor advised me to cancel my Curves membership and cut back on any activities that made me cold. I need warmth and rest, not cold and exercise. I was stunned, but feel better now.

This book is about ME.

I contracted paralytic polio back in the mid fifties and like evryone else, I got on with my life. However, along the way, I had many, many physical difficulties that were just put down to...arthritis, not excercising hard enough or some other 'condition.' These opinions all served to get me out of the Drs. office as soon as possible. Richard Bruno has written a book that, for me, has been revalational. He has answered many questions and has literally changed my life. I now, no longer have the mental fatigue and 'brain fog' that was so awful thanks to his information on how this disease damaged the brain. I bought a copy of this book for my Doctor because I know he will read it and has other patients like me that he wants to help. I am fortunate to have found a Dr. who comes from a country where polio still excists. As I go through life from here, I know there will be more questions but it feels great to know that there are people like Dr Bruno out there to guide me. This book is truly a 'must read' for anyone dealing with this syndrome.

Here is a book that tells the truth about PPS

Here is a book that tells the truth about PPS and in so doing frees us polio survivors to move from dis-abled to enabled. THE POLIO PARADOX is outstanding, advising and supporting polio survivors experiencing PPS. Dr. Bruno has written a remarkable work which reveals the full extent of the damage done by the polio virus and goes on to detail the physical and psychological traumas suffered by those who contracted the disease. The author's warmth and compassion shines throughout the book and will leave readers feeling cared about and empowered to help themselves cope with the symptoms of PPS. With great clarity Bruno dispels the confusion surrounding this sequel to polio and suggests a comprehensive treatment plan that will encourage and inform not only polio survivors, but also anyone experiencing neurological problems, including chronic fatigue.

Knowledge is the key to empower you and survive once again

Dr. Bruno's style of writing has humor and wit that makes his book easy to read and so interesting it is impossible to put down! It truly is the bible of polio survivors. Finally understanding what has happened to your body and learning your physical symptoms, that no doctor has ever been able to really treat, is the result of polio comes almost as a welcome relief. Polio survivors can begin to feel empowered as they learn how to manage their symptoms and rejoice as pain begins to melt away. You will want to read and reread as it is impossible to absorb the wealth of knowledge Dr. Bruno shares in his book. Buy several copies, one for every doctor you know and one for your family. All persons suffering from conditions of muscle weakness and fatigue will be empowered by Dr. Bruno.

This is the bible for polio survivors and disabled oldsters

Dr. Bruno's book is amazing! It explains the how and why and what to do about PPS fatigue, weakness and pain. Even insomnia and what we should eat. It's helpful not only to polio survivors but to anyone who has a long term disability and even people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am fortunate to have become Dr. Bruno's patient after I read the book and he spoke to the GBPPA and CFS support groups. So don't just take my word for it. Look at all the wonderful reviews for The Polio Paradox when it originally came out.