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

Richard L. Bruno (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An important contribution....A wealth of advice that will encourage anyone experiencing PPS to seek treatment."

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446690694
• ISBN-13: 978-0446690690
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #431,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the better self-help books I've looked at..., December 26, 2003

By 

K. L Sadler "Dr. Karen L. Sadler" (Freedom, Pa. USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Polio Paradox: Understanding and Treating "Post-Polio Syndrome" and Chronic Fatigue (Paperback)

My husband brought this book home from the newspaper, where they had put out on a table all the books that a variety of publishers had sent them hoping to have their books read by a reviewer. I am no newspaper reviewer, and I never had polio. But I've been interested in post-polio syndrome ever since I went into medical school and read some historical books on Salk, and papers on the re-emergence of problems for those people who had been exposed to polio. As someone who had rubella and who as a member of an internation deaf/HOH group where many had rubella, I can see significant similarities between post-polio and the possibility of latent impact of the rubella virus. So when my husband brought this book home, I read it.

I am always a little hesitant when doctors or Ph.D.s put many different diseases under an umbrella of one cause or one virus. This happened too much when AIDS emerged, and it continues to happen with diseases such as Chronic Fatigue syndrome. I did some checking into the papers of these guys and also the actual 'place' where Bruno helps those with post-polio (though it seems that there are current problems with their website and maybe the association of this group with the current medical establishment). If the information in this book is of worth, it is because not that all these diseases and problems are from the same cause (the polio virus), but rather because they are all manifestations of latent viral damage that can be taken care of in some of the same ways that Bruno suggests.

It is very apparent that most polio survivors, and indeed, many survivors of childhood illnesses tend to overdo and overuse their muscles and their neurons in order to make up for the deficits caused by their polio. It is also sensible that polio left so few motor neurons, that when a survivor makes it to forty years and they've been dependent upon a few remaining motor neurons and overworked them, that those neurons finally just give out. This has obviously been checked and rechecked in medical journals (the book gives the actual papers applicable in the back of the book so people can read them for themselves.)

I don't know if all of Bruno's tricks or suggestions will work. He is a humorous writer, one that can explain scientific information without being condescending. Some of the information he gives is just plain common sense. Some of the information needs to be drummed into the heads of polio survivors just because they keep trying so hard and in the process damage themselves more.

This is a worth-while self-help book for this group, and I strongly encourage those with polio to give it a glance. It may help, and it certainly cannot hurt.

Karen Sadler
Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here is a book that tells the truth about PPS, February 1, 2004

By 

Mary (Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Polio Paradox: Understanding and Treating "Post-Polio Syndrome" and Chronic Fatigue (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge is the key to empower you and survive once again, September 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Polio Paradox: Understanding and Treating "Post-Polio Syndrome" and Chronic Fatigue (Paperback)

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.