The Polio Paradox: What You Need to Know [Hardcover]

Richard L. Bruno (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002

Although the threat of polio ended with the Salk vaccine in 1954, many polio survivors are now experiencing the onset of post-polio syndrome (PPS), a complication with new but related symptoms such as chronic fatigue and joint pain.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Outlining a program equally useful for those suffering from CFS, fibromyalgia ME, or post-polio sequelae, The Polio Paradox enables patients to overcome the emotional issues surrounding the disease and begin a helpful regimen of long-term self-care. Using simple diagrams and illustrations, along with plenty of references to medical studies the world over, Dr. Richard Bruno has written a straightforward guide that deals with both the physical and social concerns these illnesses raise.

The first section of the book outlines the recent history of the poliovirus, and how it affected, and continues to affect, several generations. From childhood agonies to adult experiences of extreme fatigue that worsen when patients attempt to stay active, every stage is examined, with a special focus on both how the virus works and how surviving the disease often resulted in a host of social stigmas. In blunt, often humorous prose, Bruno outlines recommendations to aid in dealing with recurring symptoms.

Admonishments like "walls, furniture, and spouses are not assistive devices" and "brake before you break" are aimed at helping patients develop a reasonable exercise program in combination with curtailing exhausting activities and gaining an understanding of how to live with a chronic, potentially debilitating illness. Supplying both a historical perspective and a healthy dose of practical support, Bruno offers an excellent and thorough introduction to the world of post-polio management. --Jill Lightner

From Publishers Weekly

Bruno, chairperson of the International Post-Polio Task Force and director of the Post-Polio Institute, has made an important contribution to the available literature on post-polio syndrome (PPS). Since the early 1980s, many polio survivors who were diagnosed with the disease during epidemics that occurred before the vaccine became available (in 1954) have been experiencing serious symptoms of muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, excessive coldness and difficulty in swallowing. In an informed scientific overview of polio, the author explains how motor neurons, damaged during polio's onslaught on the body, have been overworked and are dying off, leading to PPS. Of great interest is Bruno's overview of the harsh manner in which medical professionals treated children with polio during the 1940s and '50s. Separated from their families, these young people were subjected to painful treatments that did not work and told that they should suppress their emotions, hide their disability as much as possible and overcome the disease by hard work and striving to appear normal. This resulted in a rash of polio survivors who became Type A overachievers who denied their own needs. Bruno's paradox is that this very Type A behavior is a hindrance to treating PPS, which must be managed by self-care, including slowing down physically, avoiding stress, accepting help from family members and utilizing assistive devices such as braces and wheelchairs, when necessary. Bruno provides a wealth of advice that will encourage anyone experiencing PPS to seek treatment. Included also is a helpful discussion of chronic fatigue syndrome and its relationship to PPS.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446529079
• ISBN-13: 978-0446529075
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.2 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,604 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Physical Impairments

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you have CFS/ME, you need to read this book!, July 8, 2002

By 

Joanne (Franklin,TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Polio Paradox: What You Need to Know (Hardcover)

After 25 plus years of questions about what in the US has ridiculously been labeled; CFS, The Post Polio Paradox truly explains even unusual and vague symptoms that I never would have connected to CFS. It all makes sense now. Though detailed, Dr.Bruno keeps it fairly simple. He really gives a 'from the heart' explanation of the trauma polio victims went through,and what many are experiencing now. Even those of us with CFS/ME, who though perhaps not 'diagnosed' with polio need to look into this in order to preserve our health, as we know it. I thank God for the patient/doctor interaction with a listening ear that has given Dr.Bruno the ability to really care for his patients,helping them, and share skillfully this terrific, realistic, informative book.

After this book I read "A Virus Within" by Nicholas Regush, which expanded even more understanding the "WHY?" of it all. Another must read for CFS/ME sufferers, or those who love them.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Saving, July 5, 2002

By 

"patcdy" (Cherokee Village, AR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Polio Paradox: What You Need to Know (Hardcover)

I am an RN with Post-Polio Syndrome and live in rural Arkansas. I did an in-service training on Post-Polio Syndrome for our small regional hospital and spent weeks accumulatiing research for the training. Then I ordered the "Polio Paradox". It contained all of the research material I had spent so much time collecting and much, much more. The article on "polio belly" was informative and well-written. I shared it with the gastroenterologist that is treating my "polio belly" and he was very interested. He had treated a number of folks with PPS and wanted to know the etiology behind the problems they were having.

Dr. Bruno has spent years conducting research, and taking surveys, and histories of polio survivors. His book presents this material in a non-threatening, readable way, yet clearly identifies treatment protocol and lifestyle options for the survivor and for the medical professional they deal with.

Most of us with Post-Polio Syndrome are acutely familiar with our health issues but resistant to lifestyle changes. Dr. Bruno helps with the choices we must make to continue to be independent, and he does it in a gently yet persuasive manner.

Dr. Bruno uses a wheelchair himself, though not as a result of polio. He is intimately aquainted with the challenges of disability and sensitive to the emotional needs of his readers.

Read it.............it might save your life!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightenment and empowerment of patients with PPS, June 11, 2002

By 

Doris (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Polio Paradox: What You Need to Know (Hardcover)

True to its promise this marvelous 340 page book is devoted to the enlightenment and empowerment of patients suffering from some eleven interconnected chronic neurological and allied disabilities. They range from postpolio sequelae, the late effects of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia to multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism and other chronic pain and fatigue syndromes.

I first encountered Dr Bruno's views on rehabilitation in the mid 1980s and immediately advised my young patients to adopt a regime of conserving energy and reducing stress, combined with simplification of work. The simplicity and feasibility of this approach has resulted in long term stability for many young people with ME/CFS now working successfully into middle age. Dr. Bruno's treatment programme for chronic fatigue has amply proved its worth.

Since that the 1980s Dr Bruno's team has amassed a wonderful series of ground breaking scientific papers which have, in the book, been successfully translated into common and often witty language for the benefit of our expert patients and busy doctors. THE POLIO PARADOX provides a wiring diagram and operator's manual for the chronically fatigued body and brain.

We are all learning and send our thanks for this gift to the founder and staff of the Post-Polio Institute at the Englewood Hospital and Medical Centre, New Jersey, USA.