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Post-polio syndrome
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U | Shortly after, vaccines were
developed that greatly reduced its spread. Today,
hardly anyone in developed countries gets polio, and
the disease is well on its way to being eliminated
in developing countries, thanks to massive
immunization efforts with oral polio vaccine. But for some people, some of the initial problems
they had with polio are reappearing in a condition
called post-polio syndrome (PPS). The cause is
unknown, but new research is beginning to yield a
better understanding of this complex syndrome.
Self-care
Having to deal again with an illness you thought you had conquered can
be discouraging, even overwhelming at times. Recovering from the initial
illness required drive and determination on your part, but now the late
effects of polio require you to rest and conserve your energy. Moving
from one frame of mind to another can be a difficult switch, but in this
case less is more. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Limit
activities that cause pain or fatigue.
Moderation is key. Overdoing it on a good day can lead to several
bad days.
Be smart.
Conserving your energy through lifestyle modifications and assistive
devices doesn't mean you're giving in to the illness. It just means
you've found a smarter way to deal with it.
Stay warm.
Cold increases muscle fatigue. Keep your home at a comfortable
temperature and dress in layers, especially when you go out.
Avoid falls.
Get rid of throw rugs and loose clutter on the floor, wear good
shoes, and avoid slippery or icy surfaces.
Maintain a
healthy lifestyle.
Eat a balanced diet, stop smoking and decrease caffeine intake to
keep fit, breathe easier and sleep better.
Get support.
It's not a crime to lean on your friends and family for support. In
most cases, they're looking for ways to help you, and you can help
them by telling them how. You may even consider joining a support
group for people with PPS. Sometimes, just talking things over with
people who have similar problems enables you to better cope with the
challenges at hand.
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