What are Post-Polio Sequelae (PPS)?
Post-Polio Sequelae (PPS) new fatigue, muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, cold intolerance and breathing and swallowing difficulty are the “sequel” to having had polio and occur in as many as 80 per cent of survivors of paralytic and non-paralytic polio. What causes PPS? PPS are caused by “overuse abuse.” Nerves that were damaged by polio and had sprouted have been overworked for 40 years and can no longer take the strain. So too, overworked muscles ache and joints hurt after decades of doing too much work with too little muscle support. Is PPS a progressive disease? No. PPS is neither progressive nor a disease. PPS are just the body growing tired of doing too much work with too few damaged and overworked neurons. What is the treatment for PPS? Polio survivors basically need to conserve energy to stop blowing their bodies “fuses.” Polio survivors must walk less, use needed assistive devices (a brace, crutches, a scooter), stop working before symptoms come on, and plan rest periods
