Product Description
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, joint pain, and more. In his groundbreaking book, Dr. Bruno has sounded an alarming wake-up call for both doctors and PPS sufferers, including a large number who were originally misdiagnosed with something other than polio and can now pursue the medical help they need. By revealing how the physical and emotional treatment of polio in the past has exacerbated what we now call PPS today, THE POLIO PARADOX provides hope in the form of understanding and new treatment information for an entire generation.

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

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 25 reviews)

Post Polio Syndrome by cookiehha (NE OR)

4 Stars
December 12, 2007
In depth reaseach on post polio and related viral diseases. Must read if you or someone you know has this. Explains why you feel rotten and what to do about it.

The Polio Paradox by Nuki

2 Stars
March 27, 2007
Not a good first read. Mr. Bruno is depressing. I suggest Dr. Silver's book Post-Polio Syndrome, it is excellent!

Janet - It has enlightened my life by Janet M. Williams

5 Stars
February 21, 2007
I had polio at the age of 5. I was so much luckier than alot of Polio Survivors. I got Dr. Bruno's book from the library and read it and read it at least 3X. I have recently ordered the book through Amazon and I am so excited to receive it. He is an exceptional man, who writes so we can all understand. I will be meeting with Dr. Bruno and his team the end of March, I do not know where my new journey will lead me but I know that I will be safe and in the best of care. I recommend this book to anyone who has had Polio or has unexplained weakness, pain and fatigue everyday.

Life Changing Answers for Psychological and Physical PPS by Lynda Purdom (Mabelvale, Arkansas)

5 Stars
October 16, 2005
Reading this book I felt like someone had entered my life and could see my thoughts and frustrations. It was strange. It is so true- we were taught avoidance of the issue.As a nurse I learned about polio in the past tense, and had read few articles on PPS. I had seen polio survivors, even gone to school with a couple but never talked to them and when problems started did not even know who to talk to. Dr. Bruno covers just about every physical and emotional aspect-- now if I can just retrain myself to take care of me. I was able to go to the Clinic and meet with Dr. Bruno and he is as genuine in person as he seems in the book. All the built up anxiety came tumbling out in a rush-- because this book showed he has pulse on my life as a post polio patient and seemed to CARE!!. I think this book should be required reading for all in the medical field.

Like Maslow, Every Paragraph Grabs the Reader Who Suffers by C Thompson (Texas)

5 Stars
April 18, 2004
"Ah ha!" are the words I'd suck in as I read Dr. Bruno's book. After a year's research on my own, I found the PPS Institute and Dr. Bruno's book. Those of us who had Polio (or didn't know that "it" was Polio) only knew one thing - we were over it and had to get on with life and catch up ASAP. We had fear at our back door, and it pushed us onward, every minute of our lives. For me, after cancer, I kept thinking "Its just the chemo" but I had been told in 1982 I had PPS and "Use it or lose it" was the theory protocol, so I kept going like I was short in the back with a "22" fearing I'd lose some dendrite that would nourish a neuron, and the first symptom I had (in '82) would come back. Instead, I became worse - the results were what drove me to discover Dr. Bruno's book and go to the Institute: hundreds of falls, broken bones, lacerated head injuries, tripping for the past 50 years and feeling like a clutz, when I was known as the regional "Happy Tom-Boy" BP (before Polio).By the time Dr. Bruno told me to just "rest - chill for a few weeks" I had to do it; nothing else worked. It DID. I read the book again, and again...trying to find a glitch in his neuro-networking and neurology statements, but I couldn't. So, I did go to the Institute. Everyone who knows anyone who's had Polio, or any sudden onset illness, or even as my little sister, used to drip food out of her nostrils at age 2 (it was Polio - 1954), must read this book. Be prepared to talk to doctors - they must have PPS as part of their required CMEs NOW. Post Polio surivors can no longer accept mediocre care, and repeated anesthesia "accidents (as I did)." With or without insurance, humans have a basic right to respect and care. I had Polio - I knew I did - and the fears associated with going "back" into it were at times paralyzing in itself...thus I kept swimming daily - often for three hours and lifting weights, anything to avoid breathing problems again, or the horrid stiff neck, or ... seeing my arm next to me and not moving even when I yelled at it!Post Polio Paradox will give the reader the information needed to take to the medical professionals, and to educate themselves, and . . . gradually, safely, comfortably, change their lives from the fatalistic Type A personalities (which did get us through the horrors of Polio), but paradoxically - aptly put, can destroy us now. IF we are real, we will be able to see our 'worn' parts, accept them, and move on to another phrase in our lives - taking care of ourselves. "Polio Class of 1950"

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

	The Polio Paradox: Understanding and Treating "Post-Polio Syndrome" and Chronic Fatigue by Richard L. Bruno (Author) 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. In his groundbreaking book, Dr. Bruno has sounded an alarming wake-up call for both doctors and PPS sufferers, including a large number who were originally...
	Post-Polio Syndrome: A Guide for Polio Survivors and Their Families by Dr. Julie K. Silver M.D. (Author), Julie K. Silver (Author) This essential guide for polio survivors, their families, and their health care providers offers expert advice on all aspects of post-polio syndrome. Based on her extensive experience treating post-polio patients, Dr. Julie K. Silver discusses issues of crucial importance, including how to find the best medical care, deal with symptoms, sustain mobility, manage pain, approach insurance issues, and arrange a safe living environment.
	The Post-Polio Experience: Psychological Insights and Coping Strategies for Polio Survivors and Their Families by Ph.D., Margaret E. Backman (Author) Today many polio survivors are finding themselves with new symptoms reminiscent of the earlier days when they first had polio—new symptoms that trigger frightening memories, along with anxieties that had long been repressed. Dr. Backman, a Clinical Psychologist, examines polio survivors’ psychological reactions to their earlier experiences and to their current struggles with the late effects of polio. The Post-Polio Experience includes guidelines for polio survivors on: ...
	Polio: An American Story by David M. Oshinsky (Author) Here David Oshinsky tells the gripping story of the polio terror and of the intense effort to find a cure, from the March of Dimes to the discovery of the Salk and Sabin vaccines--and beyond. Drawing on newly available papers of Jonas Salk, Albert Sabin and other key players, Oshinsky paints a suspenseful portrait of the race for the cure, weaving a dramatic tale centered on the furious rivalry between Salk and Sabin. He also tells the story of Isabel Morgan, perhaps the most talented of all...
	Managing Post-Polio: A Guide to Living and Aging Well With Post-Polio Syndrome by Lauro S. Halstead (Editor)