2007 Annual Conference deemed successful by attendees 

The Post

Polio Support Group

of Maine

674 Hallowell- Litchfield Road

West Gardiner, Maine 04345

 

 

 

 

Polio Update

Winter

2007-2008

In Dr. Dorothy Woods Smith’s talk, she explained that at the initial onset of polio, viral damage to the nervous system occurred when the virus selectively settled in the central nervous system, affecting the anterior horn (motor) cells.  Some level of recovery was realized through the surviving cells sending “sprouts” to keep muscles functioning.  Now, many are experiencing increased pain, weakness, fatigue and other symptoms.  How do we respond to the changes occurring?  At first, we were encouraged through “no pain, no gain”, but that is the wrong treatment now.  “Conserve it to preserve it” became the catch phrase, and now, Dr. Smith stated that we need to be good to ourselves.

In explaining spirituality, she stated that in her research she found many different beliefs.  In general, she found that it is something intangible, guiding, and dependable.  Polio survivors were found to place a greater significance in spirituality than in the control group who did not have polio.  She suggested that we go beyond the body’s emotions and think about the spirit.  Observe the “younger you and reflect on positive moments”.  She believes that the spirit can be part of healing, changing and adapting.

             Dr. William Collinge discussed the multi-systemic affects of the whole person.  In the treatment of various medical conditions, each individual may respond differently to a variety of interactions.  These include: 1) surgery, 2) drugs, 3) herbal medicines, such as green tea, 4) nutritional medicine, 5) lifestyle & behavior (caregivers may experience as much or more stress than the patient), 6) mind-body medicines, such as deep relaxation, prayer, music, 7) energy medicine, such as Therapeutic Touch, and 8) manipulative therapies, such as massage.  Through the use of a deep breathing exercise, he showed us at least one type of relaxation exercise.

             Dr. Collinge mentioned that recent research on fibromyalgia is finding that there appears to be a malfunction in the central pain processing of the central nervous system, and it is not necessarily triggered by muscle trauma.  However, long-term stress on the body may contribute toward the onset of fibromyalgia.  Pain is symmetrical—widespread and in all four body quadrants.  There is often sensory amplification to noises.

(Editor’s Note:  In the Arthritis Foundation’s website (www.arthritis.org), fibromyalgia is defined as “not truly a form of arthritis because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles or other tissues”, but it is “considered a rheumatic condition because it impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain.”  Pain symptoms are widespread, often with stiffness in the morning, and may come and go and travel throughout the body.  Fatigue can limit mental and physical activity.  Often, there are interruptions in deep sleep, leaving a tired feeling when waking.  Other effects may include:  frequent tension and/or migraine headaches, trouble with short-term memory and attention span, abdominal pain and bloating, dry eyes, sensitivity to loud noises, pain around the jaw joint (TMJ), night sweats, allergy-type symptoms such as nasal congestion and rhinitis, restless leg syndrome and urinary frequency.  All of these symptoms may be symptoms of other medical conditions, and must be checked.                                           (continued on next page)

There is no clear-cut test to determine fibromyalgia, but two standards are typically used:  1) a history of at least 3 months of widespread pain on both sides of the body and above and below the waist, and 2) pain in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites on the body.  It is important to note that not all people with fibromyalgia will meet these criteria standards. 

Treatments may include medications, education, relaxation, nutritional changes, exercise and sleep management.  It is estimated that 2% of the US population may be affected, with more women (3.5%) than men (1/2%) diagnosed.  As mentioned in an earlier Polio Update, those with post polio syndrome appear to have a higher incidence of fibromyalgia than others.  If you are experiencing many of the symptoms noted above, it may be worthwhile to see a health professional to determine if you also have this syndrome, and obtain appropriate treatment for you.