Bowel, Bladder and Gut Issues
Question: Dr. Bruno, I keep on trying to block out anything to do with the Polio . . . and I truly think this is not healthy. That being said, if I had any medical training, I’d look into the neuro pathways of the very few times that I felt the throat muscles give out when I was taking a sip of water; causing me to really choke. In addition, I’d research the very few instances that for about 2 to 3 days, my bowels just seem to get into a ‘funk’ and decide not to push what they should (like in a rhythmic sequence); but yet I’ll be in cramps with nothing moving until I gather up the courage to buy over the counter, what I seem to need. I’m uncomfortable bringing up issues like this at our Support Group. Deep down, I know it has something to do with the Polio.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: I think I get the gist of your question. It sounds like you are asking about the polio being related to occasional constipation and how to handle it. The polio belly article dealing with constipation is Slow Guts and Polio Survivors. You can find more information in the Encyclopedia of Polio and PPS . Look in the Index under the topics of Muscle Weakness and/or Bowel/Bladder.
With regards to not blocking out your thinking about past polio experiences or current symptoms that may be related to polio, I agree that that's not the best thing that one can do for their mental or physical health. This is where a good psychotherapist comes in handy so that you can discuss the underlying fear of just “thinking” about I hope this helps.