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Dr. Richard Bruno, HD, PhD.
Director, International Centre for Polio Education and author of The Polio Paradox
Hosts The Harvest Center’s Post-Polio Coffee House
We share his Tips and Tidbits of PPS information as he shares them online. Every issue of Bruno "Bytes" is available in PDF format at the bottom of this page. Feel free to print and share these with other survivors.
Dr. Richard Bruno, HD, PhD.
Director, International Centre for Polio Education and author of The Polio Paradox
Hosts The Harvest Center’s Post-Polio Coffee House
We share his Tips and Tidbits of PPS information as he shares them online. Every issue of Bruno "Bytes" is available in PDF format at the bottom of this page. Feel free to print and share these with other survivors.
Bruno Bytes - September, 2018
We did not publish Bruno Bytes in August, as we prepared to publish the ENCYCLOPEDIA of Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae
We did not publish Bruno Bytes in August, as we prepared to publish the ENCYCLOPEDIA of Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae
On the topic of Audio Books (9/1/2018)
Original Post: I've been a life-long reader, but several years ago could no longer easily get to the library or carry books after checking them out. My librarian suggested that I apply to the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. I did, and after approval have continued to enjoy "reading" audio books.
Currently, books are digital and can be dowloaded by members to flash drives, but can also be ordered and sent to you on (digital) cassette. The digital player and the books are provided free of charge to approved members. This is not a widely advertised service, so I thought there might be persons in this group who were unaware of it. Just search for "nlsbard.loc.gov" for eligibility and application. Also most local libraries have a download service for library card holders - also free. You can "check out' books to read on your mobile devices. The free apps I use are Overdrive or Libby. You just need a library card to use them. Neither of these programs is difficult to learn, so I hope you will try them out.
On the topic of Getting Polio a Second Time (9/10/2018)
Question: If we have had polio can we get it again ?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: There are THREE types of poliovirus. You can "get" polio 3 times: From the Type I, Type II and Type II polioviruses.
Additional Post: So does that mean that someone who is traveling to one of the presently impacted countries should consider getting vaccinated for types 2 and 3?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Everyone (even polio survivors) need to be vaccinated if they are going to places where Polio is still active.
On the topic of PPS and Muscle Spasms being Fibromyalgia (9/11/2018)
Original Post: Is there a connection between PPS and fibromyalgia? I had polio in 1947 and have now developed painful neck spasms which four different doctors have called "stress". Nothing seems to help except Extra-strength Tylenol, which is just temporary.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: “Fibromyalgia” is just a fancy name for muscle spasm pain, as you describe. Stress, overuse and painful posture – plus pinched nerves – cause muscle spasm and pain. The cause of spasm and pain should be diagnosed before your symptoms get a “fancy name” and you're sent away with Tylenol.
On the topic of the Encyclopedia of Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae (9/15/2018)
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: A Message from Dr. Richard L. Bruno:
During the past 36 years I've written three books and more than 600 articles, book chapters, monographs and commentaries about polio and the cause and treatment of Post-Polio Sequelae. This work was done for the medical community and, more importantly, for polio survivors. Most of the medical journal articles, chapters and monographs have been uploaded into the Post-Polio Library on the International Centre for Polio Education website at postpolioinfo.com.
More than 500 commentaries (often answers to questions from our Post-Polio Coffee House members on Facebook have been expanded, edited and uploaded to the Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network “Bruno Bytes” page by their volunteer team. But about one-third of my articles, with important information for polio survivors and their families, have been sitting on my computer, just gathering electrons. That ends here.
The International Centre for Polio Education and Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network have partnered to update, edit, then index and upload for easy retrieval and reading, everything I've written on polio and PPS to this new Internet based
ENCYCLOPEDIA of POLIO and POST-POLIO SEQUELAE (www. papolionetwork.org/encyclopedia.html)
This Encyclopedia will be updated with new articles and commentaries on a regular basis to make sure that the post-polio community has the latest information about the cause and treatment of PPS.
I can never adequately thank Carol Ferguson and the Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network for taking the lead in providing information for the world’s polio survivors, for tirelessly editing and indexing my writings and providing a home for the ENCYCLOPEDIA. So, to the world's estimated 15 million-plus polio survivors: Read on!
On the topic of “Finding” words (9/16/2018)
Original Post: Word Loss / Polio Brain - I've read all or most of what's come my way about this topic.
It's becoming one of the most embarrassing aspects of PPS. I look to my dear husband in desperation who scrambles to complete my sentence for me. I find that with me - it's almost always nouns I forget.
Additional Post(s):
There are two articles on this topic in the articles section of the Encyclopedia of Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae
On the topic of “Twitching” and Restless Legs (9/24/2018)
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME TRIGGERS...
Note that even THIS article mistakenly lists "twitching" as an RLS symptom. But note these triggers:
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience twitching and discomfort in the legs, usually during the evening and night time hours. “The feeling is usually accompanied by a strong urge to move your legs, to keep them active and lessen the uncomfortable sensation,” says Jacqueline Chang, MD, a pulmonologist in BIDMC's Sleep Disorders Clinic.
The complete article is available HERE
https://www.newswise.com/articles/view/700909/?sc=mwhn
Original Post: I've been a life-long reader, but several years ago could no longer easily get to the library or carry books after checking them out. My librarian suggested that I apply to the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. I did, and after approval have continued to enjoy "reading" audio books.
Currently, books are digital and can be dowloaded by members to flash drives, but can also be ordered and sent to you on (digital) cassette. The digital player and the books are provided free of charge to approved members. This is not a widely advertised service, so I thought there might be persons in this group who were unaware of it. Just search for "nlsbard.loc.gov" for eligibility and application. Also most local libraries have a download service for library card holders - also free. You can "check out' books to read on your mobile devices. The free apps I use are Overdrive or Libby. You just need a library card to use them. Neither of these programs is difficult to learn, so I hope you will try them out.
On the topic of Getting Polio a Second Time (9/10/2018)
Question: If we have had polio can we get it again ?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: There are THREE types of poliovirus. You can "get" polio 3 times: From the Type I, Type II and Type II polioviruses.
Additional Post: So does that mean that someone who is traveling to one of the presently impacted countries should consider getting vaccinated for types 2 and 3?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Everyone (even polio survivors) need to be vaccinated if they are going to places where Polio is still active.
On the topic of PPS and Muscle Spasms being Fibromyalgia (9/11/2018)
Original Post: Is there a connection between PPS and fibromyalgia? I had polio in 1947 and have now developed painful neck spasms which four different doctors have called "stress". Nothing seems to help except Extra-strength Tylenol, which is just temporary.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: “Fibromyalgia” is just a fancy name for muscle spasm pain, as you describe. Stress, overuse and painful posture – plus pinched nerves – cause muscle spasm and pain. The cause of spasm and pain should be diagnosed before your symptoms get a “fancy name” and you're sent away with Tylenol.
On the topic of the Encyclopedia of Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae (9/15/2018)
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: A Message from Dr. Richard L. Bruno:
During the past 36 years I've written three books and more than 600 articles, book chapters, monographs and commentaries about polio and the cause and treatment of Post-Polio Sequelae. This work was done for the medical community and, more importantly, for polio survivors. Most of the medical journal articles, chapters and monographs have been uploaded into the Post-Polio Library on the International Centre for Polio Education website at postpolioinfo.com.
More than 500 commentaries (often answers to questions from our Post-Polio Coffee House members on Facebook have been expanded, edited and uploaded to the Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network “Bruno Bytes” page by their volunteer team. But about one-third of my articles, with important information for polio survivors and their families, have been sitting on my computer, just gathering electrons. That ends here.
The International Centre for Polio Education and Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network have partnered to update, edit, then index and upload for easy retrieval and reading, everything I've written on polio and PPS to this new Internet based
ENCYCLOPEDIA of POLIO and POST-POLIO SEQUELAE (www. papolionetwork.org/encyclopedia.html)
This Encyclopedia will be updated with new articles and commentaries on a regular basis to make sure that the post-polio community has the latest information about the cause and treatment of PPS.
I can never adequately thank Carol Ferguson and the Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network for taking the lead in providing information for the world’s polio survivors, for tirelessly editing and indexing my writings and providing a home for the ENCYCLOPEDIA. So, to the world's estimated 15 million-plus polio survivors: Read on!
On the topic of “Finding” words (9/16/2018)
Original Post: Word Loss / Polio Brain - I've read all or most of what's come my way about this topic.
It's becoming one of the most embarrassing aspects of PPS. I look to my dear husband in desperation who scrambles to complete my sentence for me. I find that with me - it's almost always nouns I forget.
Additional Post(s):
- This happens to me much more when I am tired. Fatigue of any kind will increase the word finding problem.
- It happens to me a lot. My experience is that my internal voice is very clear, but verbalizing my thoughts can be impossible sometimes, almost seeming vague. I end up just being quiet.
- Stress and fatigue make it worse.
- Word retrieval was one of my earliest PPS symptoms. Addressing the pain and mobility issues, thereby lessening some anxiety, has relieved it a bit.
There are two articles on this topic in the articles section of the Encyclopedia of Polio and Post-Polio Sequelae
On the topic of “Twitching” and Restless Legs (9/24/2018)
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME TRIGGERS...
Note that even THIS article mistakenly lists "twitching" as an RLS symptom. But note these triggers:
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Too much caffeine or sugar
- Certain antihistamines and other over-the-counter medications (including stimulants, e.g., pseudoephedrine)
- Certain prescriptions such as antidepressants and anti-psychotic medications (e.g., dopamine blockers)
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience twitching and discomfort in the legs, usually during the evening and night time hours. “The feeling is usually accompanied by a strong urge to move your legs, to keep them active and lessen the uncomfortable sensation,” says Jacqueline Chang, MD, a pulmonologist in BIDMC's Sleep Disorders Clinic.
The complete article is available HERE
https://www.newswise.com/articles/view/700909/?sc=mwhn
Biography of Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD.
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"Post-Polio Fatigue" Log Here
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Complete "Bruno Bytes" from Previous Months
(In easily printable PDF format below)
(In easily printable PDF format below)
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
“Bruno Bytes” – How it all began
“Bruno Bytes” are published monthly, through a combined effort between Dr. Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD. (biography above) and the Pa. Polio Survivor’s Network. They are answers to questions posted in the “Post-Polio Coffee House” (on Facebook). This partnership began in November, 2014.
“Bruno Bytes” help to teach polio survivors, spouses, caregivers and health care professionals about the many and varied topics related to the physical and emotional issues associated with having had polio and managing PPS.
“Bruno Bytes” are for education only and any personal treatment plan must be determined in association with a PPS knowledgeable health care professional.
“Bruno Bytes” are published monthly, through a combined effort between Dr. Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD. (biography above) and the Pa. Polio Survivor’s Network. They are answers to questions posted in the “Post-Polio Coffee House” (on Facebook). This partnership began in November, 2014.
“Bruno Bytes” help to teach polio survivors, spouses, caregivers and health care professionals about the many and varied topics related to the physical and emotional issues associated with having had polio and managing PPS.
“Bruno Bytes” are for education only and any personal treatment plan must be determined in association with a PPS knowledgeable health care professional.