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We’ll bring it to you – safely, without links.
Dr. Richard Bruno, HD, PhD.
Chairman of the 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, along with an Index that covers each article by Subject. Feel free to print and share these with other survivors.
We’ll bring it to you – safely, without links.
Dr. Richard Bruno, HD, PhD.
Chairman of the 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, along with an Index that covers each article by Subject. Feel free to print and share these with other survivors.
Join us for Dr. Bruno's LIVE Webcast on September 15th. Details are available HERE
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Bruno Bytes - July, 2018
On the topic of Acupuncture for Pain (7/4/2018)
Original Post: Are there any benefits of acupuncture for PPS + fibromyalgia pain? My meds and cortisone injections aren’t giving me the relief I need and I can no longer take anti-inflammatories. I am looking for non-pharmaceutical relief.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: No one knows how acupuncture works and it doesn't work for everyone. I don't think it can do harm to a polio survivor. The only danger is that you won't be looking for the actual triggers for pain and rely on acupuncture – or drugs or herbs and spices – instead of seeing a rehabilitation doc to find and treat the source of the pain).
On the topic of Polio and High Blood Pressure (7/14/2018)
Original Post: Is there any correlation between polio and high blood pressure?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Our 1985 National Survey found none. However, low blood pressure and heart rate can be a PPS issue. The vagus nerve damage in polio survivors can cause a drop in heart rate and blood pressure and trigger fainting, especially in people who have fatigue.
On the topic of Opiods (7/16/2018)
Original Post: A doctor told me it’s not good for polio survivors to take medication for pain because pain’s telling you that you are overdoing. Masking pain allows you to keep over doing and cause more nerve damage. You shouldn't mask muscle pain -- or any pain -- that is telling you to slow down or stop.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: I am posting this article about opiates treating pain that is NOT due to muscle overuse. You don't treat pain from overuse with morphine or marijuana. You treat pain from overuse with LESS overuse! The only pain that is directly related to neurons failing is muscle pain caused by over using remaining, poliovirus-damaged neurons.
For the article - Click HERE
On the topic of the Drug Mestinon (7/17/2018)
Original Post: Can you explain the drug called Mestinon?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Mestinon is pyridostigmine, a drug that slows breakdown of acetylcholine, the chemical released by motor neurons to make muscles contract. Two well-conducted studies show Mestinon has NO effect on post-polio muscle weakness.
On the topic of Memory and Sugar (7/22/2018)
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: Thinking Improves With "A Spoon Full of Sugar." This study should apply doubly to polio survivors since our research found there was impaired attention and slowed thinking speed in polio survivors who had low, just barely normal blood sugar levels.
Sugar improves memory in older adults
Additional Post:
8 Best Fruits (and Fruit Sugars) for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
Every Day Health, By Maria Masters
When you're looking for a diabetes-friendly treat that can help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range, look no farther than the produce drawer of your refrigerator or the fruit basket on your kitchen table. Believe it or not, the notion that fruit is not safe when you need to watch your A1C is a popular diabetes myth that has been debunked again and again. Indeed, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), many types of fruit are loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber -- a powerful nutrient that can help regulate blood sugar levels and decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes -- according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The complete article is available HERE
On the topic of Medicare suddenly refusing payment for BiPap (7/23/2018)
Original Post: I have been using a BiPAP machine for 8 years. Medicare has been paying for the BiPAP and for the necessary supplies until recently. After paying for 10 months of the required 13 month rental of a new BiPAP machine, Medicare suddenly denied coverage claiming Post-Polio Syndrome is not a neuromuscular disease. I am appealing the decision and need documentation to support that Post-Polio Syndrome is indeed a neuromuscular disease.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Getting BiPAP has absolutely nothing to do with Post-Polio Sequelae being a neuromuscular disease. It certainly is a neuromuscular disease and the federal government recognizes that fact (See Social Security Ruling for Post-Polio Sequelae at postpolioinfo.com).
The question is whether you have a sleep disorder that requires BiPAP. It doesn't matter what causes your sleep disorder; all that matters is that you have documentation of the need for BiPAP. Your lung doctor really needs to send the letter into appeal the denial. But, it would be good to contact your congressperson and senators for help in overturning theMedicare denial.
On the topic of Medications for Sleep (7/27/2018)
Original Post: After being on Endep for 15 years my Doctor took me off as he says it is a bad drug. Now have trouble sleeping at night. What should I do?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Endep (Amitriptyline) is the oldest of the 2nd generation of antidepressants. It is an antihistamine, among other things, which is what helps you sleep. It is not a "bad drug." I hope you've had a sleep study to look for breathing issues or twitching that in fact may be the causes of your inability to sleep. We don't recommend sleep meds for polio survivors but focus on treatment of sleep disorders that are the cause of your not sleeping.
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Original Post: Are there any benefits of acupuncture for PPS + fibromyalgia pain? My meds and cortisone injections aren’t giving me the relief I need and I can no longer take anti-inflammatories. I am looking for non-pharmaceutical relief.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: No one knows how acupuncture works and it doesn't work for everyone. I don't think it can do harm to a polio survivor. The only danger is that you won't be looking for the actual triggers for pain and rely on acupuncture – or drugs or herbs and spices – instead of seeing a rehabilitation doc to find and treat the source of the pain).
On the topic of Polio and High Blood Pressure (7/14/2018)
Original Post: Is there any correlation between polio and high blood pressure?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Our 1985 National Survey found none. However, low blood pressure and heart rate can be a PPS issue. The vagus nerve damage in polio survivors can cause a drop in heart rate and blood pressure and trigger fainting, especially in people who have fatigue.
On the topic of Opiods (7/16/2018)
Original Post: A doctor told me it’s not good for polio survivors to take medication for pain because pain’s telling you that you are overdoing. Masking pain allows you to keep over doing and cause more nerve damage. You shouldn't mask muscle pain -- or any pain -- that is telling you to slow down or stop.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: I am posting this article about opiates treating pain that is NOT due to muscle overuse. You don't treat pain from overuse with morphine or marijuana. You treat pain from overuse with LESS overuse! The only pain that is directly related to neurons failing is muscle pain caused by over using remaining, poliovirus-damaged neurons.
For the article - Click HERE
On the topic of the Drug Mestinon (7/17/2018)
Original Post: Can you explain the drug called Mestinon?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Mestinon is pyridostigmine, a drug that slows breakdown of acetylcholine, the chemical released by motor neurons to make muscles contract. Two well-conducted studies show Mestinon has NO effect on post-polio muscle weakness.
On the topic of Memory and Sugar (7/22/2018)
Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: Thinking Improves With "A Spoon Full of Sugar." This study should apply doubly to polio survivors since our research found there was impaired attention and slowed thinking speed in polio survivors who had low, just barely normal blood sugar levels.
Sugar improves memory in older adults
- A small dose of sugar can improve memory in older adults, motivate them to work harder and puts them in a good mood when performing difficult tasks.
- Researchers gave participants a drink containing a small amount of glucose and got them to perform memory tasks – found improvements in memory, mood and level of engagement.
- Short-term energy in the form of raised blood sugar levels could be an important factor in older adults’ motivation to perform a task at their highest capacity.
Additional Post:
8 Best Fruits (and Fruit Sugars) for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
Every Day Health, By Maria Masters
When you're looking for a diabetes-friendly treat that can help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range, look no farther than the produce drawer of your refrigerator or the fruit basket on your kitchen table. Believe it or not, the notion that fruit is not safe when you need to watch your A1C is a popular diabetes myth that has been debunked again and again. Indeed, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), many types of fruit are loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber -- a powerful nutrient that can help regulate blood sugar levels and decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes -- according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The complete article is available HERE
On the topic of Medicare suddenly refusing payment for BiPap (7/23/2018)
Original Post: I have been using a BiPAP machine for 8 years. Medicare has been paying for the BiPAP and for the necessary supplies until recently. After paying for 10 months of the required 13 month rental of a new BiPAP machine, Medicare suddenly denied coverage claiming Post-Polio Syndrome is not a neuromuscular disease. I am appealing the decision and need documentation to support that Post-Polio Syndrome is indeed a neuromuscular disease.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Getting BiPAP has absolutely nothing to do with Post-Polio Sequelae being a neuromuscular disease. It certainly is a neuromuscular disease and the federal government recognizes that fact (See Social Security Ruling for Post-Polio Sequelae at postpolioinfo.com).
The question is whether you have a sleep disorder that requires BiPAP. It doesn't matter what causes your sleep disorder; all that matters is that you have documentation of the need for BiPAP. Your lung doctor really needs to send the letter into appeal the denial. But, it would be good to contact your congressperson and senators for help in overturning theMedicare denial.
On the topic of Medications for Sleep (7/27/2018)
Original Post: After being on Endep for 15 years my Doctor took me off as he says it is a bad drug. Now have trouble sleeping at night. What should I do?
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Endep (Amitriptyline) is the oldest of the 2nd generation of antidepressants. It is an antihistamine, among other things, which is what helps you sleep. It is not a "bad drug." I hope you've had a sleep study to look for breathing issues or twitching that in fact may be the causes of your inability to sleep. We don't recommend sleep meds for polio survivors but focus on treatment of sleep disorders that are the cause of your not sleeping.
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"Casual Coffee Moments"
Would you like to see Dr. Bruno in "action" ?
The Video from his 2015 Conference is available HERE
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"Casual Coffee Moments"
Would you like to see Dr. Bruno in "action" ?
The Video from his 2015 Conference is available HERE
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"Post-Polio Fatigue" Log Here
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Complete "Bruno Bytes" from Previous Months
(In easily printable PDF format)
(In easily printable PDF format)
2018
bruno_bytes__july_2018_.pdfBruno Bytes-July, 2018 (PDF)
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.