As soon as there are some news, they'll be found on this page.
April 31. 2001 PRYS Medical Update
From Dolores Light,
Chairperson Medical Education
Sunday April 29, our lawn had just been mowed and I began having shortness of breath. I thought, "Allergy", so I took a Benadryl. My shortness of breath became very severe very fast and I became dizzy and everything around me seemed to be in a dream world. My husband called an ambulance, (I must have really looked bad.) It was my first ambulance ride. On the ride to the hospital my breathing was a bit easier. They had put me on oxygen. When I arrived at the hospital I was nearly normal. It turned out several people were in the emergency room with the same symptoms as mine. It seems they were in close proximity of a freshly mowed lawn or weeds. We have had an unusually rainy 6 months in New Mexico. Weeds are growing that have been lying dormant for 40 years: Thus the culprit. I was the only one who recovered so quickly. The ER doctor said it was the Benadryl. But here is why I wanted to let you know my adventure. The doctor prescribed Benedryl 2 times a day for a week and Pepsid 2 times a day for a week. It seems the Benadryl blocks Histamine 1 and Pepsid blocks Histamine 2. I remember giving Pepsid to patients in the hospital for acid stomach especially after surgery. He said they are giving the combination to most of their respiratory patents that require an antihistamine. So, if it is not contraindicated, the doctor said it is a good idea to keep Benadryl and Pepsid together. Just remember that Benadryl will cause sleepiness so be sure not to drive or handle sharp objects afterward.
Be sure to ask your doctor. Oh, Sunday night I slept better than I have for some time. My head was so clear. I woke with clear nasal passage. That's a first for a long time.
April 15 2001 PRYS Medical Update
From Dolores Light,
Chairperson Medical Education
I was sent this information by my home page host and felt it to be of great importance to us. Even if we are not eligible for Medicare, we one day will be. This is an opportune time for those of us in the USA to make our voices heard. You can type in your zip code and you will be taken to a telegram form you can fill out and click sent to your representative (s) in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is free on line.
Congress is just now beginning the debate on modernizing Medicare. So now is the time to make YOUR view known to Congress BEFORE they make decisions that could affect YOU and YOUR Medicare benefits.
http://www.bettermedicare.org/email/
March 27 2001 PRYS Medical Update
From Dolores Light,
Chairperson Medical Education
What you should know about your medications, a guide for Polio Survivors
J.M.Walker Ph.D., PT,
AM Whelan, Phar. D, 1996
UK drug name version
Andrew Francis Forde
MRPharm. B.Sc.Hons
Originally written for Post-Polio Support (Inc)
11 Wyn Street, Christchurch 2,
New Zealand.
This is for your information - many medical professionals do not know PPS exists. You need to tell them you are a Polio Survivor and show them this. Check with your Doctor, Dentist and Pharmacist before changing any of your drugs.
Why You Should be informed: Medications (drugs), may be by prescription (Rx), or Over-The-Counter (OTC). As a polio survivor you should become an informed user of drugs because:
The drug effect may enhance post-polio symptoms while influencing the primary condition. Fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle irritability (cramps), ability to cough and clear secretions, anxiety feelings, may be increased so that your performance decreases. With increasing age the potential for interaction between drugs increases and this effect is often more severe. With increasing age individuals are more likely to be taking or be prescribed medications for a variety of conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, insomnia, indigestion, constipation, the list can go on and on.
Who is at greater risk?
Individuals with respiratory muscle weakness or paralysis
Individuals with weakness of the muscles of swallowing
Individuals diagnosed with Post-Polo Seqeulae (Post-Polio Syndrome)
Older individuals (over 65 years)
You may have experienced a 'full recovery', Grade 5, Manual Muscle Test of involved muscles and were unaware of any involvement of your respiratory muscles, however, research has shown that these so-called 'normal' muscles are not necessarily normal and may be supplied by only 60% of the usual number of spinal nerve cells.
What you should do:
Remember:
Taking fewer medications is better. It is no solution to use drugs and continue to abuse your joints, overuse your muscles. It is your responsibility to be informed about your medications so that you can monitor the side effects. When certain drugs are taken for a long time you can develop a tolerance so that larger and larger doses are needed. Physical dependency, addiction can develop from taking certain drugs, especially narcotic analgesics.
Drugs and Their Effects:
Alcohol is a drug. It may inhibit swallowing, decrease balance & cause falls, decrease muscle strength. Individuals with any respiratory weakness should avoid alcohol, especially before bedtime.
Laxatives (before medications try):
Firstly change your diet and drink more fluids. Get more exercise if advised by your PPS doctor.
Bulk forming stool agents, always with fluids (e.g. bran, Fybogel, Isogel) stool softeners, avoid long term use (e.g. Dioctyl capsules) stimulant laxatives, occasional use only (e.g. Ducolax & Ex-lax NOT recommended as treatment for constipation) Osmotic laxatives, occasional use only (e.g. Milk of Magnesia, Enemas (only use under medical supervision))
Cough Medicines & Expectorants:
May contain alcohol or a narcotic (e.g. codeine). These suppress coughing or loosen secretions. They also cause drowsiness, decreased coordination, may give a feeling of chilliness.
Antihistamines, Allergy, Motion Sickness Drugs:
E.g. Triludan, Dramamine, Piriton. These cause drowsiness and can increase fatigue.
These are the most abused class of drugs and long-term use can cause addiction. There are two classes:
Things to consider:
Can a pudendal, spinal or epidural anesthetic be used instead of a general anesthetic?
Avoid unnecessary elective surgery.
Appropriate use of analgesics helps to control pain.
Avoid use of analgesics helps to control pain.
Avoid taking narcotics, try aspirin, NSAIDs.
Protect your joints! Use a cane or other ambulatory aids. Wear your orthosis.
Try hot or cold packs, taking a shower, a bath, going to a pool to relieve muscle and joint pains.
Change your lifestyle, practice a work and rest routine.
Stimulants:
Avoid amphetamines some anticholinesterase drugs, e.g. pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Rx only), may influence fatigue level. Avoid over exertion, use a work-rest lifestyle. Antidepressants, Anti-anxiety drugs. One-third to one-half normal dosage may be adequate. Many of these drugs (benzodiazepines e.g. Rx only Valium, Librium, Lorozepam) are also muscle relaxants, sedatives and may increase fatigue, decrease strength. Barbiturates may be used for sedative, hypnotic or anticonvulsant activities.
Avoid drinks and foods that may enhance effect, e.g. Alcohol, coffee, especially at night and if you have respiratory muscle weakness. Seek counseling for feelings of depression. Join a polio survivors support group, become informed, involved. Seek out social contacts, go on outings, volunteer, play darts, play anything, get a hobby! Find a distraction.
In Conclusion :
This is only a brief review. Drugs taken for cardiopulmonary and other problems may have important interactions with polio related symptoms.
Only you can identify yourself as a polio survivor to your doctor, dentist and pharmacist - ensure they know what drugs you are taking, and become familiar with potential side effects.
Always remember, it is no solution to take medications and continue to abuse your joints and muscles; change your lifestyle and protect your joints and muscles FIRST.
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING OR CHANGING DRUGS
J.M.Walker Ph.D., PT
School of Physiotherapy
AM Whelan, Phar. D
College of Pharmacy
4th Floor, Forrest Building,
DAlhousie University,
5869 University Ave.,
Halifax, NS Canada B3H 3J5
March 19 2001 PRYS Medical Update
From Dolores Light,
Chairperson Medical Education
Last week I explained Free Radicals and the devastating effect they have on our bodies.
This week is the following:
Antioxidant Vitamins for Optimal Health
Encouraging healthful eating habits early in childhood is important for maintaining these habits in adulthood. The best way to get children to eat fruits and vegetables is to offer them often and to be a positive role model.
The Food Guide Pyramid guides us on the number of servings of fruits and vegetables to eat every day. Fruits and vegetables have been found to help prevent a host of diseases by providing essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, including antioxidants. While we all know it's important to eat fruits and vegetables, more than 80 percent of us don't consume the recommended 2-3 servings of fruits and 3-5 servings of vegetables each day. A registered dietitian can help you evaluate your eating habits and show you tasty and healthful ways to add fruits and vegetables to your daily eating plan.
What are antioxidant vitamins and why are they important? Our bodies are actually battlegrounds for infection and diseases. Normal body functions, such as breathing or physical activity, and other lifestyle habits, such as smoking, produce substances called free radicals that attack healthy cells. When these healthy cells are weakened, they are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids, which include beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, help protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals. The carotenoids Among the 600 or more carotenoids in foods, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are well-known leaders in the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals. Foods high in carotenoids include red, orange, deep-yellow, and some dark-green leafy vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Some studies have shown that beta-carotene may be an effective ally against prostate cancer.
A recent study found men with the lowest level of beta-carotene in their blood were at the greatest risk of developing this cancer. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, and carrots are all good sources of beta-carotene. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, is one of the most powerful antioxidants and appears to protect against many diseases, including cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum.
Another study showed that women with the highest levels of lycopene in their blood were five times less likely to develop precancerous signs of cervical cancer than women with the lowest levels. Lutein may decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration, the eye disease that afflicts one in three people over age 75. Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, and egg yolk.
Vitamin E: one main mission
Research has demonstrated the broad role of vitamin E in promoting health. For example, vitamin E may affect aging, infertility, heart disease, cancer, and athletic performance. The main role of vitamin E is as an antioxidant. It helps protect the body from cell damage that can lead to cancer, heart disease, and cataracts as we age. Vitamin E works together with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to offer protection from some chronic diseases. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, salad dressings, margarine, wheat germ, whole-grain products, seeds, nuts, and peanut butter. If you are trying to maintain a very-low-fat diet, you should seek advice from a registered dietitian to evaluate your diet to determine if you need a vitamin E supplement to get enough of this important nutrient.
Vitamin C -- an antioxidant workhorse
The most famous antioxidant is vitamin C, and its touted benefits are well known. Current research findings have shown that vitamin C may lower the risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases. In some studies, this antioxidant workhorse has helped lower blood pressure and cholesterol and has been shown to help prevent stroke and heart attacks. Still more benefits of vitamin C are being discovered. Researchers have found that people who suffer from asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease have lower levels of vitamin C in their blood than non-sufferers. To take advantage of these benefits, choose foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, grapefruits), sweet peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and potatoes.
Getting the optimal amount of antioxidant vitamins The best way to build a healthful eating plan is to eat well-balanced meals and snacks each day and to enjoy a wide variety of foods. Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily is a good start for healthful living. However, there may be circumstances that make healthful eating a challenge. If you are on a severely restricted low-calorie weight loss diet (less than 1,200 calories), or are of child-bearing age, or just don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement may be beneficial. Ask a registered dietitian or your doctor whether you need a supplement. A registered dietitian can evaluate your eating pattern and determine whether a supplement is right for you.
For more information
The American Dietetic Association/National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics. For food and nutrition information and a referral to a registered dietitian in your area, call the Consumer Nutrition Hot Line at 800/366-1655. This fact sheet is supported by a grant from BASF. Acceptance of this grant does not constitute an endorsement by ADA of any company's products or services.© ADAF 1998. Reproduction of this fact sheet is permitted for educational purposes. Reproduction for sales purposes is not authorized.
This is for informational value only, and doesn't represent the PRYS Foundation's views on this or any other medical statement. Please feel free to contact me if you have any medical questions I may be able to help you with.