PPS Patient Checklist
The International Polio Network in St. Louis, developed the following checklist to help patients recognize the symptoms of post-polio syndrome (PPS). Case managers should urge patient’s who check off the first item on the list and any one of the subsequent items to see their physician. (For further discussion of post-polio syndrome, see resources on p. 215.)
- I have had polio in the past.
I now have:
- unaccustomed "general fatigue," or a feeling of total exhaustion.
- "muscle fatigue," or a rapid tiring of the muscles that increases with exercise and improves with rest.
- new muscle weakness which may include muscles originally affected by polio infection, as well as muscles seemingly unaffected at the time of original infection.
- pain in my muscles or joints.
- breathing or swallowing difficulties.
- increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
- a decline in my ability to perform basic daily activities, such as climbing up stairs or bathing.
- difficulty sleeping.
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