| Health Issues |
| Post Polio Syndrome |
| I have a daily battle with a health syndrome known as Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). Most People have never heard of it. However, if you know someone that has had Polio, chances are you know someone that either has the syndrome now or will develope it in the future. It afflicts most Polio survivors years after the original onset of the Polio virus illness. It is only in recent years that the syndrome has been discovered and is now being identified. Many Post Polio Syndrome sufferers are not even aware that they indeed do have it, eventhough the symptoms are life changing and in many cases may be quite devestating. Part of the problem is many doctors are not familiar with, or have not even heard of the syndrome and therefore an incorrect diagnosis may be made. I had the experience recently of seeing a Cardiologist. He asked me if I had any other health problems of which I should make him aware. I told him that I had Post Polio Syndrome. His exact words to me were "What's That?". This is one example of how some members of the medical community are still uneducated about this particular health concern. However I am also fortunate to have a wonderful and caring Primary Care Physician who is willing to learn about the syndrome along with me. I hope the following links may offer some information to those of you that are either Polio survivors, know a Polio survivor, or are simply interested in learning more. Good information about PPS Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Post Polio Network Mayo Clinic Post-Polio Syndrome Pages |
| Meniere's Syndrome |
| I also have a condition named Menier's Syndrome. It is an inner ear condition that can cause the patient to hear 'ringing' and/or 'buzzing' noises. It also causes dizzy spells that can range from a quick minute of feeling a bit dizzy to severe 'room spins'. It is usually accompanied by bouts of mild to severe nausea during the dizzy spells. There is no cure, but there are some things that can be done with diet and medication that may help to lessen the symptoms. The medication that I take to help stop the dizziness when it occurs, helps, but it also makes me extremely sleepy and I have a difficult time functioning while medicated. So I only take it when I absolutely must. Below are a couple links that may interest you. Meniere's syndrome Page H & J's health page |
| Marfan Syndrome |
| My son was born with Marfan Syndrome. This is the genetic condition that is believed President Lincoln had. It causes the long bones of the body to grow disproportionately longer than the rest of the bones in the body. Marfan patients are typically quite tall and may have a 'lanky' look to them. It can also affect the eyes and heart, along with other areas of the body and can be quite severe. We are fortunate that our son seems to have a milder form of the syndrome. So far his eyes and heart do not seem affected by the Marfans. I hope the following links can be informative for you. National Marfan Foundation Stanford University Center for Marfan Syndrome |