Friday, July 19, 2019
POLIO: FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD: SURGERIES
POLIO: FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD: SURGERIES: I have had 4 surgeries related to my polio. The first was tendon transplants on my wrists. These were not done at the same time. They wante...
SURGERIES
I have had 4 surgeries related to my polio. The first was tendon transplants on my wrists. These were not done at the same time. They wanted me to have one hand free.
Now here's a side note. Remember I had braces on both wrists. I learned how to write wearing those. I started out as right handed. Around 7 or 8 years old, I had the surgery on my right hand, I'm not sure how long I had the cast on. So cast on one hand brace on the other.
Learning to write with my left hand now. Time for surgery on left hand. No more braces after surgery so learning to write again with my right hand. Cast comes off my left hand. My writing was not great with my right hand, so I went back to my left and stuck with it. Can you count how many times I learned to write?
The surgery didn't work on my left hand, but it did on my right. So my right hand is stronger than my left.
This takes me to my 3rd surgery age 12. I don't know the name but it was on my right shoulder. They wanted to do something in my shoulder to help me to raise my arm. At this point I couldn't lift my right arm over my shoulder. They did the surgery put me in a cast that covered my front and back to my hips, the right arm was lifted shoulder high bent at the elbow. They cut a hole in my cast in an oval shape on the stomach area, so I could get some relief. It came in great when I was itching I could stick a pencil in there a scratch myself. I forgot to say they put a screw in my shoulder. I wore that cast for 6 months. It did not keep me down, I went to the beach during the summer, they did keep close eye on me didn't want me to fall in the water and get my cast wet.
When I got the cast off everyone waited to see if it worked. It did not work. I have no doubt today these surgeries would all work. As a matter of fact 12 years after I had the wrist surgeries I was getting ready to go to business college after graduating high school. I went for my physical the doctor there let me know they had made major strides in tendon transplants if I wanted to try again.
I said no, I have learned with God's help how to do everything my own way.
My last surgery I was an adult. I had 2 daughters 5 &6 years old. I had scoliosis. Which is curvature of the spine. It is not unusual for those who had polio to have scoliosis. After Angi was born it was suggested we not have any more kids because of my curve. When Angi was about 4, I had a minor surgery, when the ex ray was done they noticed my curve had gotten much worse. We actually had noticed me leaning to one side in the previous months. We would notice it in pictures. So I scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. I asked him what would happen if I didn't have the surgery. He said you would stop breathing. Because my spine would crush my lung. So we decided I should have the surgery.
I had the surgery at Kaiser Hospital in San Diego. What they needed to do was put a metal rod down my spine. During the surgery as they were pulling my spine away from my lung it punctured my lung. So now I have a Pneumothorax or punctured lung. If you've ever seen any medical shows where this has happened you see them insert a tube in your side into your chest cavity, to help inflate your lung. Let me tell you I was still under anesthesia the surgery was still happening, but when they put that tube in I was awake, the most painful thing ever.
Ok surgery is over. They tell Dan what happened and besides that everything went fine. So now not only am I dealing with my back wide open but also healing my lung. My back was open they didn't cast it at first, they had to make sure everything was healing. I was on a Stryker bed. Those are the ones that flip over so you are facing the floor. I don't remember how often they flipped me but it was several times a day. This took several nurses. I had so many wires and hoses hanging. They had to make sure they were out of the way before the flip.Also had to make sure I was secured in the bed so I didn't go flying out. I don't know how long I was out of it. They kept me pretty sedated. Once I was out of the fog. I helped them, by telling them don't forget this cord and make sure you get this one.
I had doctors coming through on rounds to check out this surgery. I was a type of celebrity. Haha
One of my friends I hadn't seen in a long time came to visit me. I was asleep. Apparently my face was quite swollen from being flipped upside done so much. And from medication. But, she really thought I had put on a lot of weight. Some friends who came to visit while I was face down, got on the floor underneath my bed or just talked to the back of my head. I had several visitors from Church. I had so many people praying for me. It was wonderful.
After 10 days. They decided I was healed enough to put a cast on. That was no fun let me tell you. So you have to be naked. They put you on a sling like contraption, They had to be able to wrap the strips for the cast around my body, from shoulder level down to my hips. Because the curve was towards the top of my spine, they had to make sure I had a lot of stability. But, I also had to breathe. I had to go back down to the casting room 4 times for them to trim it away from my throat. before it was right. I tell you I was not a happy camper with that cast on. I was mad and so uncomfortable. They took out the Stryker bed. Trying to sit without the cast choking me was awful. but at least now I could get out of bed and sit in a chair. It was also the first time I could feed myself. Being in bed my arms were to weak to do it.
I finally got to go home. I had gotten use to the cast. The problem I had was finding the right place to sit. Kitchen chairs were the best. Anything to soft would push the cast up and choke me. We had one of those waterbeds that were 3 feet off the floor, for a while I had to sleep in a regular bed. But, once I gained all my strength back, I would sit on the side of the bed and fall backwards. It was funny. Dan had to help me out. Dan was such a blessing , he would shave my legs for me. We had a long coffee table he would help me lay on it and he got buckets, towels and pitchers and would wash my hair.
I was in that cast for 6 months.
The doctors thought I might need to wear a brace for awhile. The day I got my cast off and was told no brace was necessary was the best day in awhile. The night I went home and spent an hour in a bubble bath. God blessed us in so many ways during that time. Some things I didn't even realize until much later. OH and guess what I grew an inch.
Sorry this was so long , I wanted to get the surgeries in one post.
PLEASE feel free to share this.
Now here's a side note. Remember I had braces on both wrists. I learned how to write wearing those. I started out as right handed. Around 7 or 8 years old, I had the surgery on my right hand, I'm not sure how long I had the cast on. So cast on one hand brace on the other.
Learning to write with my left hand now. Time for surgery on left hand. No more braces after surgery so learning to write again with my right hand. Cast comes off my left hand. My writing was not great with my right hand, so I went back to my left and stuck with it. Can you count how many times I learned to write?
The surgery didn't work on my left hand, but it did on my right. So my right hand is stronger than my left.
This takes me to my 3rd surgery age 12. I don't know the name but it was on my right shoulder. They wanted to do something in my shoulder to help me to raise my arm. At this point I couldn't lift my right arm over my shoulder. They did the surgery put me in a cast that covered my front and back to my hips, the right arm was lifted shoulder high bent at the elbow. They cut a hole in my cast in an oval shape on the stomach area, so I could get some relief. It came in great when I was itching I could stick a pencil in there a scratch myself. I forgot to say they put a screw in my shoulder. I wore that cast for 6 months. It did not keep me down, I went to the beach during the summer, they did keep close eye on me didn't want me to fall in the water and get my cast wet.
When I got the cast off everyone waited to see if it worked. It did not work. I have no doubt today these surgeries would all work. As a matter of fact 12 years after I had the wrist surgeries I was getting ready to go to business college after graduating high school. I went for my physical the doctor there let me know they had made major strides in tendon transplants if I wanted to try again.
I said no, I have learned with God's help how to do everything my own way.
My last surgery I was an adult. I had 2 daughters 5 &6 years old. I had scoliosis. Which is curvature of the spine. It is not unusual for those who had polio to have scoliosis. After Angi was born it was suggested we not have any more kids because of my curve. When Angi was about 4, I had a minor surgery, when the ex ray was done they noticed my curve had gotten much worse. We actually had noticed me leaning to one side in the previous months. We would notice it in pictures. So I scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. I asked him what would happen if I didn't have the surgery. He said you would stop breathing. Because my spine would crush my lung. So we decided I should have the surgery.
I had the surgery at Kaiser Hospital in San Diego. What they needed to do was put a metal rod down my spine. During the surgery as they were pulling my spine away from my lung it punctured my lung. So now I have a Pneumothorax or punctured lung. If you've ever seen any medical shows where this has happened you see them insert a tube in your side into your chest cavity, to help inflate your lung. Let me tell you I was still under anesthesia the surgery was still happening, but when they put that tube in I was awake, the most painful thing ever.
Ok surgery is over. They tell Dan what happened and besides that everything went fine. So now not only am I dealing with my back wide open but also healing my lung. My back was open they didn't cast it at first, they had to make sure everything was healing. I was on a Stryker bed. Those are the ones that flip over so you are facing the floor. I don't remember how often they flipped me but it was several times a day. This took several nurses. I had so many wires and hoses hanging. They had to make sure they were out of the way before the flip.Also had to make sure I was secured in the bed so I didn't go flying out. I don't know how long I was out of it. They kept me pretty sedated. Once I was out of the fog. I helped them, by telling them don't forget this cord and make sure you get this one.
I had doctors coming through on rounds to check out this surgery. I was a type of celebrity. Haha
One of my friends I hadn't seen in a long time came to visit me. I was asleep. Apparently my face was quite swollen from being flipped upside done so much. And from medication. But, she really thought I had put on a lot of weight. Some friends who came to visit while I was face down, got on the floor underneath my bed or just talked to the back of my head. I had several visitors from Church. I had so many people praying for me. It was wonderful.
After 10 days. They decided I was healed enough to put a cast on. That was no fun let me tell you. So you have to be naked. They put you on a sling like contraption, They had to be able to wrap the strips for the cast around my body, from shoulder level down to my hips. Because the curve was towards the top of my spine, they had to make sure I had a lot of stability. But, I also had to breathe. I had to go back down to the casting room 4 times for them to trim it away from my throat. before it was right. I tell you I was not a happy camper with that cast on. I was mad and so uncomfortable. They took out the Stryker bed. Trying to sit without the cast choking me was awful. but at least now I could get out of bed and sit in a chair. It was also the first time I could feed myself. Being in bed my arms were to weak to do it.
I finally got to go home. I had gotten use to the cast. The problem I had was finding the right place to sit. Kitchen chairs were the best. Anything to soft would push the cast up and choke me. We had one of those waterbeds that were 3 feet off the floor, for a while I had to sleep in a regular bed. But, once I gained all my strength back, I would sit on the side of the bed and fall backwards. It was funny. Dan had to help me out. Dan was such a blessing , he would shave my legs for me. We had a long coffee table he would help me lay on it and he got buckets, towels and pitchers and would wash my hair.
I was in that cast for 6 months.
The doctors thought I might need to wear a brace for awhile. The day I got my cast off and was told no brace was necessary was the best day in awhile. The night I went home and spent an hour in a bubble bath. God blessed us in so many ways during that time. Some things I didn't even realize until much later. OH and guess what I grew an inch.
Sorry this was so long , I wanted to get the surgeries in one post.
PLEASE feel free to share this.
Monday, June 24, 2019
Childhood Braces
I mentioned the last time about my braces. My leg brace went to my knee, it was attached to a shoe, ugly brown shoes, They had to be a certain type of shoe. I guess cute shoes weren't strong enough. I'm not sure how old I was around 6 or 7. I was able to get my brace attached to a saddle shoe. I was so excited.
That reminds me of the struggle. The struggle to put on my own socks. This was before stretch socks. My mom and Jeanne, mostly Jeanne, my mom was more likely to help me. Haha! I remember struggling to put my socks on, must have been on weekends and summer otherwise I would have missed school. I was told it would take up to an hour to get them on. But, I was bound and determine to get them on so I could go outside and play. This was around age 8. To my family reading this; it's when we lived on 45th Street. In the big house. I kind of remember ages by the house we lived in.
Anyway I was told years later that mom and Jeanne would often cry as soon as I went outside. So I remember one day getting all of my braces on. Leg, both wrists, and back brace the one that had a bar going up the back of my neck and held my head straight, and helped me stand up straight. I don't think I wore my stomach and back brace at the same time.
I was walking 3 houses down to my friends house. Well about 1 house down, I tripped over a crack
in the sidewalk. Well, when I fell it was like a tree, TIMBER. Face plant right into the sidewalk. The brace kept me from turning my head. My arms aren't strong enough to catch me. I guess a neighbor saw me fall, he came out and helped me up. Jeanne was on her way out to get me as she saw me go down, The neighbor bawled her out, saying how can you let her go out by herself. She said ," What do you expect us to do make her stay inside all the time. She has to learn to do things by herself."
I am so happy that God put people in my life who were strong and didn't give in to making my life more comfortable at the time.
As I have looked back over my life, God has been with me every step and fall of my life. He has protected me when I have fallen, I've never had anything more than a bloody nose.
When I fell that time, a lesson was learned. Make sure she picks her feet up. I also new there was a crack in the sidewalk, be aware. Be aware of all surroundings.
After I was able to get rid of that brace. Jeanne wondered how she should help me up if I fell again. Because she always helped me up by grabbing a hold of the brace.
She asked the doctor. "He said, she has a pretty good head of hair." I can hear all the gasps.
I had thick hair usually in a pony tail. So he suggested, Hold on to her hair help her get to her knees and then up to her feet. Guess what it worked. I had really weak arms, the doctors didn't want me being lifted up under my arms. Even later in life , when no one was helping me get up. I was able to get to my knees and then to my feet.
My favorite scripture Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
That reminds me of the struggle. The struggle to put on my own socks. This was before stretch socks. My mom and Jeanne, mostly Jeanne, my mom was more likely to help me. Haha! I remember struggling to put my socks on, must have been on weekends and summer otherwise I would have missed school. I was told it would take up to an hour to get them on. But, I was bound and determine to get them on so I could go outside and play. This was around age 8. To my family reading this; it's when we lived on 45th Street. In the big house. I kind of remember ages by the house we lived in.
Anyway I was told years later that mom and Jeanne would often cry as soon as I went outside. So I remember one day getting all of my braces on. Leg, both wrists, and back brace the one that had a bar going up the back of my neck and held my head straight, and helped me stand up straight. I don't think I wore my stomach and back brace at the same time.
I was walking 3 houses down to my friends house. Well about 1 house down, I tripped over a crack
in the sidewalk. Well, when I fell it was like a tree, TIMBER. Face plant right into the sidewalk. The brace kept me from turning my head. My arms aren't strong enough to catch me. I guess a neighbor saw me fall, he came out and helped me up. Jeanne was on her way out to get me as she saw me go down, The neighbor bawled her out, saying how can you let her go out by herself. She said ," What do you expect us to do make her stay inside all the time. She has to learn to do things by herself."
I am so happy that God put people in my life who were strong and didn't give in to making my life more comfortable at the time.
As I have looked back over my life, God has been with me every step and fall of my life. He has protected me when I have fallen, I've never had anything more than a bloody nose.
When I fell that time, a lesson was learned. Make sure she picks her feet up. I also new there was a crack in the sidewalk, be aware. Be aware of all surroundings.
After I was able to get rid of that brace. Jeanne wondered how she should help me up if I fell again. Because she always helped me up by grabbing a hold of the brace.
She asked the doctor. "He said, she has a pretty good head of hair." I can hear all the gasps.
I had thick hair usually in a pony tail. So he suggested, Hold on to her hair help her get to her knees and then up to her feet. Guess what it worked. I had really weak arms, the doctors didn't want me being lifted up under my arms. Even later in life , when no one was helping me get up. I was able to get to my knees and then to my feet.
My favorite scripture Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Friday, June 14, 2019
POLIO: FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD: Family history and school memories.
POLIO: FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD: Family history and school memories.: Well to continue where I left off. While I was in the hospital I have very few memories. I know I didn't have a lot of visitors. When so...
Family history and school memories.
Well to continue where I left off.
While I was in the hospital I have very few memories. I know I didn't have a lot of visitors. When someone in the family finally did come to visit, the Hospital Administrator bawled her out for not being there sooner. I was told this. My family was a mess at the time. Apparently my brother and I were in a foster home waiting to be adopted by the family, when I got sick.
I am debating going into the family dynamic now, if I don't you will have many questions.
So get your popcorn ready it's like a soap opera.
My mom Rosie left home at 16 she was the daughter of an Itinerant Preacher. I am sad to say I don't know much about her family life. I don't know when it was but at some point she met a woman who became like a sister to her. Her name is Jeanne. My mom was accepted into Jeanne's loving family. My mom's jobs usually were working at bars and night clubs in San Diego. Needless to say she hooked up with a lot of Sailors. She gave up several children for adoption. I will talk about that later on. Because I did find some of my brothers.
Well then I was born and 18 months later my brother Larry was born. My mom had settled down with Larry's dad and we were a happy family from what I remember and can tell from pictures and what I've been told.
I was raised to believe that Larry and I had the same father. I didn't find out the truth until years later. He had already died. My mom and Larry's dad got divorced. So Jeanne and my mom, Larry and I moved in together.
I'm going to be careful here, I'm not sure who knows and don't want any surprises.
Jeanne had gone away, my mom thought it would be best to put Larry and I up for adoption. So we were in the home of family friends as foster kids they planned to adopt us. I'm not sure how legal all of this was. Just know if Jeanne had been around this never would have happened. She loved us. I know my mom loved us too. She just didn't know how to be a mom. I forgave my mom a long time ago. More about this later. So as I told you before we were at the foster families house when I contracted Polio.
Up above I mentioned someone coming to the hospital finally to visit me. And she got bawled out because it had taken so long. I don't know how long it was but Jeanne came to see me as soon as she could.
OK flash forward.
I remember
There was a girl in the room with me. Her parents came and had a little birthday party for her. I do remember crying because I had no visitors.
That's all the memories I have until I'm 6 and starting first grade. I missed Kindergarten because of the hospitalization and recovery.
I was so excited to go to school. I was going to attend a school for handicapped children. It was called Sunshine School. It was a regular elementary school. But, all the kids had some sort of physical disability. The disabilities ranged from children with no limbs. see note from Salem Press.
The widespread use of thalidomide, a drug that was prescribed to pregnant women in the 1950's as a sleep aid and as relief from morning sickness, led to birth disorders among thousands of children around the globe.
There were kids with Cerebral Palsy, deaf, blind, and many with Polio. Now the ones with Polio were in different stages. From wheel chair bound with full leg braces hooked up at the waist. To kids on crutches with full leg braces to me a brace on my right leg because that leg is shorter. I also had braces on each hand. The early ones went to my elbows eventually they were just on my wrists. I also had one like a corset. To hold my stomach muscles in and train them. It never worked. I remember wearing this next brace because I absolutely hated it. I became a brat when I had to put it on. But, I don't think I ever wore to school, just after school and weekends and summer I think. A body brace that went around my waist with metal bars up my chest and back to help me stand up straight, then it was attached to a neck brace to hold my head straight so it didn't drop forward. The whole thing was to help me have good posture and to retrain those muscles to work properly. The thing with the neck brace was I couldn't turn my head . So needless to say when I fell it was like a tree. My arms are not strong enough to catch my fall. So when I fall it's straight and hard. It's a miracle I have never had a broken nose or any broken bones.
So anyway this school was really awesome. There were a lot of aids in the school to help some of the kids that needed it. But, most of these kids were very independent. I was very blessed to have the mobility I had. I was never in a wheel chair. My leg brace was the first to go. I only needed it for a few years.
We played kick ball the kids who couldn't kick the ball would throw it or had a friend kick for them then they would wheel themselves to the base, if they weren't able to, an aide would push them.
My best friend was Linda she had Polio too. She was in a wheel chair she had thigh high braces that she could lock at the knees so she could stand or walk on crutches which she did every day as part of her therapy. But, when she was in her wheelchair there was no one who could go as fast as her. When we were in the 4Th grade they were letting students go to the elementary school next to us to integrate with the "normal" kids. Linda and I got to go over for afternoons 2 days a week. We went for lunch, recess, and band. I played the Xylophone she played the flute. She had no problems with her hands. I had no problems with my legs. We were a great team.
I got picked up from school 3 days a week by the Red Cross to go to Children's Hospital for PT and OT. When therapy was over they drove me home. By the way these people always smoked, I have always hated cigarette smoke. Pretty much my whole family smoked. You just put up with it in those days. Anyway coming home from therapy one day I saw the neighbor kids outside playing I was embarrassed for them to see me in this car with a great big red cross painted on the car. So when I got out, they said," hey what are you doing in that car?" I said, "oh I volunteer at the hospital." They believed me, never asked again. ha ha God has forgiven me for my lies.
I remember a day in Nov. we were at our school on the playground. We heard the teachers calling everyone inside. As we went inside I noticed the adults were all upset, some of them were even crying. When we were all inside. The Principal came over the loud speaker and told us President Kennedy had been killed. I remember being nervous, because we had always practiced duck and cover in those days. Our neighbor had a bomb shelter. We had an emergency plan, all of this was due to the Cubans and the fear of being bombed. So I didn't know if that's why he was killed, it was a big worry to a child.
My school years were very happy ones. I loved my school, my friends and my teachers. I had my first crush on a boy. I was a happy child. I had the childhood illnesses with my brother. Mumps, measles, chicken pox. My brother and I got our tonsils taken out at the same time in the same hospital room.
I attended Sunshine School through half of my 6Th grade year. It was decided that I needed to go to a regular school so I could get use to kids without disabilities. Basically the real world. Getting ready for Jr. High and High School.
That's a lot for one day.
Monday, June 10, 2019
POLIO: FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD: The Polio Early Days part 2
POLIO: FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD: The Polio Early Days part 2: A few memories from Children's Hospital. One of the therapies they administered to help loosen my muscles was placing hot wet wool clo...
The Polio Early Days part 2
A few memories from Children's Hospital.
One of the therapies they administered to help loosen my muscles was placing hot wet wool cloths on my limbs. I remember the nurses taking these out of the container with tongs and then placing them on my body. I also remember screaming. To this day I can't stand the smell of wet wool. It took me awhile to figure out why and one day the association hit me. Growing up in San Diego my step dad was in the Navy he would always bring home these woolen blankets, we called them Navy blankets, maybe that's what was supplied on the ships I'm not sure. Just remembering those getting wet will cause me to gag.
This was part of the Sister Kenny treatment. This was a highly controversial treatment. Here's some excerpts from her book. And They Shall Walk
Sister Kenny Hot Packs for Polio Treatment
Countless polio survivors benefited from the Kenny treatment. Alan Alda(Polio, 1943) credits the Kenny treatment as well as his mother Joan for his total recovery. While Mia Farrow (Polio, 1954) defined her daily hot pack treatments in one word, "loathsome."
Elizabeth Kenny was a young Australian bush nurse when she saw her first patient who had the symptoms of a disease that was unknown to her. The advise from her mentor and friend, Dr. Aeneas McDonnell, via telegram was: Infantile paralysis. No known treatment. Do the best you can with the symptoms presenting themselves. She tried various ways to relieve the pain and relax the tightened muscles. Kenny says: "At last I tore a blanket made from soft Australian wool into suitable strips and wrung them out of boiling water. These I wrapped gently about the poor, tortured muscles. The whimpering of the child ceased almost immediately, and after a few more applications her eyes closed slowly and she fell asleep." Later, when the little 2 year old girl awoke, she called out for more "rags." [And They Shall Walk, p. 24] I don't know about that little girl. I don't remember falling asleep and I'm quite sure I didn't cry out for more.
Another book about her and her treatments called A Paralyzing Fear by Nina Seavey says
We owe much gratitude to Elizabeth Kenny for her ability and willingness to re-evaluate the old methods of polio treatment. The use of splints and casts to immobilize polio paralyzed limbs gave way to physical therapy and water therapies, as well as the Kenny method of polio treatment which she shared with us all. Well I had a mixture of both. I had water therapy and physical therapy. But, I also wore several braces.
If you're interested there is an old movie about her life I just happened to see that it was on TV one night. I think it was on TCM. It's called Sister Kenny.
I guess I should tell you I don't know how long I was actually paralyzed. One thing I remember during that time was crying. I could feel the tears on my face but I couldn't move my arms to wipe my eyes. Isn't it strange what a 4 yr old remembers.
Another treatment I remember wasn't painful just uncomfortable. By this time I was able to move. My legs have always been the strongest part of my body. But, I had weak heel cords. Which means I couldn't put my foot flat on the floor. If it wasn't fixed I would be walking around on tip toes. So what they did at night was scoot me to the foot board of the bed and tie my feet flat against a board. So my toes were straight up. Well this meant I had to sleep on my back all night. Well one night I was bound and determined to sleep on my stomach. So I wiggled and wiggled I don't know for how long but, I finally broke a safety pin that was holding the ties on one of my feet. I got that one off and was able to at least lay on my side. Probably the best night nights sleep I had in a long time. Well, I paid for it in the morning. The nurses were not happy with me.
That's enough for today.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
POLIO AGE 4 THE BEGINNING
Thank you all who read my post yesterday. There were a few of you who had loved ones with polio.
Even a few who didn't know about PPS.
I have another blog I did several years ago. Mostly covering family and friends. I am taking a few of my posts regarding my polio from that blog. I encourage family and friends to check it out, lots of cute pictures of your kids. Danny, Dona, Shawna , Tia and more the address is
http://grammieofashtonashbieandmercy.blogspot.com
POLIO THE BEGINNING
I was 4 years old when I contracted Polio. So that was in 1957 sometime. One of the first questions people ask me is didn't you get the vaccine? What I've been told is I had 1 of the series. I was also late in getting the one, due to fears and repercussions from the vaccine itself. Much like what you hear today, regarding vaccines and Autism.
There are some things I remember. Some things I've been told I will let you know what I remember and what I've been told.
First I'll tell you a little about the disease.
1FROM: mama'shealth.com 2FROM:The Acorn Online
POLIO also called poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by one of three related viruses. Polio is a very serious disease, which can lead to paralysis or even death. Once a person is exposed to polio, it usually takes about three to five days for symptoms to appear.
In about 95 percent of polio cases, infection from the polio virus causes no symptoms or serious effects.
2 There are three types of polio: non-paralytic, spinal paralytic and bulbar—the latter two being the most severe. Spinal paralytic polio can lead to leg paralysis. Bulbar polio could result in a victim’s spending the rest of his life in an iron lung.
I had the Spinal Paralytic polio
1 Spinal Paralytic Polio:
Paralytic polio is the most serious type of polio. Paralytic polio causes paralysis. In paralytic polio, the polio virus invades the central nervous system -- the spinal cord and the brain -- and may cause weakness, paralysis, serious breathing problems or death. Paralytic polio begins like milder forms of polio, however, it usually causes severe muscle pain in addition to other symptoms. Paralysis usually happens within the first week. The individual may lose the ability to use of one or both legs, arms, and may not be able to breathe without the help of a machine. Recovery varies from person to person, but people who are paralyzed by polio will have some weakness in an arm or leg for the rest of their lives.
What causes Polio? Polio is caused by a virus that lives in the throat and intestinal tract.
How Is Polio Spread? Polio can be spread by a number of ways. People who have not been immunized against polio or have a weakened immune system may contract polio from individuals who are receiving the oral polio vaccine. In developing nations, the polio virus is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the polio virus. The polio virus may also be contracted through direct contact with infected stool or throat secretions. People are most infectious a few days before and after the onset of symptoms.
Post Polio Syndrome is a 'second' disability affecting a large number of polio survivors. I will cover that later on.
I hope I didn't bore you with all those facts .
Like I sad previously, I was 4 when I contracted Polio. Sometime in 1957.
I remember some things from that time period. I remember sitting on a couch and just falling to the side, I had a fever. I was taken to the hospital. Mercy Hospital in San Diego, Ca. then I was taken by ambulance to Children's Hospital. I don't know the time frame. I was paralyzed all over. The only thing I could move were my eyes. I'm not sure how long I was paralyzed but I stayed at Children's Hospital in San Diego for 6 months. It became my home away from home for years after with various surgeries and lots of Physical(PT) and Occupational Therapy(OT).
There are a few memories I have of my time there.. Will share next time.
Even a few who didn't know about PPS.
I have another blog I did several years ago. Mostly covering family and friends. I am taking a few of my posts regarding my polio from that blog. I encourage family and friends to check it out, lots of cute pictures of your kids. Danny, Dona, Shawna , Tia and more the address is
http://grammieofashtonashbieandmercy.blogspot.com
POLIO THE BEGINNING
I was 4 years old when I contracted Polio. So that was in 1957 sometime. One of the first questions people ask me is didn't you get the vaccine? What I've been told is I had 1 of the series. I was also late in getting the one, due to fears and repercussions from the vaccine itself. Much like what you hear today, regarding vaccines and Autism.
There are some things I remember. Some things I've been told I will let you know what I remember and what I've been told.
First I'll tell you a little about the disease.
1FROM: mama'shealth.com 2FROM:The Acorn Online
POLIO also called poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by one of three related viruses. Polio is a very serious disease, which can lead to paralysis or even death. Once a person is exposed to polio, it usually takes about three to five days for symptoms to appear.
In about 95 percent of polio cases, infection from the polio virus causes no symptoms or serious effects.
2 There are three types of polio: non-paralytic, spinal paralytic and bulbar—the latter two being the most severe. Spinal paralytic polio can lead to leg paralysis. Bulbar polio could result in a victim’s spending the rest of his life in an iron lung.
I had the Spinal Paralytic polio
1 Spinal Paralytic Polio:
Paralytic polio is the most serious type of polio. Paralytic polio causes paralysis. In paralytic polio, the polio virus invades the central nervous system -- the spinal cord and the brain -- and may cause weakness, paralysis, serious breathing problems or death. Paralytic polio begins like milder forms of polio, however, it usually causes severe muscle pain in addition to other symptoms. Paralysis usually happens within the first week. The individual may lose the ability to use of one or both legs, arms, and may not be able to breathe without the help of a machine. Recovery varies from person to person, but people who are paralyzed by polio will have some weakness in an arm or leg for the rest of their lives.
What causes Polio? Polio is caused by a virus that lives in the throat and intestinal tract.
How Is Polio Spread? Polio can be spread by a number of ways. People who have not been immunized against polio or have a weakened immune system may contract polio from individuals who are receiving the oral polio vaccine. In developing nations, the polio virus is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the polio virus. The polio virus may also be contracted through direct contact with infected stool or throat secretions. People are most infectious a few days before and after the onset of symptoms.
Post Polio Syndrome is a 'second' disability affecting a large number of polio survivors. I will cover that later on.
I hope I didn't bore you with all those facts .
Like I sad previously, I was 4 when I contracted Polio. Sometime in 1957.
I remember some things from that time period. I remember sitting on a couch and just falling to the side, I had a fever. I was taken to the hospital. Mercy Hospital in San Diego, Ca. then I was taken by ambulance to Children's Hospital. I don't know the time frame. I was paralyzed all over. The only thing I could move were my eyes. I'm not sure how long I was paralyzed but I stayed at Children's Hospital in San Diego for 6 months. It became my home away from home for years after with various surgeries and lots of Physical(PT) and Occupational Therapy(OT).
There are a few memories I have of my time there.. Will share next time.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Journey through life with POLIO
LIVING WITH POLIO FROM CHILDHOOD TO GRANDMAHOOD
I've been wanting to start this blog for a long time. So here goes. Why do I want to share this? When
I was 4 years old I contracted polio. In the last few years I've wondered about others who have lived with this disease. What has their life been like. So many had it worse than me. How are they managing. Some had a slight effect from the disease. But, even they may be experiencing the awful 2nd round of polio called Post Polio Syndrome. What is this? After 40,50,60 plus years we have been diagnosed with PPS. Which is the wearing out of our good muscles, that have been working overtime for years to compensate for the dead or weakened muscles destroyed by the polio.
PPS hit me hard physically and mentally. I have always been able to do just about everything anyone else could do. I found my own way to do many things. I will get into that later. But, once PPS hit I had to face the fact that I no longer could do many things I previously could.
This was very hard to accept. I am very blessed to have my husband who has always been here for me. He has picked up more jobs around the house that I can't handle anymore. Or he is able to do it 10 times faster than me. When my daughters are with us, they are wonderful at helping.
My relationship with God has gotten me through every step of my life, without Him I probably wouldn't get out of bed. Wait some days I don't, HAHA just kidding.
I am closing today asking you to share this blog for me please. I really want to reach as many polio victims and family members as possible. I would like to share with them, what has helped me. And hear their stories.
I've been wanting to start this blog for a long time. So here goes. Why do I want to share this? When
I was 4 years old I contracted polio. In the last few years I've wondered about others who have lived with this disease. What has their life been like. So many had it worse than me. How are they managing. Some had a slight effect from the disease. But, even they may be experiencing the awful 2nd round of polio called Post Polio Syndrome. What is this? After 40,50,60 plus years we have been diagnosed with PPS. Which is the wearing out of our good muscles, that have been working overtime for years to compensate for the dead or weakened muscles destroyed by the polio.
PPS hit me hard physically and mentally. I have always been able to do just about everything anyone else could do. I found my own way to do many things. I will get into that later. But, once PPS hit I had to face the fact that I no longer could do many things I previously could.
This was very hard to accept. I am very blessed to have my husband who has always been here for me. He has picked up more jobs around the house that I can't handle anymore. Or he is able to do it 10 times faster than me. When my daughters are with us, they are wonderful at helping.
My relationship with God has gotten me through every step of my life, without Him I probably wouldn't get out of bed. Wait some days I don't, HAHA just kidding.
I am closing today asking you to share this blog for me please. I really want to reach as many polio victims and family members as possible. I would like to share with them, what has helped me. And hear their stories.
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