Annette replied,
>>1994...when hospitalized with respiratory failure, even to the last
>>minute I fought the concept of using a vent. It was for me
>>personally, that my body was failing...the body I fought so hard to
>>do things like everyone else.
>>
>>My doctor put it to me straight...either some kind of mechanical
>>ventilation or face the consequences of what a high CO2 level >>could
do to me.
I'd like to add my experience to the mix here.
I got polio at age 5 (am now nearly 50); bulbar and spinal. During my
initial hospital stay I needed some respiratory assist for a short while,
but soon regained good lung function. During Jr. Hi, High school and
college I even played a "mean" trumpet.
When PPS hit, among the things affected was, of course, my lungs. I've
been using a BiPAP for four years. At first it was just over-night. I had
to gradually increase that until now I use it 4 1/2s each afternoon as
well. My breathing muscles need rest, just as my other muscles do.
Using the BiPAO is certainly not fun, Florence, and definitely cuts into
my social life (!), but it has increased the amount of years I will be
free from having to have a vent 24 hrs. a day. There are those on this
List who can tell you that's not all that bad, either.
For me, the BiPAP has been a wonderful help. Ties me down part of the
day, yes, but sure frees me up the other parts!
--Elinor
**************************************************************
Elinor E. Young, Chattaroy, WA elinor(AT)poweramp.net (elinor(AT)juno.com)
Member: Polio Experience Network, Polio Outreach of Spokane, Spokane
Psycho Scooter Gang
P.E.N. Website = http://jump.poweramp.net:8000/PEN/