Hi there Carol..
You know I feel like we have alot in common. I often see your posts on the
PPS email list. I too had polio at an ealy age. I contracted polio at age
7 mths old from the vaccine. After my series of shots...I ran a fever,
etc. I was rushed to the ER and test results concluded that I contracted
polio from the shots.
I also had spinal fusions. One at 12 and on at 13 due to severe scoliosis.
I was in a body cast for 9 mths. It is amazing that they do the same
surgery's now and people are up and about with 2 wks.
During my polio years I had several bouts of respiratory infections,
pnemonias, etc. Then in 1973 I had a respiratory arrest. I was trached,
vented, and in a coma for 3 weeks. Doctors were even highly suggested that
the plug be pulled..but my parent refused. Within 3 mths I recover and
breathing on my own. I was able to return to regular school.
In 1992 again I was trached for 2 mths..recovered and finished both my
undergad and graduate degree at southern Illinois University. In 1994 I
got my final and permanent trach.
The transition was strange..but I new what the circumstances would be if I
didn't. I don't regret it. I live in Southern IL with my boyfriend of 6
years, and the zoo of 7 cats, 9 birds, and a bunny. Due to my severe
respiratory problems I don't work..but finally have the time to do the
stuff I always wanted...computer graphics, surfing the net, etc.
The latest on my trach...Shiley sent two more trachs today. Got them and
they didn't work either. Apparently the customer rep at Shiley wasn't
smart enough to send two trachs from a different lot number. So...the saga
of the trach is still going and probably won't be solved til the end of the
week.
Take care...
Keep in touch...
always..
Annette Hanna
nete1(AT)midwest.net