>I have just subscribed to the mailing list and would like to introduce
>myself. I am a 29-year old quad, ventilator-dependant since 1985 and
>living at home with my parents since 11/96.
Welcome, Frankie! This is indeed a forum filled with much info and some good
discussions at times. When I arrived here last summer, I was really amazed by
how many people are on vents ... and for all kinds of reasons!
I am trached and use a vent because of respiratory complications due to my
having had polio at age 7 in 1952. When I came out of the hospital in 1989
with my trach and vent support, I asked my dr., the hospital, and nurses if
there were any support groups for people like me in this area. They knew of
nothing and except for showing me how to do my trach care and teaching my
husband how to change my trach tube, they were of little help. I had to figure
out ways to wash my hair, take a shower, etc. myself. Today with the Internet
I've discovered all kinds of vent support here and post-polio support in
another forum. I've even found a nearby post-polio support group that I now
attend regularly. I've learned that I'm not alone in all of this ... there are
a lot of people just like me who have experienced similar things and can share
their experience, strength, and hope with me. Again ... glad you're here with
us, Frankie!
Carol Meyer
Massachusetts