My name is Shirley, and I am a married, 59 year old childhood polio survivor, with three grown kids and 7 grandchildren.

I had polio when I was 5, but was misdiagnosed until at age 7 the resulting scoliosis was severe enough to give me chronic backaches. (Curvature of the spine)

At age 7, I was admitted to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children with a double curving scoliosis for treatment.

After much physical therapy and exercises, the doctors found the only way to stop the progression of the scoliosis was to fuse my spine. This does not correct the problem but stops it from getting worse and eventually result in paralysis.

Over the years from the age of 7, until I was 15 I had 5 spinal fusion's done. (How fortunate the latest victims of scoliosis are now to have a different treatment)

When I was permanently released from Shriner's Care, I was told I could live a normal life with few restrictions. The only thing to watch out for was pneumonia. I was more vulnerable than most others.

I did lead a "normal" life, marrying, had children but learned along the way that the polio effected many things.

Around age 45 I began to catch more frequent colds, and they turned into pneumonia. (Until then I had it only 3 times, once age 8, then at 14, and again at 26)

Now I began having it all the time, until I'd had it 10 times in 7 years.

Unfortunately we had lost our health insurance, due to my hubby's co. being closed.

I finally agreed to apply for assistance from the government, and the first thing they did was send me to a pulmonologist who ordered a sleep study.

It confirmed what he suspected, that when I fell asleep, I breathed more shallowly and the O2 levels dropped. He told me this was normal, but because of my scoliosis, I have less lung capacity, so I drop too low.

It seems back when I had my surgeries, the effects of scoliosis long-term was not known. Most patients died of paralysis within a short time.

Going on O2 at night was a miracle for me!

No more bad dreams, no more palpitations, no more 3 day headaches, no more trying to catch my breath at night!

Because I was still having a lot of fatigue and shortness of breath during the day, I also went on O2 for any kind of exercise, walking, shopping, housework.

I now have the energy to window shop, go to dinner, enjoy a picnic or a BBQ, a visit to someone else's home, all without having to rest because of exhaustion.

I can't walk very far or very fast, I have to be careful not to overdo, or stay up too late but at least I have some life back.

No, I won't be one of those active, bouncy senior citizens, but I never could have water- skied, or bungee jumped or run a marathon anyway.

My only loss is that I can't do as much sightseeing as I would like as elevation is a problem, or dance or cope with stairs.

I wish that I had found out what the problem was sooner, so I hadn't acquired as much damage to my lungs and heart as I have.

The Doctor tells me I am doing well, better than he would have thought since I don't use the bi-pap as much as I should.

It is my wish to learn to use my bi-pap more. When I do it helps, but sometimes I just can't use it for long. Any helpful hints?

Shirley

This article is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Reproduction in full or part is prohibited with out written consent of the author.  shirley_in_idah@hotmail.com

Last Update: 01 Oct 2001     

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                                                                                                                           7/15/2002
Today, I received an email that explains why we have not heard from Shirley in Idaho for so long. The news is not good. Here is the email I received.
 
"I am Shirley's daughter, Yvonne from Seattle Wa., and I have the unfortunate responsibility of informing everyone in her address book that my mother finished her final quilt. Shirley passed away on July 11th, surrounded by her family after struggling with complications from her long-term illness. She was able to remain with us until her sisters in California could arrive to make their final goodbyes.

Mom did not leave any information in her computer on each of you so please do not take offense that I was not able to make this a more personal contact.

We all felt that her internet friends needed to be informed as to what had happened. She will be greatly missed in this life by all. But be assured that she is no longer suffering, and is in a better place.
 
Thank you for being her friends,
 
Yvonne and family"
 
I am sure that we all will be keeping Yvonne and her family in our prayers and good thoughts during this time of grief.
Peg

Updated: 25 Aug 2002

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