“Who puts the coffee on for two.
Who makes me laugh when I am blue.
No matter what I have to do–
My friend, there’s always time for you.”
Hi,
Welcome! Do come in. Have a seat. I know that we can learn great things from each other. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Let’s chat. So cozy. So warmhearted. So important. We will talk openly and listen deeply. Again, welcome!
May I introduce myself? I am a woman who has been living with polio for 63 years now–since 1952. Over the decades so many polio survivors, helping professionals, and all kinds of great people have meandered in and out of my life. Some have stayed; some just stopped by, but they, like you, have had important roles to play and insights to share.
When I was 33 I got the late effects of polio and ended up at the University of Michigan Post-Polio Clinic. There I met my doctor, Frederick Maynard, MD, whom I later teamed up with to start the Post-Polio Research and Training Program. Since that time in the mid-1980s, I have traveled across the country and around the world teaching and learning about polio. We saw children who had polio in India crawling on the streets, kids in the state of Georgia who got polio from the vaccine, adults in Europe searching for physicians who could effectively treat them and polio survivors in New Zealand joining support groups to help each other out. And that’s just for starters…
What I have learned over the years is that we have suffered, struggled and been disabled by polio. But that uninvited turmoil has, and still is, pressing us to strengthen ourselves in new ways–mind, body and spirit. Looking back, we know it’s true–a growing number of us have consciously turned living well with polio into, not just a goal, but a creative art form. We have not only been the adroit composers of our unique personal adaptations, attitudes, and alliances, we have become the masterpieces themselves. And we flourish. Here’s to feeling great!
This blog is dedicated to twinkling enthusiasm when we open our eyes every morning. It is also dedicated to feeling the permeating comfort of thankfulness for the day’s blessings as we silently drift into sleep every night. Everything in between, we gotta work on. Cheers to us! We’re in this together!
And now, won’t you introduce yourself? Where are you? What brought you to this blog? What is an important topic of conversation for you?
Hi Dear,
I am a polio survivor too, caught it at four months old in 1944; have lived a normal life among a family of 5 with extraordinary parents and siblings.
Am independent as could be, but now need an amigo scooter to help get me around outside home. Cannot walk as much anymore. Married with one child, travel everywhere with my scooter and never miss anything that interests me. I am an architect and worked for 36 years of my life–like any one else. Continue to do so, but private basis. Very proud to have gotten to 71 years lately and love living it up. Amigo scooter was a great revelation in my life, with it I go everywhere. It has become my legs outside my home. I will always continue to be the happy person I am and will never give up my independence, which continues due to my RT Express, friendly wheels, and to Bruno lift that helps me put it into my car. I see for you too independence is a cherished subject. Lets keep it up as much as we can.
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yahoooooo! what fun!! what a great website (: love it and you!! jane xxoo
BIG SMILE!
Hi Sunny,
I’m so happy to find your positive blog! I contracted polio at age six in 1949. Luckily, I was able to lead an active, almost normal life despite a lack of flexibility. In 2010 I was diagnosed with PPS after recovering from spine surgery to correct painful, progressing scoliosis. Now at 71 I’m actively working on “recreating my dreams” to accomodate my limited mobility.
Great to have you! Would love to hear more about recreating your dreams…
Hello Sunny!
So happy to discover your new website and opportunities to chat about PPS. I have wonderful friends & family, looking forward to more polio-related exchanges. I had polio in l950 in Denver, post-polio diagnosed in 1983. I have lived a very active life, but slowing down significantly. Experienced user of traditional & DBS braces, 3 decades of crutches now leading to power wheel chair/scooter & current modifications of kitchen! I feel like a semi-expert in DME. I look forward to your network.
Jeanine
Seems like we all need to become keenly tuned-in-to semi-experts about our durable medical equipment if we want it to in turn become our super-trustworthy friend!
Looking forward to this . Had polio at age 7, am now 81 and experiencing increasing weakness and fatigue. Continue to work part time as a psychotherapist. I look forward to sharing. Thanks
Super!
Hello, I just found your site and am so happy. I had polio in 1946 and now struggling with the post polio. I am going to be 72, I am working full time at a job I have had for 33 years. I am in California, San Jose ares. So far I have not found any post polio support groups, I belong to Kaiser and they do not have anything.
Looking forward being part of this site.
Veronica
Great to have you join us!
Good to meet you. How do I post comments etc? Thank you
You just did! Welcome!
I was so excited to see your blog on Facebook. I don’t get to talk to people who have had polio very often. I was part of the original group at University of Michigan who were evaluated for post-polio syndrome. I am still fairly active, now using a walker and cane. I am getting a transfer wheelchair to use when I have longer distances to go. I tire easier (of course I am getting older) as I’m approaching 80.
So good to connect here!
Hello. I have just received the latest edition of the
Polio Oz News
and I came across your blog. At the end of your introduction you ask,’wont you introduce yourself and where are you? As I have never had any conversation with anyone in the States, I thought i’d give it a shot and see if anyone who is in a similar situation as myself would be interested in having a chat (Skype or Email) now and again with someone from over the pond?!
I’ll introduce myself first. I’m male, married, have been for 58 years, so i’m not looking for romance, lol! I caught polio in the 1933 epidemic. Since 1990 I also have suffered from PPS and now, for the last three years have been semi-housebound. So, if there is anyone who is in a similar position as myself and who would enjoy a ‘chat’ or two, then, please feel free to contact me, at this address, if you have a spare moment or two. crabklaw@yahoo.co.uk Oh, by the way, I live on the south coast of England, and both my wife and myself are OAPs (Old Age Pensioners!)
Great to have you aboard! I am a great Doc Martin fan. Do you know that TV series? Do you live near Cornwall?
I’ve read some good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking…such a great informative website.
Sunny,
Great site.
Looking forward to communicating with you.
Bruce