Facing second battle

Dear editor:
I am a polio survivor. I had polio in 1949. In 1951, three of my school friends died from polio.
Since March is Polio Month in Canada, I want to raise public awareness about polio and the post-polio sequelae (or syndrome) which many polio survivors are now experiencing.
Many of the polio survivors who are experiencing post-polio syndrome problems are not aware of this medical condition, and like me a few years ago, are wondering what is happening to them.
Ten years ago, I was very physically active, including mountain hiking, Kung Fu, jogging, and bicycling. My problems came on gradually, and I had to give up my physical activities one by one as they became worse.
It wasn’t until I read a newspaper article three years ago that I realized what was happening to me. Two years ago, after losing many government contracts due to extreme fatigue and pain, I finally had to give up working and retire early on Canada Pension Disability.
Here is some of the information of Post-Polio Sequelae/Syndrome from the post-polio brochure from the Ontario March of Dimes:
“With the introduction of the Salk vaccine in 1955, most people thought that they had seen the last of polio. Since then, the majority of men and women who survived the disease have led full and productive lives. Polio was forgotten.
“But now, a growing number of people who had polio in the past are experiencing new symptoms.
“In the early 1980s, as polio survivors became aware of new unexplained symptoms, Ontario March of Dimes responded with the post-polio program. Polio survivors who have been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome have reported one, all, or a combination of the following symptoms:
•unaccustomed fatigue, which requires rest breaks;
•reduced endurance;
•new joint and muscle pain;
•muscle weakness;
•trouble sleeping, or waking feeling unrested;
•respiratory problems;
•difficulty swallowing food, frequent choking;
•extreme sensitivity to cold environments;
•feeling cold where others are warm, sometimes accompanied by a burning pain, pins and needles sensation, and/or purple feet; and
•emotional stress due to a number of new symptoms
“Sadly, many polio survivors dismiss the first signs and symptoms of post-polio as a normal part of the aging process and do not seek medical attention until the symptoms are more severe.
“Many health care professionals today have never experienced a polio outbreak and have had few, if any, polio survivors as patients.
“Today, the Ontario March of Dimes has a special Post-Polio Services Department which offers information and support to polio survivors, including a polio survivors registry, health care professionals registry, education and information, and conferences.”
They also have a group e-mail for polio survivors, of which I am a member. The Ontario March of Dimes is now considering changing the e-mail system name from Post-Polio Ontario to Post-Polio Canada.
Although there are a number of local post-polio support groups throughout Canada, the closest two to us here in Fort Frances are in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.
I am interested in starting up a post-polio support group here in Fort Frances. Those interested can contact me at 274-6363 or by e-mail at amartinson@jam21.net
Sincerely,
Audrey Martinson
#208-901 Shevlin Ave.,
Fort Frances, Ont.