If you look closely at my Mum's left leg you will see that it is noticeably thinner than the one of the right, a legacy of her contracting Polio in 1952.
Mum tells me that she remembers being unwell and the doctor paying a house call. He did not know what the problem was and suggested that my Grandparents continue with their holiday plans, a pre-arranged visit to Southend to stay with my Grandfather's sister and brother in law who appeared on day 18.
The day she went to get out of bed and collapsed. My Grandparents called for an ambulance and Mum was admitted to hospital, initially to The Royal Surrey Hospital in Farnham Road Guildford before being transferred to the Isolation hospital at Pyrford. Mum remained at Pyrford for around 8 months, during that time she could only see her parents through the glass. Stories, cuddles and hugs were not possible. Eventually the diagnosis of Polio was given and from the age of 5 until Mum was 17 she visited the hospital and had regular check ups.
She and the medics had no idea that in around 40 years, she and a whole generation of Polio survivors would be diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome and subsequently have another battle to fight. Mum was a lucky one. She remained free from callipers, sticks and wheelchairs all her life and only in the last 2 years has finally given into needing a stick and very strong pain killers. You can read other posts I have written about Polio HERE
I love the friendly, fun and family feel of this photo. My Grandfather wearing her sunglasses and clearly happy to have his little girl back!
That must have been excruciating for your poor little mother who must not have really understood what was going on and for your grandparents.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of post-polio syndrome, but it makes sense. It must have been so distressing for children to be taken from their families, unable to be given love and support when they most needed it. These days it's a forgotten illness but I remember a boy in the class below me had it - but he was a great tennis player! Thanks heavens for modern medicine. It's lovely to see your Mum and her Dad looking happy again.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a cruel disease Julie, thank heavens for vaccinations. My brother was totally crippled with it, in an iron lung etc... a terrible business. He was left with the use of only one arm and now has arthritis in his finers :-( Mum told me about the Post Polio syndrome many years before she died asking me to keep eye on John. So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely photo of your mum and her dad Julie :-)
It is a very cruel disease and like Pauline says, a forgotten illness. I am glad your brother has not been impacted further by the PPS.
DeleteThe biggest impact now is raising an understanding of the condition, which is ultimately being treated by a generation of practioners who have never practiced when Polio was rampant. Those who were practicing at the time are in the main not doing so and no longer with us.