My story

I got the Swine Flue shot, and immediatley contracted the flu. Within a few months, I experienced massive migraine-like headaches, followed by pain in the joints, eventually could not walk or raise my arms. Entered the hospital in late June 1979 By July 4 my paralysis was complete, put on ventilator via trache tube.

The original diagnosis was that I would not walk again, Began immediate passive therapy, along with cortisone and pain killer meds for inflammation. I made sure I had a clock and calendar and radio so I would not lose track of time or awaareness of the world. Spent ist month in ICU.

Diagnosis changed weekely; I might walk again in two years, spending some time in a wheelchair. Then, I could walk in a year, with braces and crutches. Then, I could walk in a year withjust canes. Then I could walk again in 6 months with canes. After a while, they just gave up on tryingto predict what would happen.

Prior to the illness,I was in relatively good shape, only 27, did not smoke, did not drink to excess. Had some body fat, which helped. Spend 2nd month in Neuro.

Spent 3rd month in rehab, and was allowed out of the hospital for short periods, until I was discharged in September 1979. Used 2 canes for a few weeks, then one, then none. Continued out-paatient therapy for 3 months.