Emerging Courageous Online Magazine - Stories
Learning to Pace Myself - Betty Cooling
My name is Betty Cooling and I had polio when I was two years old. I have
lived my life doing all the things that everyone else did. It may have been a
little harder for me, but I was, and am now a very independent person. I guess
that is why it has been so hard for me to have to deal with all the problems
that I have been having these last 20 years with Post Polio Syndrome (PPS).
It is never easy to go from a full life to one of restrictions but I am learning
how to pace myself better and am now accepting the limits that my body will
allow me. If you are reading this and had Polio and are having the same problems
as a lot of us are, please take the time to see a good doctor and get yourself
some help. It is never easy to ask for help but you don't have to think that you
are alone with PPS. There are thousands of us out here to help you.
I am not able to do all the things I would like to do (and used to do) but now I
am not ashamed to use the handicapped parking. I know that people see me and
think there is nothing wrong with me, but they don't have the pain that comes
with the after affects of Polio. I now hold my head high and do what I have to
in order to have the energy to get through the day.
On May 6, 2000 I had two heart attacks within 10 hours. I am doing OK for now
but now will have to go through all the tests to see how much muscle damage was
done. If you are a woman reading this please make your doctors aware of any
pressure you may be feeling in the chest area. I told my doctors but they did
not seem to think it was anything worth watching. As you can see it was and now
I am paying for not getting the care I deserved. Don't let the doctors ignore
your warning signs. Life is too short to have to deal with all the extras
besides PPS.
Update on heart condition: Passed Stress Test and am now on my way to a good
recovery. Will still have to take meds but that is the easy part...So life goes
on and it is a Great Day. :)
Hey, I'm on way to 2 years without any serious problems with my heart...what a
wonderful feeling...HORRAY ! ! ! I am still having problems with my PPS but I am
living with them and continue to have a full life...even walking better these
nice hot days of summer...just dread to see the COLD AIR hit soon. Oh well I
guess you take the bitter with the sweet, so I will cope.