Question: I consider myself to be fairly young for a polio survivor (I’m in my 30s). I would like to meet other polio survivors near me. There is a support group where I live, but I worry about the age gap and whether I’ll fit in. Response from Rhoda Olkin, PhD: Entering any group that knows each other can be …
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Advice for Joining Support Groups via Zoom
Question: I just recently moved and joined the post-polio support group in my area. Because of the pandemic, they aren’t holding any in-person meetings. The group has a private Facebook page and gets together on Zoom each month. I’ve only been on a few calls, but I’m finding it hard to fit in. I’m not overly shy, but I feel …
What’s the Right Word for Someone Who Had Polio?
Question: I usually call myself a ‘polio-survivor.’ I’ve heard some people say ‘polios’ and others say ‘living with the after effects of polio.’ Some say ‘I’m handicapped’ and others say ‘I’m disabled.’ Are these all acceptable, or am I accidently insulting someone if I use the wrong language? Response from Rhoda Olkin, PhD: Such a great question because words convey …
Dealing with Stress During the Pandemic
Question: I have used a wheelchair since I was in my twenties and in recent years have developed significant neurological pain in my shoulder. I have tried a number of treatment options with varying degrees of success. One thing I have noticed is that stress tends to exacerbate the pain. This past year, because of the pandemic, has been particularly …
COVID-19 Vaccination Anxiety
Question: Even though my wife is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, she has yet to do so. I’ve shown her the information on PHI’s website that encourages polio survivors to get the vaccine, but she still has some trepidation. It is still so new, she says. What if there is some long-term side effect we don’t know about? I …
Choosing Between Family and Personal Health During a Pandemic
Question: Some of my family seem to have gradually let down their guard as the pandemic has ground on. My youngest daughter, who lives nearby, lets my grandkids go on playdates and she regularly jogs with a group of friends. I don’t want to tell them not to visit me, but when I gently suggest that she be more careful, …
Staying Informed Without Getting Overwhelmed During COVID-19
Question: It seems like they’re constantly coming out with new or changing information regarding COVID-19. How do I find the line between staying informed and consuming so much news that it makes me anxious? Response from Rhoda Olkin, PhD: This is a timely and very relevant question for all of us. We are more isolated as we shelter in place, …
Polio-Related Issues During COVID-19
Question: Are there polio-related issues during the shelter-in-place orders? What can you say about polio in the time of COVID-19? Response from Rhoda Olkin, PhD: Staying at home? What could be easier? Then I had to take out the garbage (three cans—landfill, recycling, organic materials), and empty the dishwasher, and do the laundry—today, tomorrow, and the next day and the …
Coping Strategies for Those Aging into Disabilities
Question: My husband had polio when he was three. He’s now 74. About two years ago, his body started breaking down. Long story short, he now uses a power chair to go all but the shortest distances. We moved into a ranch and made some modifications so that he could get around better. Things are better now, but for a …
How to Balance Activities with Friends and the Need to Slow Down a Bit
Question: I have always been a fairly active person. I have a good circle of friends, and we like to meet up for various outings—nothing too strenuous, just going to plays or museums, meeting up for lunch, going shopping, etc. Like many people that had polio and are getting older, I can’t quite do as much as I used to. …