Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting
This was a very interesting book. It didn't know Polio could be so serious. It restaes quotes that Polio patients, survivors, and relatives of those who had Polio said. I sounded like a very frightening disease. The book told all about the diseases sypthoms. It also told about how things were after the vaccine came out. I will reccommend this book to people who are interested with U.S. disasters, or medical buisness ... Read more

Product Description
Both the story of a disease and the program of its global eradication and a personal journey in search of identity and meaning in life. Building his journey on family, community and country makes our future look much brighter.
Dave Neufeld
author/historian ... Read more

Product Description
This memoir is considered to be a definitive work on America's challenge to end polio epidemics.Interweaving a personal and sometimes humorous story with the scientific development of the Salk vaccine, this book brings to light the effect of poliovirus epidemics on medical training as well as on research methods, still influenced by the Salk-Sabin vaccine race.Suitable for adult and young-adult reading, this memoir is also becoming popular in Advanced Placement high school science classes and on required reading lists for medical school students in medical history classes and humanism societies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Review
Reviews:
"The Polio Hole is a vividly told, heartwarming account of Shelley Fraser Mickle's childhood battle with the dread scourge of polio, set artfully in counterpoint with the ultimately successful medical search for an effective preventive vaccine. Written with grace and humor, totally free of self-pity, this is a story to cherish and remember."
Louis D. Rubin, Jr.
literary critic and historian, editor and novelist, author or editor of more than fifty books, recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Lifetime Achievement Award, charter member of The Fellowship of Southern Writers, esteemed figure in American letters for more than four decades.


"Shelley Fraser Mickle's memoir, entitled The Polio Hole, is a wonderfully, informative narrative reminding us of a time when America was momentarily paralyzed with fear for its children and subsequently mobilized by mothers to defeat the epidemic of polio in America. Beautifully expressed, intertwining Shelley's personal experience with polio and the race to find a vaccine, The Polio Hole is a must read. Donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this book, Shelley joins Rotary International as it works to "close the final inch" to eradicate polio from the face of the earth."
Tony Domenech,
President, Rotary Club of Gainesville
District 6970

"This story of a determined child's fight to beat polio's debilitating breakdown of her body is Shelley's own. We share the sights and sounds as Shelley reveals her awakening sensitivities to everything from family dynamics to race relations. She weaves into this an account of the scientific and personal competition that occurred between Salk and Sabin as they developed their vaccines to prevent polio. Readers will develop an increased awareness of how the poliovirus affects the body and how vaccines work, as well as an appreciation of how disability can actually become enabling."
Parker A. Small Jr. MD
Professor Emeritus, University of Florida College of Medicine, Charter Member, National Vaccine Advisory Committee, National Medical School Basic Science Teacher of the Year Awardee
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Essential for post-polio library
I read this book in 1999 when I first began to have symptoms of new post-polio fatigue and weakness, having had my initial onset as a small child in 1951.I first researched to find the most respected experts in the field, of which there are now very few but more were available in 1999.Dr. Halstead was among the very best informed in the US.

The lifestyle tools and suggestions he recommends were invaluable in helping me to organize my life in a way that conserved energy, and additionally helped me not to feel guilty about dropping out non-essential tasks such as fully making my bed daily.I learned to save up my walking chits for more enjoyable activities, immediately started looking for a one story house (stairs take ten times the physical energy that a flat floor does!), re-organized my new house so that labor would be easier and not duplicated, started using my cane more often, even at home, took more naps and rests, and became more efficient about errand days.I also learned how to firmly but tactfully communicate with doctors, and immediately find other physicians if I was told, "we don't believe in post-polio in this office" or anything of that nature.These things I've mentioned are just a few highlights.

Dr. Halstead also has a very sane approach to exercise:Basically, Don't go for the burn, but don't just sit on the couch either (as one polio "expert" recommended at the time, "don't waste your energy with exercise," leading me to think, "OK, am I more afraid of a heart attack, diabetes, and back pain, or not being able to walk some day?"What a choice!).

This is a totally realistic - and kind - book about how to live your best life possible as a post-polio patient.

A"Tell it All' book about the problems and solutions to PP
I read this book in paperback as it was sent to me by our state PostPolio group....I was amazed that there, in one book, were the answers to some of the questions that some of the many Drs. I've consulted NEEDED in order totreat me properlyand with efficacy.It also answered many of thequestions *I* have had, but nobody ever had the answers to...a commonproblem with PPS'ers.Dr. Halstead has done us ALL a favor and a serviceby writing this.I will give the copy I just ordered to my primary carephysician, who, luckily, CARES!He in turn, will share it withothers....there is power in knowledge!Unfortunately, many of wePPS'ers, don't meet many people who DO know!

From the author of two chapters in this book:
I'd like to alert readers to a related book by one of the authors in this book. Rhoda Olkin, Ph.D., has written a book called WHAT PSYCHOTHERAPISTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DISABILITY that many readers of the Halstead book willfind useful and enjoyable. Do not be put off by the title: it is applicableto persons with disabilities as well as professionals.

A Must Read For All Polio Suvivors
I'm 52 years old and it has been 50 years this year since I became involved with poliomyelitis, I am in the 1-2% who suffered paralytic polio. Not knowing any better, and because my parents never treated me anydifferent than my brothers or sister. I lived what I thought was a normallife growing up. I've worked six days a week for the past 35 years, andraised two childern with the help of my wife of 32 years. In the early 80'sI began to notice that things that I used to be able to do like play catchwith my son, were becoming more difficullt. Not all at once but a littlebit at time I began to notice I was not able to reach my left arm across mybody. Now I cannot step up on the curb like I could 15 months ago. Here Iwas thinking that I had overcame this challange, but I began to notice thatmy old enemy had returned. Dr. Halstead has written the bible for all of uswho have or are receiving a return visit by polio. Thank-you Dr. Halstead Iwould like to have your e mail address so I could tell you how much yourefforts have meant to me. Listen all of my polio brothers and sisters trustme you won't regret purchasing this book.

Priceless PPS Information
Iagree with the thorough review of this book by Jack Trombadore and the other person from Baltimore: 5 stars!This book has so much good information on Post Polio Syndrome.We, Polio survivors now experiencingthese late effects, have so few resources and this book fulfills the needfor information and support so beautifully! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not Just Polio: My Life Story by Richard Daggett
I have known Richard for over twenty years since I became a member of the Rancho Los Amigos Post-Polio Support Group in Downey CA. His autobiography shows how Polio can change your life forever but with a strong will and perseverance you can change it for the best and Richard is such a person, he opted not to let Polio take over his life but rather to be of service to others not only Polio Survivors but to the community in general.
I normally do not read a book more than once but this one is an exception, this is a tour of a beautiful life, this is a feel-good reading, and is a most read not just for polio survivors but their care givers, family and friends. Thank you Richard for sharing.

The Boy Across the Street
My family and I lived across the street from Richard Daggett in Downey when he contracted polio.The early 1950's were a frightful time for all parents who lived in fear of that dreaded disease.This book accurately depicts that era from the viewpoint of someone who lived through it and went on to have a rewarding and active life, despite his disability.

He gives a very clearheaded account of the many procedures that were done to him and relates the psychological insensitivities he had to endure in a matter-of-fact way.He has a great fondness for the people at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital and feels, rightly so I think, that without their care and knowledge of polio, he would surely have died early on in the course of his disease.He remains in close partnership with Rancho to this day.

It was particularly interesting for me to read his description of what Downey, CA (and our street in particular) looked like before the orange groves were removed and tract houses went up.Since I'm seven years younger than Richard, his recollections are a lot clearer than mine are.As he says, it truly was a great place to be a kid.

I'm so glad he made this effort to record his life experiences, both the good and the bad.He really is a remarkable person and I feel honored to have known him.

More than an illness.
Imagine that you wake up in a huge metal tank, with just your head exposed. A few hours before, you were a healthy and active thirteen year old. Imagine that you spend nearly six months confined to this mammoth steel cylinder, and another two years in a hospital.

Now, try to imagine how you would react. How would you cope? Richard Daggett, the author of this well-written autobiography, takes you, step by step, through this life altering experience.

But this book is more than the story of illness and hospitals. It is a recollection of life in the America of the 1940s and 50s. This was the time of black and white television, of kids playing together on the front lawn, and moms waiting to greet us when we got home from school.

I recommend this autobiography for its history of life in a less hectic era, and its honest depiction of how illness and disability can change a person's life.

The author concludes the book with introspection and tributes to those who helped him through his journey. Reading through the text, and browsing the many photographs, lifted my spirits in ways that I hadn't expected. The author does not like to be called an inspiration, but I hope he won't mind if I call his book inspirational.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A MUST Read for anyone that has had polio at one time!
Here is THE book that is a MUST read for the person faced with post polio syndrome, their families and certainly every doctor attempting to properly treat a PPS person.If you had polio as a child and don't think you have any problems now 40 yrs. later, you may be very surprised what you read & learn about yourself.Some lights may go on and connections relate to medical issues you have been dealing with but never dreamed it could be connected to having polio as a child.This is THE problem, doctors have little to no information about PPS and therefore misdiagnose or certainly don't recognize the true cause & correct treatment.Persons live for years with unanswered questions and truly suffer with no help in sight.First inform yourself if you had polio, then alert the doctors that have or are treating you. This is not just a note on your medical records that you had polio as a child, to be ignored as a past issue. If you need to find specialists, be your own advocate, because most everything the medical community says is misinformed about PPS.The general attitude is that polio was eradicated but there are still people getting polio from the vaccine.No one ever imagined that residual effects 40 yrs. later could put you in a wheelchair and live with chronic debilitating pain. You may be surprised to find out how PPS has affected your brain, & what comes with that now. Do this for yourself, read this book if you relate to any of this review. ... Read more

Product Description
Welcome to a set of conversations #3 son Jerry had with others about a family journey.All words in this book were expressed by 7 people and have been woven together into a set of vignettes to share memories and insights of the participants.All conversations were recorded, transcribed then trimmed to the points as presented.Occurrences of this book started over 64 years ago.As the assembler of these conversations, Jerry did not try to reconcile different memories and facts.Instead he attempted to catch the feelings, intensity and spirit of those moments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Great Story from a Great Person
I've always had the greatest of admiration for the author, Jerry McNellis.Reading this book has only made my admiration grow.A funny and touching story about a personal journey and a time in history that many have forgotten.Jerry has added the perspectives from others that really enriches the story, wspecially his Mom!Highly recommended for readers of all ages. ... Read more

Product Description


it's 1946 and the polio epidemic, but the boys on the ward are living it up!

"The Boys' Ward" is fiction, and occasionally autobiographical. The author was on the boys' ward in 1946 at Boston's Children's Hospital and lived to tell about it. The novel is funny and tragic, naughty and noble, inspiring and comical, with song and dance, hydrotherapy and a funeral. Timmy Kelly, the hero, discusses everything from Karma to Darwin to the Cosmos. Think Huckleberry Finn meets Mark Twain meets Charles Dickens. ... Read more

Product Description
Moving back and forth between a supportive home and a renowned children's hospital, Richard Maus did not feel like he belonged anywhere. Lucky One is the timeless story of a child's struggle to make it through pain, depression, and despair to a rewarding life and caareer.-Polio at 4 months-Hospitalized 965 days over 15 years, 16 operations-Contemplated suicide as a young student-Flunked out of two colleges, graduated from a third with majors in mathematics and physics, amaster's degree and as a licensed pilot ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not alone in this life-long struggle!
In 1947, I had Polio.I was taken to Los Angeles County Hospital, then to Childrens Hospital.This book by Richard Maus was wonderfully confirming; a satisfying read because his experience was in keeping with my own experience.Attitudes imparted by medical staff, parental perspectives and response were similar, although we were in different parts of the country.
The nightmare of repeated surgeries!The stigma of this tragic disease!Richard Maus writes clearly and precisely what we "polios" experienced.
I realize that the medical community has progressed and parents in the 1940's and 50's themselves felt so entirely helpless at the time of onset.They were stunned and grieved.They believed the medical community knew best.When in fact, we were often human guinea pigs.
My memory, it turns out, serves me well. I appreciate this book and the candid way in which Richard Maus shared his story.However, I could not write a book about having polio without including the fact that the L-rd G-d saved my life and gave me spirit!

Fantastic insight into Polio and a great read!
Richard Maus has shared with us his deeply personal struggle to live with and conquer an unrelenting disease.His depiction of the medical world at the time, his family experience in upper Minnesota, and the insight he provides into his inner-psyche combine to create a moving and wonderful story of growing up we can all relate to.Thank you Richard!Your writing is superb!

A book for every parent
Every parent will be touched by the human element in The Lucky One.My wife was in tears when she read about the tractor.
Lucky One is a story for everyone.

A moving story
This is a moving and unusual story that was waiting to be told.As a therapist who spent 40 years providing services to special needs infants and children, including many who were physically challenged, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Mary Ann Eng, parent, grandparent, and retired speech/language pathologist. ... Read more

Product Description
This up-to-date and comprehensive set of two CD-ROM discs provides a superb collection of authoritative documents on the subject of polio and post-polio syndrome. Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It attacks your nervous system. In rare cases, polio infection can cause paralysis. Polio vaccination will protect most people for life. The United States and most other countries eradicated polio decades ago, except for rare cases. The disease most commonly affects young children. Poliovirus spreads in human waste. People usually get it from contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, vomiting, neck stiffness, and leg and arm pain. Most infected people never have symptoms. No treatment will reverse polio paralysis. Moist heat, physical therapy and medicines might ease symptoms. Some people who've had polio develop post-polio syndrome (PPS) years later. Symptoms include tiredness, new muscle weakness and muscle and joint pain. There is no way to prevent or cure PPS. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, and portable - everything you need to know, from the federal sources you trust. This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the relevant institute for this disease, and others.In addition to the comprehensive disease-specific coverage, this disc set also includes our Medical Encyclopedia, a $19.95 value! The Encyclopedia presents a collection of official documents about a wide range of medical topics, diseases, illnesses, health and wellness. There is vital information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Cancer Institute, and more. Topics covered include: major diseases, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, blood diseases and disorders, lung diseases, and neurological disorders such as dementia and epilepsy * CDC Health Topics A to Z, Foodborne Illnesses, Infants and Children, Injuries, Occupational Health, Older Adults, Women * CDC Travelers' Health - Destinations, Vaccinations, Diseases, Mosquito, Tick, Food, Water, Clinics, Yellow Book, Children, Airplanes, Cruise Ships, Special Needs, Relief Workers * Dietary Guidelines * NIH A to Z from abnormalities to X-rays.Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 67 of the best sites for medical information! Built-in weblinks let you quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

not professional information
These contain the same info you can find on the internet - only on the cd it is harder to find ... Read more

Product Description
This up-to-date and comprehensive set of two CD-ROM discs provides a superb collection of authoritative documents on the subject of polio and post-polio syndrome. Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It attacks your nervous system. In rare cases, polio infection can cause paralysis. Polio vaccination will protect most people for life. The United States and most other countries eradicated polio decades ago, except for rare cases. The disease most commonly affects young children. Poliovirus spreads in human waste. People usually get it from contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, vomiting, neck stiffness, and leg and arm pain. Most infected people never have symptoms. No treatment will reverse polio paralysis. Moist heat, physical therapy and medicines might ease symptoms. Some people who've had polio develop post-polio syndrome (PPS) years later. Symptoms include tiredness, new muscle weakness and muscle and joint pain. There is no way to prevent or cure PPS. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, and portable - everything you need to know, from the federal sources you trust. This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the relevant institute for this disease, and others.In addition to the comprehensive disease-specific coverage, this disc set also includes our Medical Encyclopedia, a $19.95 value! The Encyclopedia presents a collection of official documents about a wide range of medical topics, diseases, illnesses, health and wellness. There is vital information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Cancer Institute, and more. Topics covered include: major diseases, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, blood diseases and disorders, lung diseases, and neurological disorders such as dementia and epilepsy * CDC Health Topics A to Z, Foodborne Illnesses, Infants and Children, Injuries, Occupational Health, Older Adults, Women * CDC Travelers' Health - Destinations, Vaccinations, Diseases, Mosquito, Tick, Food, Water, Clinics, Yellow Book, Children, Airplanes, Cruise Ships, Special Needs, Relief Workers * Dietary Guidelines * NIH A to Z from abnormalities to X-rays.Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 67 of the best sites for medical information! Built-in weblinks let you quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is an extremely misleading product.To have an Adobe pdf file of over 8000 pages is unbelievable.
This is a collection of pdf that has a "home-made" thin paper CD cover with all diseases in it.It is not a post-polio "toolkit".
On the CD cover it says it is "privately compiled and published by Progressive Management Not the federal government"
The information on this is extremely difficult to get out of the CD as much is URL links with no actual info on the CD.
All these CD's appear the same: just search on "toolkit medical encyclopedia". http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=toolkit+medical+encyclopedia&x=0&y=0
Please do not be duped as I was.
... Read more