Time's capsule: Polio

It was a crippling, debilitating disease, an epidemic, a war within families and a war with death.

In one of time's capsules, it was the time of the war between man and a dreaded disease, Poliomyelitis, a spinal paralysis, infantile paralysis, or Polio as it was called. For those of us working to bring treatment, survival, comfort and rehabilitation to our patients, we soon became aware that we were witnessing the destruction of healthy lives and family relationships.

Our weapons during this war consisted of a single row of wringer washing machines standing out the doors of patients' rooms, filled with hot packs. The night shift had the responsibility of preparing these soldiers of war for the day shift by seeing that the tubs were filled and heated to a certain temperature before the packs could be applied to the patients' afflicted areas.

Those of us working on this polio ward, as it was called, became familiar with the iron lung, the striker frame, saw dust beds, oscillating beds, stretchers used for moving patients regularly about the ward when necessary, trapezes and wheel chairs. We were constantly trying to make patients comfortable. Many had to be fed. Many had very limited use of their limbs.

Dealing with the ravages of this disease and learning to cope with life's swift losses presented overwhelming problems to these patients and their families. Sadness prevailed on some days and hope on others.

But one day, I witnessed a love story of its own, a communion of two hearts, two souls, two spirits, two paralyzed patients filled with hope, courage and love to come. As they lay on two stretchers feeling the breezes on their cheeks high upon the rooftops of Grace-New Haven Hospital, they shared a common vision on the blue pallet, a canvas of the sky filled with cumulus clouds—a vision of courage, hope and joy that filled their hearts.

There were many afternoons like that where we brought patients out into the fresh air to enjoy the warmth of day, a little breeze perhaps, and a chance to expand their world of thought beyond the close confines of Fitkin's subculture.

For those of us who witnessed that time capsule, and I know I can speak for all when I say, we are so fortunate to have had two scientists, Dr. Jonas Salk and A.B. Sabin, develop the immunization drugs. We most can appreciate heaven because we have seen the ravages of hell.

This experience at Grace-New Haven Hospital was one I shall never forget. As a University of Connecticut, School of Nursing student doing clinicals at Grace-New Haven Hospital, 1947 - 1952, class of 1952, I am one OLD SOLDIER of NURSING who has been given a life long curiosity, scientific wonder and compassion. I thank you YALE-NEW HAVEN HOSPITAL and MEDICAL SCHOOL.

Mrs. Aileen Meyer
Monroe, Conn.