Post Polio And Pain Disabled Woman Seeks Grant Money For Wheelchair Van

by Lynn Morin
(Vernon, CT, USA)

I had polio as a child. I am now 56 years old, and have post polio syndrome, but also have central pain syndrome. This is a central nervous system disorder that causes what has been called "the worst pain known to man."

It is unbearable. Between the post polio, which has me in an electric wheelchair for anything but the shortest distances for which I use my cane, and the pain syndrome, moving around is very difficult for me.

I was a registered nurse until 2005, when I had to stop working due to falling on the job all the time and the unbearable pain that hit me with a vengeance in 2005 and has only gotten worse.

I have been housebound ever since, as I cannot afford a wheelchair van. I can drive, and do rent a car once a month so I can go to the pain clinic in NH, which is where I lived before my husband deserted me and forced me out of our apartment, as it belonged to his family.

I was forced to move in with my elderly parents. I am still housebound, and unable to drive anyplace without a wheelchair van, so am unable to look around for specialists in CT.

I really need to get to the doctors. I really need transportation. I also have an immune disorder and chronic active Epstein Barr Virus. As a result, I feel very sick at least two or three times a week, and can't even get out of bed. I need to get health care!

I am worried about what is going on with my body, but except for visits to the pain clinic to get my pain medication, I do not have any doctors following me. I am very concerned about why I feel so sick all the time.

I don't have any one to turn to for help. Only my father drives, and he has refused to help me in any way. He says it is too much for him to handle the places he already has to go, which is to the doctors or to any place my mother wants him to bring her.

They have always been unloving growing up, and they show such non concern for my well-being that someone actually called the state social services on them just to be certain I was safe.


Well, I am not being injured physically, but emotionally I am a wreck. I need to start taking care of myself medically, and would like to start counseling. It has been six months since my husband left me, and I am still hurting.

My parents don't even knock on my door to see if I am okay if I don't come out of my room for a few days because I am sick. I need to get into assisted living or my own apartment with community helps, but I can't go to social services without a wheelchair van.

I am so frustrated. I don't know where to turn or who to talk to. It is impossible for me to get any help without a wheelchair van. I am stuck in this house, with people who don't care what happens to me. They show no concern nor offer any help at all.

I am on my own. My kids don't even care what happens to me, as they haven't called me in six months to offer support, to say they love me, or for any reason. Not even to say why they have stopped calling me. I don't know why myself.

I have been housebound and at times bedbound for over four years now. I am heartbroken and physically hurting. My post polio has gotten worse in the past six months and I am sure it is the stress I am living with.

If anyone can tell me how to qualify for a grant or a free wheelchair van, I would be so grateful. If I had a new wheelchair van, it would probably be the last vehicle I will ever own for the rest of my life.

I don't go anyplace, so it would not get a lot of miles or wear and tear, just purposeful use. I pray someone will see this and help me. I am so sad and lonely, and my health seems to be failing. I am desperate for medical care.

Thank you for any help you can send my way or point me to, whether it's a government disability grant of just any help at all.

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