Polio Survivor Dianne Odell: 60 Years in an Iron Lung

United States of America – For decades, Dianne Odell lived in an iron lung due to polio. Unfortunately, the woman from Tennessee, USA, died due to an electricity failure which caused the equipment supporting her to malfunction.

Quoted from detikHealth, Dianne Odell contracted polio at age three and spent nearly six decades in an iron lung. The spinal deformity caused by the disease prevents Dianne from using more modern portable breathing apparatus.

Even though she cannot live outside the limits of the machine, Dianne remains steadfast in maintaining her enthusiasm for life.

He achieved remarkable feats, such as earning a high school degree, taking college courses, and composing children’s stories starring a ‘star of hope’ named Blinky.

In fact, her positive attitude makes Dianne admired by many people. Frank McMeen, president of the West Tennessee Health Care Foundation, praised him as a very kind and caring person, always prioritizing the well-being of those around him.

“I have a very good life, full of love, family and faith. You can make life good or you can make it bad,” he said in a 1994 interview, quoted by the Daily Star.

Within the confines of her iron lung, Dianne can also still interact with visitors via tilting mirrors, operate a television via a small inflatable tube, and communicate via a voice-activated computer.

But in May 2008 at the age of 61, Dianne’s life came to a halt due to a power outage that stopped the flow of air to her lungs.

Family members have also made every effort, including efforts with emergency generators and hand pumps. However, they still cannot maintain their breathing. Dianne’s breathing strength had indeed reduced significantly in the previous months.

“We did everything we could do but we couldn’t keep her breathing,” Dianne’s brother-in-law, Will Beyer.

“Dianne has become much weaker over the last few months and she doesn’t have the strength to continue. Everyone knows what we should have done. It didn’t work,” he continued.

This article was published on detikHealth with the title Lived 60 Years in an Iron Lung due to Polio, Died due to Blackout

(suc/yum)

2023-12-12 00:00:16
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