You are currently viewing Man who’s lived inside iron lung for more than 70 years after being struck down by polio developed a new way of breathing
Man who's lived inside iron lung for more than 70 years after being struck down by polio developed a new way of breathing

Man who’s lived inside iron lung for more than 70 years after being struck down by polio developed a new way of breathing

Paul Alexander’s life took an unexpected turn when he was just six years old. Stricken with polio in 1952, the disease left him paralyzed from the neck down, unable to breathe on his own.

Doctors placed him inside an iron lung, a machine resembling a terrifying metal coffin, which relied on negative pressure to mechanically draw oxygen into his lungs.

Paul’s life became a constant cycle of being inside and outside the iron lung. While in the hospital, medical professionals attempted to wean him off the machine, but his respiratory system couldn’t cope, leaving him gasping for breath and turning blue.

However, Paul’s determination led him to discover a remarkable technique he called ‘frog breathing’ or ‘glossopharyngeal breathing.’ With the help of his physical therapist, Mrs. Sullivan, he learned to gulp air and swallow it down, managing to breathe on his own for short periods.

Iron Lung
Man who’s lived inside iron lung for more than 70 years after being struck down by polio developed a new way of breathing

The process of mastering ‘frog breathing’ was both challenging and exhausting. Mrs. Sullivan motivated him by promising to gift him a puppy if he could breathe without the ventilator for three minutes.

Despite the difficulties, Paul persevered for a year, and in the end, he got his puppy, whom he named Ginger. As he became more proficient at unassisted breathing, he could venture outside the iron lung, starting with short trips to the porch and then exploring the yard.

Although Paul still relied on the iron lung for sleep, he made incredible strides in pursuing his dreams.

At 21 years old, he achieved a milestone by becoming the first person in Dallas to graduate from high school without attending in person. He was subsequently accepted into Southern Methodist University, where he encountered resistance from university administration, but he persisted. Eventually, he gained admission to law school at the University of Texas, Austin.

Paul’s indomitable spirit saw him through many challenges. He moved into a dormitory, hiring a caretaker to assist with his physical needs and hygiene. Initially met with astonishment and scepticism, he bravely placed his iron lung in the dorm and adapted to life as a student.

Determined to become a trial lawyer, Paul defied expectations, representing clients in court while seated in a modified wheelchair that kept his paralyzed body upright. His journey was filled with unexpected adventures, from flying on planes to experiencing love and visiting the ocean. Remarkably, he even found himself in a strip club, proving that nothing could hold him back from living life to the fullest.

Paul’s life was not only about personal achievements but also about advocacy. He participated in a sit-in for disability rights, fighting for equal opportunities and respect.

Alongside his various experiences, he poured his heart into writing a memoir titled ‘Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,’ offering a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of a man who refused to let a medical condition define his life.

As medical technology advanced, iron lungs became outdated, replaced by modern positive-pressure ventilators. However, Paul’s extraordinary journey remains an inspiration to those who face adversity.

His life is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, teaching us that with determination, courage, and a supportive community, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Paul Alexander’s story is a reminder to cherish every moment and embrace life’s opportunities, no matter the obstacles we encounter along the way.

Paul Alexander’s Iron Lung

  • Paul Alexander’s Iron Lung – External Link
  • Paul Alexander’s Iron Lung – Tag

Tadese Faforiji

I am Tadese Faforiji, a history student of the prestigious Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State- 21st-century University, properly called. I am a blogger and an avid writer.