Man who’s survived inside iron lung for 72 years shares his incredible story on TikTok

Paul Alexander lives a very unique life compared to most.

Contracting polio at the age of 6 in 1952 during an outbreak in Dallas, Texas, Alexander now spends his days confined within an ‘iron lung’ machine.

Despite being in the machine for over 70 years, Alexander has been sharing his story all over TikTok under the username @ironlungman.

He’s also used the platform to answer questions from his curious audience, such as what he does during a power cut.

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus, that can result in paralysis in severe cases.

Paul Alexander uses TikTok to share his polio story and his life thereafter / Special Books by Special Kids/YouTube

Paul Alexander uses TikTok to share his polio story and his life thereafter / Special Books by Special Kids/YouTube

Whilst the paralysis is temporary for most polio sufferers, around one in 200 infections can lead to irreversible paralysis. Alexander was one of the unfortunate few and as a result, is unable to move his body from the neck down.

The paralysis from polio can impact the chest muscles and diaphragm of its survivors, making it very difficult for them to breathe.

Therefore, Alexander can be seen within an ‘iron lung’ machine which essentially helps him to breathe. It works by pumping air in and out, enabling his chest to expand and contract.

He talks about his life after contracting the disease during a polio epidemic, his university life at the University of Texas where he studied to be a lawyer, alongside his remarkable achievement of writing a book.

On his TikTok series, he explains that he spent five years writing an autobiography called Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung – all by typing into a computer using a pencil in his mouth.

Alexander explained that wrote an autobiography in five years by typing into a computer using a pencil in his mouth /Special Books by Special Kids/YouTube

Alexander explained that wrote an autobiography in five years by typing into a computer using a pencil in his mouth /Special Books by Special Kids/YouTube

In one of his clips, he said warmly: ‘I have goals and dreams of doing some more things before I go visit someplace else.’

Reportedly a machine from the past, Alexander is now just one of two people in the US who are reliant on the iron lung to breathe.

Alexander also warns of the many children not injected against polio and feels there’s a high risk of ‘another epidemic.’

His story has touched many of his devoted viewers as well as inspired them.

One social media user commented: ‘I’m impressed that even when the iron lung tried to stop him from living his dream of being a lawyer, he was still able to become a lawyer.’

Another wrote: ‘This is one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen in the entirety of my existence.’

Whilst another viewer responded: ‘Paul you are an amazing person and have accomplished so much and will continue to achieve more! Thank you for sharing your stories.’

Featured Image Credit: Special Books by Special Kids/YouTube

Related Posts

LAWYER BELIEVES DONALD TRUMP’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS WERE VIOLATED

At least one lawyer believes Donald Trump’s constitutional rights have been violated. This opinion comes after the results of the Trump hush money trial jury found the…

“IS HUNTER STILL A CRACKHEAD”: JILL BIDEN HECKLED IN PUBLIC

Someone saw Jill Biden in public and was yelling questions her way. One of the questions was asking about Hunter Biden being a crackhead. Another question asked…

Breaking: Blake Shelton Confronts Beyoncé “She’s Dress-up Clown And Definitely Not Country” 👇👇👇

In a surprising turn of events, tech entrepreneur Blake Shelton and music icon Beyoncé have found themselves at odds over artistic expression and genre boundaries. The clash…

This old Milf…

This old lady looks on of the most gergous in the world, she is 60 and still looks amazing mmm Post Views: 41

What does this guy have to do to stay alive?

I Bet 99.99% Will Fail!What does this guy have to do to stay alive? Good luck and pass it on!SOLUTION: Advantages Of Riddles: Get A Conclusion Why…

Simon Cowell started yelling like crazy! These little miracles sang a song that Simon could not speak…

Simon Cowell erupted with fervor as the scene unfolded on the stage of a prominent talent competition. A group of young performers showcased a song that left…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *