You are here: Home > Publications > The Survivor Newsletter > Spring 2005

The Survivor Newsletter: Spring 2005

A Significant Step Forward!

We have been granted ongoing additional annual funding of €300,000

SINCE the inception of our Group in 1993 we have been campaigning at every level possible on behalf of Polio Survivors in Ireland. We have met with every Health Board around the country (now the HSE), and on a number of occasions have met with officials of the Department of Health & Children. We have had questions asked in Dail Eireann, and we made our first presentation to the JOCHC (Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health & Children) in Dail Eireann in 1999.

In 2004 following the launch of our report 'Polio - The Late Effects Reality' we made a second presentation to the JOCHC in June. Following which, this Committee wrote to the DOHC, and invited the Secretary General to appear before them in the autumn and comment on their recommendations and our report. Prior to the Secretary General's appearance before the committee last November, we were invited to a meeting in the DOHC to discuss the work of our Group. Following this, and just before the Secretary General's appearance before the committee, we received a letter from the Department of Health & Children granting us 'additional ongoing funding of €300,000 for aids and appliances, therapy services and other supports to people with Post Polio Syndrome'.

This substantial additional funding will allow us to expand our present services and examine additional services which we may provide either directly or in collaboration with other organisations already providing such services. Firstly, we have now to meet with HSE officials to discuss and agree the use of this additional funding, which will have to include more employed administrative personnel to carry out this work. We have already forwarded the HSE our Business Plan in this regard.

KEEP WELL - JIM.

---

Mary McEvoy - An Appreciation

I am lost for words to describe my feelings regarding the recent sudden death of our esteemed Treasurer, Mary McEvoy. She tirelessly worked of behalf of our Group over the past 8/9 years, for most of which she has been our Treasurer. I personally found her support to me invaluable, along with looking after our financial affairs, she was always available on the phone to advise and discuss matters, and give her considered opinion. Our sincere condolences to her husband Tim, and her family. Our Board and the Group in general are indebted to her and will miss her greatly. May she rest in Peace.

JIM - CHAIRMAN

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE

We would like to welcome Caroline O’Kelly as Acting Administrator to the Office. Caroline is a good friend of the Post Polio Support Group and has given us the benefit of her expertise on several occasions in the past.

Welcome back to Ursula from her Christmas break, she is busy with the book-keeping end of things, and always has a welcoming voice at the end of the phone.

Victor gave us great help with the posting out of Christmas cards, etc., during the past few months. He leaves us as the end of January, and we wish him the best of luck in his new employment.

The office can be contacted at: 01 873 0338 during office hours, and Joan (our Secretary) can be contacted at 01 4549237. Please leave a message on the answer machine and she will return your call.

Fund Raising News

MANY thanks to all who took part in sales of Christmas cards and cash collections over the past few months. The sale of Christmas cards went reasonably well, but the returns will not be as good as last year, as a number of outlets had to be cancelled owing to illness of some of our collectors. However, the cards won't go to waste as they will be available next year, and by all accounts, people felt they were of very good quality. If you have not yet returned monies collected from the sale of Christmas cards, please do so as soon as possible.

You know how your purse seems to fill up with 5, 2 and 1 cent coins? The Fundraising Committee has come up with a way to put these coins to good use. With this newsletter, we are enclosing 2 cardboard collection boxes for loose change. It is hoped that as many members as possible collect change for us in one of the boxes and pass on the other box to a family member, or ask your local chemist or newsagent to let it be displayed on their counter. Then, when the boxes are full, it would be great if you could give it into your bank and send us a cheque/postal order for the amount collected to the office. When they are emptied, please start again!! Further boxes are available. Please do what you can with these boxes as every little helps.

The Flora Women's Mini-Marathon (Dublin) will take place this year on 6th June (the Bank holiday Monday). Entry forms will be in the Evening Herald on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10th March - please apply early as the organizers are putting a limit on the amount of participants this year. This is a great fun event and in the three years since we started taking part, the number of participants running/walking /rolling for Post Polio Support Group has risen from 30 to 80, and this year we want to get over 100 people taking part for Post Polio Support Group - please contact Anne Burns (01 4534150) for further information.

That all for the moment - and don't forget to start your change collection boxes! And thanks again for everything.

HUGH HAMILTON

---

Holiday Care - A Review

By: John McFarlane, MCCON Services (Acting Treasurer, Post Polio Support Group)

Post Polio Support Group has joined the Holiday Care Service as a group member. Holiday Care is a UK national charity based at in south London and has been established for 22 years. It is supported by the UK's national tourist boards, the travel industry and a number of well-known corporations, trusts and voluntary sector organisations. As well as operating an advice service on accessible and suitable UK venues and facilities it has information on accessible venues in over 12 overseas countries including: USA, SPAIN, ITALY, GREECE & THE ISLANDS, CYPRUS, FRANCE and MADEIRA.

The basic premise behind their philosophy is that everyone needs the opportunity to get away at least once a year with family and friends. Their aim to give disabled and older people the chance to do just that.

They do not provide funding for holidays, though they know a number of organisations who do; nor do they organise holidays. Rather their role mission is to help disabled and older people lead independent lives by enhancing their ability to travel. This is achieved by providing information about transport, accommodation, visitor attractions, activity holidays and respite care establishments, both in the UK and overseas, this enables people with all kinds of disability to holiday where possible in a mainstream environment.

The Holiday Care Service runs a fully staffed Information Service that has researched and produced nearly 120 different information packs comprising holiday and accommodation suggestions for people with a wide variety of special needs. These include: accessible hotels and B&Bs, self-catering and farm accommodation, holiday centres, visitor attractions and activity holidays, holidays for people with disabled children. Much of the accommodation has been formally inspected for access by the tourist boards or Holiday Care under the National Accessible Scheme.

They also have a comprehensive database of respite care facilities in the UK, which offer disabled people short-term residence, giving their carers a break either at the same location or at home. Information about these establishments is now available on their website

Specific information packs on a range of services are also available including companies advising on: oxygen, escort and companion services and hiring of equipment.

Group inclusive holiday packs feature tour operators and useful contact lists for both UK and overseas destinations. A specific information sheet is also available for travellers with a learning disability.

The real bonus in using their services is that in many instances discounts not generally available to the public can be accessed. For instance for those wishing to visit London substantial discounts can be accessed for the Travel Inn Group, Tara Hotel and the Expotel / Novotel / Sofitel chain. Many of these discounts are also available outside London and indeed the UK.

To contact the Holiday Care Service go to www.holidaycare.org.uk or ring to 0044 208 760-0072 or write to HOLIDAY CARE SERVICE, 7th Floor Sunley House, 4 Bedford Road, CROYDON CR0 2AP, United Kingdom. Staff will be able discuss your individual requirements and give advice as well as book accommodation and services on your behalf. However to avail the service, as it is subscription based, you will need the Post Polio Support Group membership number. This can be obtained from the office on 01 873- 0338.

Happy Holidays and watch out for the AGM programme as a representative of the Holliday Care Service is coming over to tell us all about the services they offer. Also, in conjunction with the Polio Family Theme of the AGM on 14th May, there will be a SUPER PRIZE DRAW, with all members being entered into a draw for €1,500 worth of holidays booked through Holiday Care. GOOD LUCK

(As a footnote the author of this piece has been a life member for many years and has on average saved between 30 - 50% on every booking made through their office)

Around the Regions ...

BRAY GROUP:
Convenor: Belinda Redmond
Tel: 01-2860251
Email: redmond286@eircom.net
Areas: North Wicklow, South Dublin
Venue: Esplanade Hotel, Bray

Meets the first Tuesday of every month from March to September, at 8.00 p.m.
Next Meeting: 1st March, with speaker Liz McManus TD.

Their Christmas Party was a great success according to the following account from Belinda. “The meal was lovely and the entertainment group Abba were very entertaining. There was a DJ after this and we got up to dance. It was very crowded and we had to dance on the edge of the dance floor, but it didnt matter. We still had fun. The music was very loud and a bit much for some but on the whole we had a very good night.”

LIMERICK GROUP:
Convenor: Tom Clifford
Tel: 061-375115
Email: Tomclifford1@eircom.net
Venue: Kilmurray Lodge Hotel, Limerick.
Areas: Limerick, Clare, Kerry.

Meets the first Wednesday of every second month
Next Meeting: Wednesday 2nd March at 8.00 p.m.

They hope to have a talk from a member Hazel Hunter - Psychotherapist. (To be confirmed).

ENNISCORTHY GROUP
Convenor: Ann O’Kelly Guerin
Tel: 053-32633
Email: aguerin914@hotmail.com
Areas: South Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford
Venue: Riverside Hotel, Enniscorthy

Next meeting will be held on Monday 4th April at 8.00 p.m.

GALWAY GROUP
Convenor: Bridie McMahon
Tel: 094 9540285
Mobile: 087 9580567
Email: sbmcmahon@eircom.net
Areas: Galway, Mayo.
Venue: Menlo Park Hotel, Galway

Meets on the first Wednesday of every second month at the
Next meeting: Wednesday 2nd March at 8.00 p.m.

The Galway group had a very enjoyable Christmas party in December, with a nice meal and lots of chat. The photos say it all! They have great plans to bring out a booklet of real life stories from their members, which they hope to launch at the AGM. So if you would like to have your story included, send it to Bridie.

CORK GROUP
Convenor: Evelyn Wainwright
Tel: 086-8829267
Email: evelyn99911@hotmail.com
Venue: Vienna Woods Hotel
Area: Cork (City and County) and Kerry

Their New Year’s Party was held on 19th January (after this newsletter went to print) so we will hear all about it for the next newsletter. Next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th March.

LETTERKENNY GROUP
Convenor: John Mangan
Tel: 074-9137465
Area: Donegal, Derry
Venue: Holiday Inn, Letterkenny
Next Meeting: Saturday 22nd April, at 3.00 p.m. The hope to have a speaker from Physical and Sensory Disability Section, North West Region.

PORTLAOISE GROUP:
Convenor: Paddy Fitzpatrick
Tel: 0505-46738
Email: paddyfitz3@eircom.net

Next meeting will be held on Margaret Tierney and her sister-in-law at the Galway Christmas party Christina, Hugh and Barbara at the Galway Christmas party Brian and Marian Clogher at Mullingar meeting. Volume 1 Issue 2 Autumn 2004 2 1 Spring 2005 Around the Regions ... Tuesday 8th March at Keadeen Hotel, Portlaoise at 8.00 p.m.

Areas: Offaly, Laois, Kilkenny. Paddy has asked that as many people as possible attend at the next meeting, as Mid West Region has received €2,500 lottery funding for the development of social support activities in this area and members suggestions are welcome.

MULLINGAR/ATHLONE GROUP:
Convenor: Sean Mulligan
Tel: 0906-494016
Areas: Monaghan, Cavan, Meath Westmeath, Longford, Athlone
Venue: Cregan Court Hotel, Athlone (please note change of venue)

Next meeting is booked for 11th March at 8.00 p.m. They hope to have a speaker from the Citizen’s Information Service (to be confirmed).

NEWBRIDGE GROUP:
Convenor: Paddy Moyles
Tel: 059 9141283 (Evenings)
Venue: The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge
Areas: Carlow, Kildare.

Next meeting on Tuesday 8th February at 8.00 p.m

MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND - WESTERN AND NORTH WESTERN REGIONS:

Once again the Western and North Western Regions are joining up for a Spring break with a difference on 8th-10th April next.

They have booked to go to Hotel Westport for a Murder Mystery Weekend - this has come to be a very popular entertainment weekend, where actors mingle with the guests and all help to solve a “Miss Marple” type murder which has been acted out by the actors! Everyone gets involved and it is a great way to meet new people. The hotel is disabled-accessible, with a nice swimming pool.

There are still a few places left on this week-end - so if you are from these regions and would like to join us for time to meet old friends and new, to share experiences and swap tips, to unwind and relax and most of all have some fun. The North West Region have been allocated €1,670 from the lottery funds towards this week-end, and with our application for respite funding from the NW and Western Regions, we hope to keep the cost of this week-end reasonable (€95 p/p sharing)

(If you would like to join this week-end, but are concerned about the cost, please contact Paula in confidence as there is some finance available.)

EASTERN REGIONAL INFORMATIVE MEETING

A very interesting meeting has been organised for members living in the former Eastern Region Health Board Areas - (previously known as South West Area Health Board, East Coast Area Health Board, Northern Area Health Board) with the theme ‘Creative Living for Hearts and Homes’. So if you live in these areas do come along for an enjoyable and informitive and afternoon.

Convenor: Joan Bradley
Tel: 01 4549237
Email: secretary@ppsg.ie
Venue: Holiday Inn, 99-107 Pearse Street, D2.
Date: Saturday 5th March, 2.30- 5.30 p.m.

---

Budget 2005 - What it Means to You

By John McFarlane, MCCON Services (Acting Treasurer, Post Polio Support Group)

JUST as Christmas comes around every 25th December so a few weeks earlier, just to get you in the festive spirit, the Minister for Finance stands up in the Dáil and announces the Budget for the following year. This year it was the turn of Brian Cowen after Charlie McGreevy's promotion to Brussels. So what did he do for us in general, and people with disabilities in particular?

Vehicle Registration Tax

The scheme that provides for a 50% refund on the purchase of "hybrid" vehicles will be extended for a further 2 years until 31 December 2006. This covers vehicles such as the Honda Prius that runs on both electric batteries and when required a petrol engine cuts in for power or to charge the batteries. Although more expensive than conventional cars the refund may be of use to those who do not qualify under the Primary Medical Certificate route for full exemption.

PRSI Changes

Effective from 1 January 2005 all employees will be liable to pay PRSI on earnings of up to €44180 (previously €42160)

Expenditure Measures

Social Welfare Weekly Rates Maximum weekly personal rates for all old age and related pensions will be increased by €12.00, with proportionate increases for pensioners on reduced rates, from the first week of Jan 2005.

Other maximum personal rates will increase by €14.00 per week, with proportionate increases for claimants on reduced rates, from the first week of January 2005.

Maximum Qualified Adult Allowances (QAAs) will be increased as follows:

• €9.30 per week for Old Age (Contributory), Retirement and Invalidity Pensions where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over;
• €8.00 per week for Old Age (Contributory) and Retirement Pensions where the qualified adult is aged under 66;
• €7.90 per week for Old Age (Non-Contributory) Pension;
• €7.90 per week for Blind Pension where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over;
• €10.00 per week for Invalidity Pension where the qualified adult is aged under 66;
• €9.30 per week for all other QAA payments.

Proportionate increases will be applied where persons are in receipt of reduced rate QAA payments.

Support to Work

Family Income Supplement income thresholds will be increased by €39 per week from January 2005.

The Cost of Education Allowance will be increased by €146 per annum to €400 per annum and, in respect of the third level option, the qualifying period for the Back to Education Allowance will be reduced from 15 months to 12 months from September 2005.

Child Income Support and Fighting Family Poverty Child Benefit will be increased by €10.00 per month for each of the first and second children to €141.60 per month; and by €12.00 per month for each of the third and subsequent children to €177.30 per month, effective from April 2005.

The income thresholds for entitlement to half-rate Child Dependant Allowance with unemployment benefit, disability benefit (and related benefits) will be increased by €50.00 to €350.00 per week from January 2005.

Enhancements in the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme in regard to Diet Supplements and Rent and Mortgage Interest Supplements will include an increase in the income disregard by €10.00 to €60.00 per week. Funding is also being provided for certain crèche costs.

The amount of capital disregarded for means test purposes for all schemes (except Supplementary Welfare Allowance) will be increased from €12,694.38 to €20,000 from June 2005. The €250.00(single)/€500.00 (couple) weekly income disregard for means assessment for the Carer's Allowance scheme will be increased to €270.00/€540.00 What it Means to You By: John McFarlane, MCCON Services (Acting Treasurer, Post Polio Support Group) Volume 2 Issue 1 Spring 2005 respectively, from April 2005.

The Respite Care Grant will be increased by €165.00 to €1,000.00 from June 2005 and will be provided in respect of each care recipient. Entitlement to the Respite Care Grant will be extended to persons providing full time care and attention who are otherwise not working over ten hours per week or who are not in receipt of an unemployment payment.

Special funding will be provided to Comhairle to begin preparatory work towards the setting up of a personal advocacy service for persons with disabilities.

Services for People with a Disability

In addition to the funding that had already been announced for 2005 a multi annual investment programme was announced to support the development of high priority disability support services over the period 2006 - 2009. This amounts to some €968 million extra. The programme will cover both current and capital spending but the majority will go to those with intellectual disabilities as can be seen below:-

Services for Persons with an Intellectual Disability and those with Autism

255 new residential places will be provided each year. Taking account of the 270 new places being provided in 2005, this will give a total of 1,290 new residential places. 85 new respite places will be provided each year. Taking account of the 90 new places being provided in 2005, this will give a total of 430 new respite places. 535 new day places will be provided each year. Taking account of the 400 new places beinprovided in 2005, this will give a total of 2,540 new day places.

An extra €2m will be provided each year to cover the cost of additional staffing needed in order to transfer about 600 persons with intellectual disability/autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

Services for Persons with Physical or Sensory Disabilities

80 new residential places will be provided each year for persons with significant disabilities who are currently placed in inappropriate settings (hospitals and nursing homes for example). Taking account of the 60 new places being provided in 2005, this will give a total of 380 new residential places.

250,000 extra hours of home support and personal assistance will be provided each year in line with the philosophy of supporting independent living for persons with a disability. Taking account of the 200,000 extra hours being provided in 2005, this will give a total of 1,200,000 extra hours.

Mental Health Services

100 new places will be provided each year, commencing in 2006, in community-based mental health facilities (day centres, day hospitals and residential facilities). This will give a total of 400 new places by the end of 2009.

Following the introduction of the Budget various other Ministers outlined how it would impact in their areas. Probably the most significant of these as far as the Polio Survivors is concerned are those effecting the Health Services. The Minister for Health announced the introduction of the GP Medical card, but at time of writing no firm guidelines were available to estimate the impact on Post Polio Support Group membership. The card would exempt persons in receipt from GP fees and charges, but they would still be liable for all prescription and drug charges and at the same time the threshold for these before the free scheme cuts in was increased from €78 to €85 per month.

Until all the guidelines have been put in place and implemented it is very difficult to tell whether this budget will give any help to the Polio Survivor in facing the increased financial burden that the condition brings. Only time will tell. However; the membership can be assured that the Post Polio Support Group Board will be in and fighting their corner every inch of the way to obtain the assistance needed by each and every Polio Survivor.

SOURCES:

Financial Statement of the Minister for Finance Mr Brian Cowen, T.D. 1 December 2004 (d:\Data\My Documents\legislation - General)

SUMMARY OF 2005 BUDGET MEASURES - POLICY CHANGES (d:\Data\My Documents\legislation - General)

(Many thanks to John McFarlane for setting out the budget changes which may affect our members in such a simple and easy-to-read way.

Due to space restrictions we are unable to print the changes to the Income Tax Bands - these are available from any Citizen’s Information Centre - 1890 777 121.

Editor

Bits and Bobs ...

MAKE SURE YOU ARE CLAMPED!

FALLING out of a wheelchair on your 'Head' is not advisable!. When using a Taxi make sure that the legally required clamps are in place before it moves off (I didn't!) - Joan Bradley

MAKING HOLIDAY PLANS?

JOHN Geraty has asked me to mention his service for those of you who are planning holidays this year. John organizes holidays at Mar Y Sol, Tenerife for people with disabilities according to their needs. He has sent me two testimonials from satisfied clients. For further info contact: jpgeraty@eircom.net.

SOMETIMES A LETTER IS ALL IT TAKES!

DEAR Mrs. Lahiff, thank you for your recent letter in connection with increasing the number of disabled parking spaces at Penneys and Tesco (Sligo). We are reviewing the situation in relation to these parking spaces at present and we hope to be able to accede to you request during 2005.

Yours sincerely

Hubert Kearns (County Manager).

LOTTERY FUNDING

WE are pleased to let you know that Lottery Funding has been received from the North Western Region and the Midlands Region to be spent on respite and social support groups in these regions.

SALE IN ADVANCE ELECTRICAL MOBILITY

PLEASE note that Advance Electrical Mobility has possession of some smoke damaged products, mostly pristine condition. Generous discounts. Goods include: Mobility Scooters, Powered Chairs, Manual Wheelchairs, Frame Walkers, Massage Chairs and Foot Stools, Profiling Beds, Bath lifts, Highback Chairs, Golf Electric Caddies and Gold Ride-on Buggies. Sale starts on January 2005. Special offer on selected goods available until 31/03/05.

Further info from Gary Taffe at: info@aemobility.com

LINAK IRELAND

LINAK has now been on the Irish market for two years with the complete range of actuator systems for the Hospital and Care sector, supporting local manufactures of electric aid products ranging from wheelchairs to hospital beds. LINAK also introduced the DESKLINE range, designed to meet any demands for height adjustable desks and working stations, thus not only allowing wheelchair users to share the same desk with others, but allowing all people to get into the right position. This is in compliance with the EU legislation that applied from July 2000 stating that all work surfaces must be height adjustable. For further info contact www.linak.ie

MY BIG DECISION

LAST year, I took the big decision of changing my career. I packed up my knitting machines - a little tearful at parting with them but sending sincere good wishes to the people in Romania to whom I was sending them. Please God they will enjoy working with them.

On June 24th, I began my studies for my European Computer Driving License Certificate. A tutor from the National Training and Development Institute (Galway) came to my home. With a lot of encouragement I began the first Module. Each day I study for 6 hours and my very patient tutor calls every two weeks - always punctual, neatly dressed and in good form.

There are 11 other mature students on the course. We meet every month with other tutors from NTDI. We have a meal, fun, a bit of networking and getting to know each other. Almost 6 months on, I have completed 2 Modules and I am enjoying my studies. The course has a duration of 24 months. Hopefully, by then I will be the proud owner of an ECDL Certificate - and open to job offers in Brussels!! - Margaret Heath

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW DUE

ANNUAL subscriptions for 2005 are now due. The subscription remains at €10, and as usual we just ask you to give what you can afford. Donations are also gratefully received. Thank you.

---

Opinion On Oxygen Use

By: Lee Seitz
Source: Polio Reporter, San Fernando Post Polio Support Group, C.A. 3/2003
Reprinted from Second Time Around - A Publication of The Boca Area Post Polio Group, August 2004.
(With thanks to our member Nuala Hartnett for sending us the newsletter)

MANY people have gotten in trouble with respirtory problems related to having had polio. And many physicians deal with non-paralytic respiratory problems and think that the same fix works in both settings. If your doctor is proposing oxygen as a solution, please make sure he/she knows about the special needs of someone with a paralytic condition.

Breathing is a two-part process:

1. Your lungs must provide oxygen and
2. They must remove carbon dioxide from the blood. There are normally two ways for a person to ‘adapt’; you can take larger breaths and/or you can take more frequent breaths. Unfortunately, both of these options can be difficult for someone with a neuromuscular disease. Increasing breath size may be difficult due to scoliosis and/or weakened diaphragm or intercostal muscles. Any increasing breathing rate leads to fatigue of the muscles and a larger oxygen demand - (all muscle work will increase oxygen demand).

If you address this problem with respiratory support (PiPap, positive or negative pressure, respirator, etc., ) you get both increased oxygen uptake and increased carbon dioxide clearance. If you choose to do it by oxygen enrichment alone, you may solve the oxygen problem but not the carbon dioxide clearance problem, leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. Normally, your body has a feedback loop which helps you adjust to changes in exercise, and hence oxygen demand. more exercise = more demand = more carbon dioxide. This can lead to respiratory acidosis. The body detects the change in pH and says ‘breathe faster’ til the pH goes back up.

There is a second feedback loop that looks at oxygen level. if you have lived a fairly long time with chronic underventilation, your body can ignore the ph detector and go on oxygen level alone. this seems to be a learned behavior to suppress flair craving. If you learn to ignore the pH side of the equation and you add supplemental oxygen the body detects ‘enough’ oxygen and actually slows down breathing demand. This leads to even further carbon dioxide problems. But you feel better because you feel like your need to fight for air has decreased (and you are already ‘ignoring’ the pH sensor).

An additional complication to using supplemental oxygen is that it’s an ‘aggressive’ chemical. At high concentrations, it actually attacks the lung tissue and can lead to a pheumonia-like condition. Oxygen is also very dry, compared to normal air, so you have problems with drying of the tissues (this is why they use the ‘bubblers’ on hospital oxygen lines). The dried out tissues are much more susceptible to infection and problems with clearing mucus.

When IS oxygen ever appropriate?

1. If your lung area is diminished (pneumonia, emphysema, etc.)
2. If you have problems moving oxygen to the tissues, such as a lack of hemoglobin (from anemia of carbon dioxide poisoning, for example).

The chronic use of oxygen is a slippery slope. Once you start down it, you can often get in REAL trouble. Most commonly, ours is not a problem with oxygen uptake, rather it is underventilation, solved by the use of ventilatory support. You would be wise to be careful about just opting for the ‘quick fix’.

Oxygen looks like it presents, consult a doctor who really knows how to deal with respiratory insufficiency due to neruomuscular disease.

NOTE from Editor: This article is for information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.

---

Letters to the Editor

Hi Paula,

I have just now for the 1st. time had a look at your Post Polio Support Group web site and have found it very interesting. My name is Alice Shirreff (maiden name , Newport), originally from Wexford, I contracted Polio in 1949 and was paralized completely for some time, spent a lot of time in Cappagh Hospital, and after many operations etc; went on to live as normal a life as one can. I belong to a Post Polio Support Group here in Melbourne Australia where I have lived for 26 years. I find it very helpful being able to share experiences strengths and hopes and to know that we are not alone

I had to give up work 8 years ago, as I was physically very very exhausted, but since then because I have been taking care of myself I have more energy and am still able to dance, and I love walking. At the same time I do experience some problems, like cold intolerance muscle pain and fatigue. I also feel blessed that I am as good as I am and take it day by day. I love taking a nap on a daily basis as that seems to help me a great deal. I have a very positive outlook on life which is a great benefit, like I'm not sitting in the corner withering away. My last visit home was in 2002, where I found one member of my family being over protective of me, which I found rather trying as I'm not used to it, but I guess it's because my sibling really cares for me.

Well Paula I hope you have a very healthy, happy and peaceful New Year, good luck to you all at your Post Polio Support Group. You may share this with your friends if you so wish. My friend Frances O'Sullivan who lives in Dublin is a member of Post Polio Support Group and you may know her. My e-mail address is shirreff@iprimus.com.au

Take care,
Alice Shirreff.

(I wonder do any more of our members remember Alice from her time in Cappagh? If so, why not email her to say hello)

---

Dear Paula

Hope you are keeping good. Enclosed is an article for the newsletter. Some people may be interested in the course. It is a lovely course and NDTI are very accommodating (For details of the course Margaret is doing, see page 10 - Editor ).

I had a good summer. I mean comfortable. I find the Carnitine tables good. Also I'm taking things easier, pacing myself. Also, I have been to a different fitter and I am getting different boots, so maybe I'll be dancing before long!

So wishing you the very best and thanks for all the hard work on our behalf.

Best wishes,
Margaret Heath

(Nice to hear from you Margaret, and good luck with the course. I’ll let you know if there are any job offers from Brussels!)

---

Dear Paula

I send you many wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2005.

Sincerely greetings.
Lorenzo Corely, Italy.

(And I am passing on your good wishes to all our members, Lorenzo, Thank You)

ADMINISTRATOR – Anthony Carrick
OFFICE ASSISTANT – Victor Purcell

HEAD OFFICE
Tel/Fax 01 873 0338
E-mail: info@ppsg.ie
Website: http://www.ppsg.ie

BOARD MEMBERS

Jim Costello: (Chairperson)
Tel/Fax: 01 668 6986 (H)
Tel/Fax: 01 620 6154 (Hosp)
Email: jjcos@indigo.ie

Joan Bradley: (Secretary)
Tel/Fax: 01 454 9237
Mobile: 087 7637598
Email: secretary@ppsg.ie

Mary McEvoy: (Treasurer)
Tel/Fax: 0502 27204
Mobile: 087 240 1591
Email: treasurer@ppsg.ie

Paula Lahiff: (Newsletter Editor)
Tel/Fax: 071 64791

Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie

Hugh Hamilton (Fund Raising Coordinator)
Tel: 01 289 4800 Fax: 01 289 2394
Mobile: 087 255 3012

Frank Jones
Tel: 01 820 0320
Mobile: 087 240 1591 or 087 9385537

Hugh Conlon
Tel: 091 751 750 (H)
Mobile: 086 803 6145
Email: hcon@eircom.net

Phillo Mullaney
Tel: 01 832 1629
Mobile: 087 907 4758

Anne Burns (ex oficio)
Tel: 01 453 4150
Email: anne.burns@agriculture.gov.ie

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Midland Health Board Region:
Patrick Fitzpatrick
Tel/Fax: 0505 46738
Email: paddyfitz@eircom.net

Mid Western Health Board Region:
Noreen Mullane:
TelFax: 061 302830

Southern Health Board Region:
Maureen O’Sullivan:
Tel: 021 4372 017
Fax: 021 4376 032

South Eastern Health Board Region:
Ann O’Kelly Guerin
Tel: 053 32633

Western Health Board Region:
Barbara McDonagh
Tel/Fax: 091 593 664
Email: babamcdonagh@eircom.net

North Western Health Board Region:
Paula Lahiff
Tel/Fax: 071 64791
Email: newsletter@ppsg.ie

North Eastern Health Board Region:
Jackie Minnock
Tel/Fax: : 042 937 7037
Email: jackiem@gofree.indigo.ie

South Western Area Health Board, & Northern Area Health Board
Joan Bradley
Tel/Fax: 01 454 9237
Email: secretary@ppsg.ie

Membership of the Post Polio Support Group is only €10 per year. If you would like more information about the group please contact Head Office at the phone number above.

 

 

Back to Top

Web Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy
Post Polio Support Group, Unit 319 Capel Building, Mary's Abbey, Dublin 7, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 889 8920 Fax: +353 1 889 8924 Email: info@ppsg.ie