Gold Coast regains support group

A Post Polio Support Group has reopened its doors at the Gold Coast, offering residents support and shared experiences with issues related to the late effects of polio. The Spinal Injuries Association currently operates five similar groups around Queensland.

Tens of thousands of Australians live with the legacy of polio, yet it is a little known fact that people who have previously had polio can experience a return of the symptoms 40 years or more after their initial recovery.

The new support group’s conveners Lyn Glover and Graeme Johnson recognised a need for the Gold Coast region to re-establish the group.

Mrs Glover, of Varsity Lakes, who contracted the virus polio-poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) at the age of five, had no idea there were any late effects of polio until she fell over in 2006 and broke four bones in her foot.

“At first, the doctor told me I was fine and had probably just sprained my foot, but a few days later my feet were severely bruised and I knew something was really wrong,” Mrs Glover said.

“I returned for x-rays and discovered my toes were broken, so I spoke to the doctor about my childhood illness and was later diagnosed with post polio syndrome.

“I was extremely lost, and felt I had no one to turn to. Everyone I spoke to in the Gold Coast community told me I was the only one they knew who had polio.

“None of the doctors, chemists or other health care providers knew of any other post polio cases.

“I found out about the Spinal Injuries Association and its support groups, so I attended a Brisbane Post Polio Support Group meeting.

“It was the first time I had spoken to anyone who’d had polio, and I thought to myself ‘I never knew what my future was going to hold – now I’m finally going to see what lies ahead’.

“As a result of the meeting, a seminar was run at the Gold Coast, and I met Graeme Johnson, who also has post polio syndrome.”

Graeme Johnson lives in Melbourne, but due to his body’s sensitivity to cold temperatures (a symptom of the syndrome) he now spends the winter months keeping warm at the Gold Coast.

“There hadn’t been any local support at the Gold Coast for people with post polio syndrome for about 15 years, so Lyn and I decided to bite the bullet and re-establish the group,” Mr Johnson said.

“The issues faced by people who have post polio syndrome are diverse and can significantly affect a person’s day-to-day life.

“We have an ear for each other’s problems – we want to provide a forum for people with the late effects of polio, where they can share personal stories, learn how others cope with the symptoms and subsequently support one another.”

The group, which started in December last year, already has 25 members.

The Gold Coast region’s last Post Polio Support Group meeting was held yesterday (Monday, 3 March) at the Robina Community Library. The group meets on the first Monday of every month at 10.30am, and is hoping to find a suitable location in the northern area of the Gold Coast and alternate venue locations for ease of access to the whole community.

Symptoms of post polio syndrome include:
• Unaccustomed fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in muscles/joints
• Difficulties with breathing/swallowing
• Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
• A decline in ability to perform daily activities
• Difficulty sleeping

The group is open to all people who are affected by post polio syndrome, Spinal Injuries Association members, carers, family and friends as well as other relevant individuals and groups in the Gold Coast region.

For more information on Spinal Injuries Association Post Polio Support Groups, visit www.spinal.com.au or call (07) 3391 2044.

Issued 4 March 2008.