Geashill woman talks of her experience with polio
An Offaly resident has spoken of her experiences with polio in an effort to raise awareness of the condition.
Bernie O'Sullivan is convenor of the Laois/Offaly Post Polio Support Group.
She contracted the disease as a two-year-old in Dublin.
“I was one of the lucky ones. I didn't have a bad brush with it.”
Polio affected her right foot, ankle and leg and resulted in her having corrective surgery as a child.
Polio is mainly a disease of children and young adults caused by polio enterovirus type 1, 2 or 3. This illness occurred in numerous epidemics. The last great polio epidemics plagued Ireland in the mid 1950s, as well as the rest of Europe and America.
An oral vaccine became available in 1962. The widespread use of these vaccines has made acute polio in the developed world a rarity.
It is estimated that there are approximately 7,000 survivors of polio living in the Republic of Ireland at present.
Bernie, who has lived with her husband Brian Brady in Geashill since 1994, was speaking in the aftermath of the hosting of a conference and AGM of the Post Polio Support Group in the Tullamore Court Hotel, on Wednesday.
Decades after their original infection by polio, many survivors are now experiencing new symptoms, which often require medical advice and treatment.
In full blown cases, this is known as Post Polio Syndrome.
This is characterised by muscle joint pain, a lack of strength, weakening of muscles, severe fatigue, a sharp intolerance to cold temperatures and difficulties in swallowing and breathing.
Although Bernie says she does not suffer from the syndrome, aged 69 she now experiences Late Effects Polio, which in her case involves cramps and some muscle pains and difficulties with her nerve endings.
She explains that she is unable to wear shoes due to the discomfort with nerves in her feet and instead wears sandals or flip flops.
She will require knee replacement surgery due to over-reliance on one leg and her gait is impaired.
“It would be more obvious now that I have a limp,” she explained.
She says at least 60% of those who contracted Polio initially will experience Late Effects Polio.
She said many people who had Polio don't know about the existence of Post Polio Syndrome.
“We are trying to promote awareness,” she said.
The Laois/Offaly Post Polio Support Group was established some 15 years ago. Bernie explained that it is designed to provide a social outlet and social support its current 20-strong membership.
The group members meet up regularly in the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise and shares experiences.
Anyone wishing to join the group or obtain more information on Polio and Post Polio Syndrome can contact Bernie on 086 0647227 or the Post Polio Support Group at its national headquarters at 01 8898920.