Polio, a disease practically unheard of these days, has come back to haunt many of its victims who were lucky enough to survive the dreaded epidemic of the 1950's.

Among the members from our area hit by the polio virus was South Dildo resident, Lucy Reid. Reid was diagnosed in July of 1959; after a period of rehabilitation she was fortunate enough to regain some quality of health lasting a thirty-year period and now recently finds herself again confronted with the agony and pain that accompanied her 1959 condition.

Sad to say, it may had been avoided if she had only followed through with the polio vaccination authorized by her parents. A fear of needles kept Lucy from returning her consent form to school.

At the age of thirteen, Lucy suffered many setbacks. On July 25, 1959, she was admitted to the Fever Hospital, where she was placed in the iron lung for three months. On November 19, 1959, she was transferred to the Sunshine Camp Rehabilitation Centre where she underwent therapy to gain back any muscles that could be brought back from wastage. Lucy beat the odds and on August 16, 1960, she was discharged from the Rehab Centre and for the most part resumed a normal life. For thirty years, she lived life within limitations of her physical abilities. The paralysis left her hands in a somewhat cripple condition but she was able to function without too much difficulty.

In a recent interview with Lucy, she informed me that three years ago, her dilemma started all over again. First, with a pain in her left foot and weakness in her left leg. Doctors diagnosed her with having arthritis. This pain and weakness spread to other parts of her body; her back, ribs and respiratory organs. She is currently on a Bi-Pap S.T. ventilatory support system. When this system fails, her only option is to have a Tracheotomy. This will be her decision and one she will have to make soon.

In October 1990, she was diagnosed as having "Post Polio Syndrome". Very little information is known about this syndrome and her doctors couldn't tell her much about it. Lucy took it upon herself to write to the Ontario March of Dimes to obtain any information available. Upon her request, they sent her the most recent information dated June, 1992. This information has proven to be quite an asset to Lucy and her doctors in better understanding her condition and how to treat it. While there is no cure for this syndrome, this information has provided ways to help slow down the process of muscle deterioration. Had this information been known three years ago, Lucy wouldn't be confined to a bed at this stage.

Reid's purpose in relating her story is to hopefully, help former polio patients experiencing the same reoccurring symptoms. With early detection of symptoms and proper attention, the chances of slowing down the deterioration process are much greater.

Today after thirty years of living a fairly normal life, Lucy is returning to the same medical condition as in July, 1959.

Many of the doctors in Newfoundland, who treat post-polio patients know very little about the after effects of polio. However, with advanced medical technology available today, doctors across Canada are learning more about this painful and sometimes fatal disease.

Lucy has forwarded copies of this information to former polio victims in her own area as well as her family doctor and a number of medical specialists.

Making the public more aware of this syndrome is very important to Lucy. If you know anyone who has had polio, please relay her story.