News and Events

NEWS: posted 29/06/2009

Polio survivors encouraged to step up in fight against new syndrome

MSP among polio survivors affected by Post Polio Syndrome.

The Scottish Post Polio Network, backed by the Scottish Government, is about to embark upon a campaign to raise the profile of the symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome and the late effects of polio.

The Scottish Post Polio Network was formed in 2001 to increase awareness of Post Polio Syndrome, and to provide a support network for those with the condition. The organisation wants locals who may be experiencing the late effects of polio to get information about the recently discovered condition, and start receiving help.

Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh South, Mike Pringle, has the symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome.

Mr Pringle was diagnosed with polio when he was four years old and has been left with muscle wasting in his right leg.

He went on to form his own business which ran the Flour Power chain of bakeries in Edinburgh, and then was first elected as Morningside’s first non Conservative Councillor for many years in 1992. He was elected as Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh South in 2003 and then re-elected with an increased majority in 2007.

Mr Pringle began to have trouble walking when he was in his early 50s and now uses a walking stick.

He said: “I do appreciate that it’s somewhat understandable that there is a lack of awareness of Post Polio Syndrome as polio is not really heard of in this country anymore. I think you would be hard pushed to find someone under 45 who has had polio.”

Agnes Walker, membership secretary for the Scottish Post Polio Network, said: “Most people do not think about polio these days, and they assume it has been consigned to the past. Many polio survivors are unfortunately not lucky enough to be in this position, and find carrying out even the most basic everyday tasks difficult.

“So many people who have had polio are today struggling with the late effects of having had polio and yet, because of the lack of awareness about the condition, most of them will not have even heard of it.

“It’s time for polio survivors to stop suffering in silence, and for Post Polio Syndrome to be given the recognition it deserves. We are committed to increasing the knowledge and raising the awareness of this condition. We want polio survivors to come forward, like Mr Mike Pringle MSP, and get the information they need to help improve their quality of life.”

‘Late effects of polio’ and ‘Post Polio Syndrome’ refers to a range of symptoms experienced by many polio survivors. These symptoms can include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint problems, respiratory problems, and swallowing and speech difficulties.

A history of paralytic or non-paralytic poliomyelitis, partial recovery of motor function and functional stability for at least 15 years, and the development of new symptoms such as pain, weakness or fatigue are key factors in the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome.

For further information about Post Polio Syndrome or to join the Scottish Post Polio Network please visit www.sppn.org.uk, e-mail Chairperson@SPPN.org.uk or contact Helene and Agnes at the Scottish Post Polio Network on 0131 447 3486/ 0131 440 3042.

For more information contact Kevin Macnaught.
Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 0789 500 2034
Email: kevin@bigpartnership.co.uk

Email: chairperson@SPPN.org.uk or telephone: 0131 447 3486

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