This was a question put by one of our members
recently. Not as my grandchildren (4 & 5 years) have been asking
- "But where has Jack gone?" but rather - when I find I am not
managing any more - what happens now??
Well your GP may need to be involved but a starting
point for experienced polio advice might be to ring us at the Polio Network
for either a phone consult or an appointment to see Tessa at our Polio
Clinic. Often simple measures may be all that is needed.
LATE EFFECTS of DISABILITY CLINIC at RPH
Shenton Park Campus may be the next step if you have increasing weakness,
pain and fatigue (that has not been completely fixed by taking carnitine,
magnesium, B6, manganese etc as advised by Tessa - depending on your problem.)
You need a detailed referral from your GP to see Dr Dade Fletcher
at this Clinic. There may be a 2-4 month waiting time and you will get
a thorough muscle assessment by Jega, the neuro physio, Nikki, the orthopaedic
physio and 'your' exercise plan.
ORTHOTIC DEPT RPH Shenton Park Campus -
may be advised if you are having problems with walking, a limp, back, leg
or foot pain or problems with shoes. A referral from your GP
to either Dr Dade Fletcher or Dr George Carter is needed and there
is again around a 2 month waiting time.
If ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY is being considered
(eg hip or knee replacement) a neurological assessment by a neurologist
experienced in post polio will give a good second opinion as to how well
your polio muscles will recover from the surgery - Dr Ross Goodheart
has experience here - or can be seen to eliminate other neurological
complications or support a PPS diagnosis (eg for Centrelink applications).
GP referral is needed. Wait time about 4 months.
SLEEP DISORDER CLINIC for sleep apnoea,
a Respiratory or Swallowing Assessment at Sir Charles Gairdner may
be on your list if indicated by these problems. You may need a night-time
machine to keep your airways open while you sleep, allowing you to breath
properly. This can help you with fatigue and pain.
EQUIPMENT for the HOME may entail a visit to
the INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE or a Home Assessment from your
local hospital OT Dept may need to be organised by your GP.
CARELINK - a chat on this 1800 number
may give you clues as to what help is available in your area. A call
to
ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Teams)
A team of health professionals will assess your
ability to continue living independently with assistive services or help
to arrange short-term respite - or hostel or nursing home care options.
You can be reassessed at any time if your requirements change. Referral
is thru your local GP or hospital.
SILVER CHAIN - Home Help, showering assistance
and post-op nursing care can be organised by your GP or Hospital but
it is advisable to have this set up ahead of time as polios often have
unique needs due to their previous disability. Silver Chain has some
loan equipment but local hospital OT Dept may be better option post surgery
and for long term need.
VOLUNTEER TASKFORCE and PEOPLE WHO
CARE or PARA QUAD GARDENING
These groups can provide people to help with
work around the home that has got beyond you. There will be a fee
involved.
Residential care or Respite is available
through the QUAD CENTRE at Shenton Park, particularly for our wheelchair
and more disabled polios and has experience with the needs of polio survivors.
They have always had a few polios in residence.
SPINAL UNIT - RPH - Shenton Park
Again experienced with wheelchair-bound polios.
Try to get referred here if hospitalisation needed for re-evaluation
or extended post-op care and physio needed. Otherwise can get physios
at other hospitals to consult with Jega if needed.
BACK - UP from experienced professionals
like physios Jega and Brenda or Dr John Niblett may
be needed or your doctors and hospital staff can ring Tessa - your
Polio RN at our Polio Clinic