Helping Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers Is A Challenge

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31128, 3 August 1966, Page 2

Helping Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers Is A Challenge

For a multiple sclerosis sufferer, finding “a place in the sun” is one of the most disheartening aspects of his illness. It is also an allimportant factor in bringing a measure of normality into a drastically changed life.

No cure has yet been found for the disease, a form of creeping paralysis which advances to varying degrees in individual patients. Any hardship is easier to bear when an end or solution is in sight, and while temporary cures do occur the tendency to regression is tragic.

Because the disease strikes most commonly between the age of 20 and 40 many families are affected, and an often energetic and ambitious person must learn to cope with disablement. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canterbury, which will hold its street appeal and stall on Friday, aims at bringing the outside world to the 140 known patients in Christchurch. Encouragement is the key word. At present the society assigns women’s auxiliary and board members, patients to visit regularly, and holds social evenings at its new hall in St Asaph street Expansion “But we hope eventually to expand our activities,” says the secretary, Miss N. Vale. "We would like to see many more physically handicapped coming to the hall. With larger numbers we could form many different clubs to give patients a new interest” Employment for these men and women is difficult The disease brings many sideeffects including blurred vision, defective hearing, and often also affects the bladder. But Miss Vale is certain that a place in industry can be found for multiple sclerosis patients. Given a job to do, the patient gains a feeling of usefulness and purpose. He moves beyond the boundaries of his home—even short confinements to bed leave most heartily sick of four walls—lives a fuller life, and his family has a much more spirited and amenable member.

In concern and sympathy for the sufferer, the family’s plight is often overlooked. Miss Vale considers that assisting the family is just as important as helping the patient

‘Just Magnificent’ “Some of the families are just magnificent There seems to be more of a burden placed

on husbands, for women often become quite tyrannical. They are, naturally, frustrated at not being able to do things as they were used to in the home,” she says.

“When we visit these families they seem cheerful and so very patient, but you can see what they are suffering in their eyes.” Short spells in hospital for patients would give families a desperately needed rest, and the chance to take children away for a holiday. Many cope with the help of grandparents, aunts and close friends for years without a break.

"But we must not disrupt this unity by trying to do too much. Cloying sentiment is quite the wrong approach too,” says Miss Vale. Where the disease is not too severe, many women manage very well in their homes. The outpatients’ department of Christchurch Hospital has developed many appliances and adaptations of kitchens which help the housewife confined to a wheelchair.

This is an aspect close to Miss Vale’s heart. She believes that much more could be done in this direction without the cost being overburdening. She also considers that the housing of patients under 60 or 65, who do not wish to be “herded together” in homes, is a national problem. Small Homes “Small homes, around which a person in a wheelchair or on sticks can move easily, must be provided. Many chronic patients want to remain independent and they must be helped,” she emphasised.

Some of these problems could be answered soon. The society is optimistic, and hopes to purchase a van with a hydraulic lift which could be used to transport disabled persons to entertainments, jobs, or outings. "It’s very difficult lifting people in and out of wheelchairs and getting them comfortable. With a van they could be wheeled into the back and not have to move from their chairs,” Miss Vale explained. At the centre, Miss Vale would like to see a pool of special equipment for household and other use assembled. These appliances, which are

usually expensive, could be borrowed by patients as the need arose.

The services of a trained and experienced social worker would also be valuable. She would be able to keep in constant touch with patients and families and so keep the society informed of any new needs.

A strong supporter of the New Zealand society, Mrs E. I. Tombleson, member of Parliament for Gisborne, thinks much more can be done for patients. After visiting multiple sclerosis centres in the United States and Britain, she feels that New Zealanders are too concerned with the patients’ physical limitations. In a letter to the society she said thought should be given to what could be achieved within those limitations. Money Needed Money is needed for practical help and medical research. With a good response to Friday’s collection, some of the society’s plans could soon become realities. The ideal of self help is well illustrated by one of the fund-raising schemes. A patient suggested appealing to manufacturers for new goods to be sold at a store. The manufacturers responded "most generously” and articles of every kind will be sold at 143 Armagh street. The shop will open on the day of the appeal. The originator of the scheme, a man who “seemed to have lost all spirit and was most despondent,” has benefited already. With Miss Vale, he went around the city twice a week collecting goods and now says he has never felt better in his life. His interest gave him a new lease of life, and testifies to the validity of the aphorism, “We must help them to help themselves.”