NEWSLETTER no 40 27.4.06 Dear Friends About 30 friends met for lunch at the Horseshoes Inn, enjoying a fine mix of hot and cold food which was very much appreciated by all. Lew Gray from the London Society joined us again and was welcomed by everyone.
The meeting followed lunch at 2p.m. Eve told the group that she has received the grant from Ketley Parish Council of £l00 and has sent a letter of thanks. We are so grateful for their support, which has been given almost since the group was formed l0 years ago.
From the minutes of the last meeting, Colin told us he has seen an MS nurse who is arranging physio for him.
Mike then told the group about his visit to Russells Hall, Dudley. It is a fantastic hospital, a huge building in glass and white paint, more like an airport building. Good facilities and outpatients etc. all on ground level. He saw Dr. Rafael exactly on time, and will go into hospital for about a week to have a pump fitted in the spine to give automatic doses of painkiller. There are four to try, and eventually the suitable one will be administered in micrograms for life to relieve his pain. Betty then told us that her new work system is great. The firm have been extremely good, even supplying her with a special new chair!
Kelvin has now seen a neuro urologist and had tests - awaiting outcome. Catherine did not cope with Lyrica, she is on painkillers only. She has started physio and has at last got her DLA through, so that’s good news.
Paul Thistleton and Helen from Welshpool joined us. Paul contracted TM in December 2005. He went into Shrewsbury Hospital where he received virtually no treatment, but was later transferred to the Q.E. Birmingham, where he was given excellent treatment and did received some physio. It was suggested he could benefit from a short stay in Gobowen and should talk to his GP about the possibility of this.
Maureen was due to see Dr. Mike at the P.R.H. but has received several cancellations - she is now due to go in June.
PLEASE NOTE that anyone receiving DLA is also entitled to free public transport from lst April, and should apply to their Local Authority.
Janet then read a memo from Jeff Treglown regarding size, type and layout of future TM Newsletters, and asked for a questionnaire to be completed - this was then dealt with after Lew Gray clarified which Newsletters, sizes, layout etc. were produced and what was required.
We then had our refreshment break. Rita proved the hot drinks and Colin and Glenys set out a great assortment of cakes yet again. Betty had done a sterling job selling raffle tickets for us, so the draw was made, again with Betty’s help. Several won prizes, some more than one which were generously given back, so that by the end most had something to take home. The raffle made £34.50 for funds and we thank you all for your generosity.
There was a discussion about difficulties obtaining allowances and benefits, and we do recommend you use your local PALS office found in most hospitals, or your local DIAL office (ours is DIAL SHROPSHIRE at Telford Town Centre), who can be found in the telephone directory, or even your CAB who are most helpful.
Glenys showed us two aids that Colin has acquired. One is a gadget which enables a person to open a vehicle door and get themselves out, and the other was a special cord which he can loop round his feet to remove them from the wheelchair footrest.
Janet then read a statement prepared by her and Eve. They have organised our group for l0 years, and now wish to hand over the reins to some new friends. Will you all give thought as to who will take over by the July meeting, when Janet and Eve will retire. We attach a copy of all friends telephone numbers, so that you can discuss between yourselves who is going to take over from July. With the advantage of computers, it is felt that this provides an essential facility for the growth of the group and benefit of you all.
The next meeting will be held at 2p.m. on Thursday 27th JULY 2006 at the new temporary venue of Ketley School, which is on the opposite side of the road a little further up, facing the White Lion Public House.
Best wishes to you all
Jean and Peter 0l952 603556 Ben and Jan “ 27l832 Marcia “ 5l0366 Colin and Glenys “ 5l0742 Maureen and Charlie “ 670448 Mike “ 404634 Anna “ 270987 Catherine (Kate) “ 4l6646 Jenny and David 0l527 529646 Sandy 0l2l 682 l254 Betty 0l743 792925 Tracy and Matthew 0l584 8ll907 Kelvin and Margaret 0l384 350286 Carol and Bill 0l2l 56l 5004 Bhupinder and Manjit 0l2l 357 57l2 Verna and Gary 0l902 42l733 Paul and Helen 0l938 590l26
DISCLAIMER: The TMA does not endorse any of the medications, treatments for products reported. This information is intended only to keep you informed. We strongly advise that you check any drugs or treatments mentioned with your doctor. |