NZ thalidomide survivors campaign after UK compensation

Email
Print

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 5:47p.m.

Barry de Geest was born with no arms and deformed legs, to get around he relies on his wheelchair and dog, Bentley

Barry de Geest was born with no arms and deformed legs, to get around he relies on his wheelchair and dog, Bentley

By Melissa Davies

New Zealanders born with missing limbs because of a drug given to their mothers are campaigning for compensation from the Government.

Thalidomide survivors have been spurred on by a British announcement that victims there will get around $45 million over the next three years.

Barry de Geest was born with no arms and deformed legs. To get around he relies on his $30,000 wheelchair and dog, Bentley.

Mr de Geest calls himself a thalidomide survivor.The drug, also called debendox, was prescribed to pregnant women in the 1950-60s to help with morning sicknes - but their babies were born with missing limbs and other disabilities.

Mr de Geest is not entitled to ACC help as the condition is a birth defect.

“I look at people on ACC and think how lucky they are because they had an accident, it's a silly way to look at it but that's the way it is,” he says.

Thalidomide survivors in the UK have today won an apology and the promise of millions of dollars in compensation.

Guy Tweedy, of the UK Thalidomide Trust, says the compensation is a huge boost.

“It's great news for a lot of thalidomiders because really they are struggling,” he says.

“There's unmet needs and this money will go some way to helping them a big deal in the next three years.”

Inspired by the British progress, Mr de Geest is organising a meeting for victims in New Zealand. He has tracked down only 10 so far but knows there are up to 10,000 worldwide.

Some sufferers were compensated a small amount in the 1960s, but Mr de Geest says help is more important now as they grow older.

“I used to walk, I also could look after, dress myself and things like that - whereas now I need support,” he says.

Thalidomide is still prescribed for people who suffer from leprosy and to treat some forms of cancer.

However its medical notes now come with a very clear warning for pregnant women. It states that even a single dose can result in severe life-threatening birth defects.

The Ministry of Health says there are now strict controls on thalidomide use in New Zealand.

3 News

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

17 Mar 2011 03:10a.m.

Melissa Murphy wrote:

my mother took thalidmmide while pregnant with me, my b.d. is 1-16-1962. my right arm has only skin covering it from my elbo to the rist and a bit shorter than the left, a few other noticable outward signs and severe gastrointestonal problems from birth. but starting at age 34, i started experencing the worse lower back pain and can't function without narcotics. not to be gross, but it feels like someome has put a red hot poker into my rectum and vagina and turn it to where it feels like i am going to die from the pain . my abdomon swells to the point that i look like a woman who is full term in pregnancy, it starts out of nowhere and i look that way in a matter of mins. the pain i experence is not beleiveabe to most, i would say. if i were an animal, they would kill me to put me out of my misery. i have layed in the floor and begged GOD FOR MERCY, even with the pain meds. this has been going on for years now. i have had several surgeries for what drs. thought was causing the pain, and awoke to the same pain. i could go on and on about my health problems-not enough space for it all! i just need information from someone about their health problems, whose mom's took the thalidomide. i am not looking for money, i am looking for more information on this and someone to talk to. to shorten this some, it was my husband that started looking for answers to all my health problems. he was aware of the thalidomide mom took and started researching. i have never mentioned it to the drs. yet, but he beleives it is the drug mom taking while pregnant with me. he has taken me to over 35 drs., several emergency room visits for the severe pain. another horible thing is the constipation i have had all my life. i know pain meds. worsen it, but mom use to give me castor oil for it growing up. i have been on several meds. for it(not laxatives-it makes me sick)as for the meds. from the drs., it will work for a short time, and then stops working. please, can someone help me? sincerly, m.m

26 Jun 2010 06:33a.m.

TERESA ALEXANDER wrote:

I WAS ALSO A THALIDOMIDE VICTIMS BORN WITH NO LEFT ARM IN
1967 MY MOTHER STATED TO ME THAT SHE TOOK THE PILL FOR MORNING SICKNESS. I WAS TOLD THET WAS BENEFITS FOR THALIDOMIDE VICTIMS I HAVE SEARCH AND NO LUCK PLEASE HELP.

19 Jan 2010 07:28p.m.

Angela wrote:

I was born in 1960 and diagnosed with spina bifida. There were no other members of either of my parents families who had been born with this condition. My mother took thalidomide while pregnant with me and with a subsequent pregnancy which ended in a late miscarriage. If there is a support network could someone contact me please.

15 Jan 2010 07:59a.m.

r sellars wrote:

My son was born in 1964 my wife was given drugs for her pregnacy .my son was born with 2 fingers missing on 1hand &
2 toes missing on 1 foot & 1 leg shorter .

15 Jan 2010 05:06a.m.

Geordie wrote:

I was born in 1973 in Northern Ireland with deformities very similar thalidomide victims, My mother took a morning sickness tablet that was prescribed to her by the doctor. The drug was called debendox that was prescribed to pregnant women in the 1960-80s to help with morning sicknes - but their babies were born with missing limbs and other disabilities very similar to thalidomide victims, just wondering if they were ever compensated????

03 Jan 2010 01:47p.m.

Dave wrote:

I was born in 1962 with thalidomide deformities to both my legs and one hand.Although I have always thought I was one of the lucky ones not to badly affected by this drug,I have had a pain-filled life which,as I have got older,I have had to give up most sport,physical activities and work, due to the nature of my condition.July 2009 saw me having a below knee amputation,after a foot reconstruction in 2007 had not allieviated the problem.There was no ACC help as my condition was a birth defect and not an ACCIDENT.Many years ago there was some talk of compensation,but I was told that there were no records to be found from my mothers doctor.Things were left at that.This is very refreshing news to hear that finally someone is owning up to the wrong that has affected so many people.

02 Jan 2010 08:06p.m.

louise wrote:

I was born in 67 and believe my deformities are due to thalidomide.I too heard many years ago that a certain drug company had submitted a payout for thalidomide victims,and yes I also remember hearing that victims only had a certain time frame to do it in.My excuse I recieved from ACC as to why I couldnt recieve support was because I was born before ACC came into effect!.

23 Dec 2009 03:58p.m.

ash wrote:

what about the other victims! the women who had these children they suffered too! my mother inlaw just couldnt cope with the guilt she felt and became and alcoholic because of it!. dying at the age of 51 all she got for there stuff up was a meserly 10 grand so come on government own up and pay out

23 Dec 2009 01:56p.m.

Taupae wrote:

I was born in 1956 with thalidomide deformities and in fact took my case all the way to the Privy Council. I missed out because there was no more money. They believed I had a real case but added that there was only a specific amount allocated and that it had already been given out.It even took govt 14 years to recognise I had a disbility and granted me the Invalids benefit. Now I see the govt wants to means test us. Anyhow I know of at least two other thalidomide victims so please could someone get in touch with me