Life with MND - May 2014

Dietician arranged for me to get weighed at our cottage hospital in Forres. Both the dietician and I are very happy with my weight of 63kg (10-3) considering last time weighed was 14/11/2013 when I was 65kg.

Our Occupational Therapist organised a demonstration of a neck brace and a mobile floating arm aid - I was impressed with both items - they would certainly be of benefit at this stage of my illness, so OT will try and get funding for both items.

Retaining this month of well-being I’m happy with my sleep pattern over the past two months, although far from perfect, but considering my present level that MND has progressed - It’s very acceptable!  Also, in bed I can still do beneficial exercises, that no way could I do from the chair.

With nothing further of interest to say on MND, now would be a good time to air my views on the referendum.

First, I’ve voted SNP, for the past 25 years. Not, I hasten to add for breaking up the Union, but to get more say for Scotland regards political considerations. Now having achieved this, it’s time to consider if Scotland could be independent. According to Google the population of London is over 8 million, whilst Scotland just over 5 million. To think a small concentrated pocket of people in England could theoretically, politically control a geographical area the size of Scotland is frightening and certainly if contemplating a ‘yes’ vote for independence, is food for thought!  

 Other points to ponder for a yes vote on independence:

Those against separation say Scotland couldn’t support itself, but after 300 years of Westminster rule one may say that over that period, we have lost our creative industry etc. 

Small is beautiful - and Scotland with its current population, I feel falls into a manageable category. Also beautiful scenery - lucrative for tourism;  Energy scope with it’s potential wave and water for future hydro schemes, could  well be able to become self-sufficient for it’s energy. 

I’m listing to all arguments for and against, readers will surmise that I’ve a strong leaning towards independence, but my decision will be taken nearer the date. Anyway I feel it’s not us in the twilight of our years, but the younger generation who will have to  face up to the coming years, which ever way the vote goes.

Living with MND - April 2014

Continuing my March remarks on Jean’s 24/7 care we had a meeting on the 2^nd with the council’s community carer and the care teams organiser regarding more care time for Jean, as my condition progressively gets worse.  As the year moves on I now see the importance of support for Jean to have regular respite and ‘backup’ to my now constant needs as MND disablement is now focusing on care - I’ll keep readers posted on the outcome of our meeting!!
To move this forward we have, on two occasions, taken in a paid carer so Jean could have up to three hour breaks to relax and do her own thing.

5/6^th I call days when I go into a zombie mode and doze frequently, my MND days - thankfully these days don’t happen often!!

Wheelchair team visit to fit moveable body supports on the chair to try and stop my tendency of leaning to the right - certainly when fitted it keeps me more upright.

On 27^th and after two aborted attempts, my article in 'The Herald' newspaper was published - fair chuffed with the result!!

The weather being favourable on the 28^th it was decided to try getting into the car. Bearing in mind the ongoing deterioration of right arm and hand which controls the manipulation of the chair, and the fact that I haven’t been in the car this year, the outcome was - I managed fine!

 With the relatively mild winter trees are breaking into leaf - for someone that’s been involved in horticulture for 50 years it’s a good feeling that the universe is still consistent and reliable regarding the seasons. Spring has always been my favourite!

The new life of leaves bursting forth in lovely fresh shades of green, before pollution dulls them down.  Also the uncertain season ahead when trees are susceptible to climatic conditions and disease - I suppose on hindsight similar to us humans.

As a point of interest, I remember reading whilst studying for a horticultural diploma that a fully grown mature oak tree needed to draw up through its roots 200 gallons of water daily to avoid drought conditions - some feat for the mighty oak - aye nature is wonderful!