A Summary of the early days

These are the actual notes from Gordon, published here as background for interested readers. One of the main problem with MND is the difficulty in diagnosis. From initial noticing of problems to final diagnosis took Gordon almost 3 years. These are Gordon's notes for the 'Professionals' involved with his care.

 

Living with MND

Having been diagnosed with MND in 2005 and it’s now 2011 and I thought it time to record notes from my diaries on my unknown journey. As “all professionals” say each and every patient has a different road to travel. So here’s my journey to date.

My name is Gordon McKenzie, born in early 1937, and always had a very active lifestyle.  Being left handed, one of the first indications of any problem was when writing I’d occasionally lose my firm grip on the pen: this was in November 2002.

 

January 2003

I developed a weakness in my left shoulder, arm, and hand: this was thought to be a trapped nerve, so I was x-rayed, but other than “fair wear and tear” it showed nothing untoward, and in view of being involved in manual work most of my working life, and my age it was deemed acceptable. The Doctor then suspected I may have had a slight stroke. (and was treated on that basis for the next two years.)

June

I attended the Neurology Department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on an exploratory explanation for my weak arm and hand.

July

A CT scan on 16^th showed no abnormality.

August

A further appointment at Neurology Depart, Aberdeen, still nothing to report. 

December

On the 15^th got an MRI scan, which again showed no abnormality. It was assumed by the Neurology Department that at some time I must have had a small stroke

My Thoughts

Let me first give an insight of how my mind works. Being a creature of habit that has always monitored himself very closely: compiled a daily list of tasks, and ticked them off at the end of the day. This has always given a nice inner satisfaction, and feeling of achievement.

The year didn’t restrict my manual work as a landscape gardener, although I fell three or four times, but it was either on steps, rough terrain, or carrying something so thought no more about it. I exercised my left shoulder, and massage my hand regularly to see if it would help, but feel it was doing no good other than keeping them supple.  However, I’ve been involved in exercising all my working life so it came quite naturally to me.