January
Attended Rehabilitation/
Rheumatology Clinic for assessment, and because I’m experiencing pain in the
left hip, whilst in bed the Doctor decided that a steroid injection in left hip
may help: after a week no improvement.
February
70th birthday
“bash”
May
Physiologist tried “ultra
sound” on my left hip: again no improvement.
August
GP prescribed “Nytol”
(sleeping pill) to see it would help my disturbed sleep of having to turn every
half hour.
September
on a suggestion from the
Physiologist I got a home visit from the Chronic Oedema nurse, who issued me
with elastic stockings. After two years of swollen legs, ankles, and insteps
within three days of wearing stockings the swelling was down to a very
acceptable level.
December
The past year has shown
very little deterioration. –A real blessing!
My
Thoughts
On
my 70th birthday party and as the large majority of the 50 guests
had not seen me since MND had taken over my emotions: I put the following note
on all tables.
Motor Neuron has affected
my emotions
Imagine
us all having a crying, and laughter jar. These jars have lids controlled by
our muscles, which in turn control our emotions: with me however, the muscles
are so weak that what you get is raw emotions: (a bit like a baby)
T
he frightening part for bystanders is the intake of breath after I laugh: I
think it’s because of weak diaphragm muscles: I bray like a donkey—don’t worry
I’m not mad!!!
Conclusion—if
I get a “gut feeling” I just have to laugh, it’s quite spontaneous. Don’t
worry; I’m enjoying myself, so make allowances for me.
Jean
had four breaks this year: the longest was four nights away. To accomplish this
we had to do a bit of forward planning
1)
We organised too get a “community alarm” installed.
2)
Arranged for Crossroads Caring Team to be present for an hour at evening meals.
3)
Jean prepared enough evenings meals suitable for either oven, or microwave and
then put them in the freezer.
4)
Lunch was mixed salad diced up and put in “a special preserve salad bowl” and
kept in fridge.
5)
Breakfast cereal was pre-packed in individual lots. Although I always use the
manual chair in the house as I feel it helps retain upper body strength, but
the electric chair comes into its own when in the kitchen as it frees up the
left hand for carrying.
6)
Finally Ross, our son came in for his tea, and “sleep over’s”
When
on my own I really go into the “focus mode” which means I need my own space to
chill out.
Ross and I have an understanding he only helps
if asked.
After
all: if you don’t want to loose it use it for as long as possible.
Exercise
most days: but every so often MND kicks in to show me who’s “the Boss”
Because
of my tenacious and disciplined lifestyle I hope it gives Jean a life, and not
impinge on her time to much.
The
conclusion too Jean’s breaks were she certainly benefited from getting away,
and for me it’s always good to stretch myself and take me out of my comfort
zone.
No comments:
Post a Comment