July
My
“trusty” upper right arm, and hand (which has been more or less normal in
suppleness, and strength since being diagnosed) is now weakening fast: it has
caused many additional problems, which at this time I’m still managing to adapt
to, but feel there is little room for manoeuvre now as MND bites deeper. I’m
also experiencing, especially in the evenings tiredness, and fasciculation’s
(visible muscle twitching under the skin) usually a sign of further weakening
in upper arms.
August
Exercise
going well in spite of the ongoing deterioration: time wise I’m doing about 40
minutes a day five days a week. My GP made a referral for me to attend the
Respiratory Clinic at Raigmore
Hospital
First
let me say, I’m comfortable with my respiratory function at this time: where
the referral came from I think was I had a “home visit” from the
Physiotherapist just after lunch one day: normally this is my time “to put the
feet up for an hour” to let my lunch settle, but in this instance I was doing
exercise, which may have triggered a cough.
Anyway
the chest x-ray was fine, and so no need too pursue at this time. Again it’s
nice to be in the “loop” if only for any future visits. The Speech Therapist
called to see how I was coping with the Lightwriter as the arms, and hands
weaken, but both of us were of the opinion that at this time no need for change.
The Dietician visited the following day.
Fell
whilst transferring chairs. Jean had to call on a neighbour to get me back up
on my chair – my last fall was October 2009. What I put it down to was a
combination of a lapse in concentration, plus as hands get weaker I didn’t have
a firm enough grip on arm rests of the chair. It’s a reminder that I must be
very focused in my ever changing condition. A “home visit” from the Optician
and no need for change of glasses—Hooray!
At least the eyes are not deteriorating!!
September
A
fairly good positive month although my arms (especially the left) are getting
thinner, because of muscle wastage: consequently I’ve dropped around two pounds
in weight: now weigh in at eleven stone. Jean had her annual four day break at
our timeshare in Aviemore. Allison, our daughter came up from Kincardenshire to
care for me. My one stipulation to her was relax and observe — don’t help
unless asked, as I still get a great “buzz” from persevering, and completing
tasks on my own.
Conclusion — all three of us gained benefits from Jean’s break
in different ways.
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