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Now Ye're Talking - to someone with Motor Neuron Disease

  • 01-08-2018 9:37am
    #1
    Boards.ie Employee Posts: 12,597 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Boards.ie Community Manager


    Our next guest is a 35 year old man who has Motor Neuron Disease. This is a disease which usually presents a bit later in life so he is one of a small number of people under 40 to be affected. He can answer any questions you have about the real life impact for him of Motor Neuron Disease.

    Thanks!

    Edit:
    Adding a bit from the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association to explain what MND is:
    What Is MND?
    Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

    MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

    The cause of MND is not known. There may be environmental factors that trigger the damage in people who are susceptible to the disease. On going research is necessary to find out the nature of these environmental factors, and what makes one person more susceptible than another.

    MND strikes people of all ages and currently there is no cure, however symptoms can be managed to help the person achieve the best possible quality of life. The drug Riluzole (Rilutek) has shown to be helpful in slowing down the progress of the disease.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭sullivlo


    Hi,

    Thanks so much for taking time to answer questions. I don’t really have any questions really, but I just wanted to comment really.

    A friend of mines mam is a nurse specialist in MND, and I have collaborated scientifically with people who work on MND, so I am aware of the nuts and bolts and ongoing research. I am absolutely blown away by the resilience of patients in the face of true adversity.

    I wish you all the very best.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    sullivlo wrote: »
    Hi,

    Thanks so much for taking time to answer questions. I don’t really have any questions really, but I just wanted to comment really.

    A friend of mines mam is a nurse specialist in MND, and I have collaborated scientifically with people who work on MND, so I am aware of the nuts and bolts and ongoing research. I am absolutely blown away by the resilience of patients in the face of true adversity.

    I wish you all the very best.

    Hello

    Thank you. There are 3 MND nurses to cover the whole country, my nurse is from Sligo. They do amazing work and are a huge support to MND patients on their journey.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,910 ✭✭✭✭whatawaster


    Thank you for taking the time to come here and answer our questions.

    When did you first start noticing symptoms and what were they? How long did it take you to get a diagnosis.

    Thanks again.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Thank you for taking the time to come here and answer our questions.

    When did you first start noticing symptoms and what were they? How long did it take you to get a diagnosis.

    Thanks again.

    Hello, a very good question.

    To be honest I came across it by accident really. When I was 30/31 I was getting muscle cramps in my calf muscles and twitching in one arm.

    A GP spotted my arm during a routine visit and booked me an appointment in Beaumount to see a specialist who asked me to come in for tests.

    I spent a week undergoing tests before diagnosis.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 118 ✭✭mittimitti


    What kind of progression have you noticed over the years since your diagnoses

    Do you have a better outcome getting it early and starting treatment


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 916 ✭✭✭1hnr79jr65


    Hello, a very good question.

    To be honest I came across it by accident really. When I was 30/31 I was getting muscle cramps in my calf muscles and twitching in one arm.

    A GP spotted my arm during a routine visit and booked me an appointment in Beaumount to see a specialist who asked me to come in for tests.

    I spent a week undergoing tests before diagnosis.


    Hi there, firstly cheers for being here to answer what may be some tough questions.

    Can you explain what you mean by the twitching in the arm and cramps, would there be a particular pattern or way these thing happen?

    When first being investigated where other symptoms or outcomes considered before the actualy MND diagnosis?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,188 ✭✭✭Malayalam


    Just to say thank you for volunteering to answer people's questions. It is kind and brave of you. My dad died young enough with MND and it terrifies me, to be honest. A stumble or an unusual twitch can make me feel emotional and worried. It would be wonderful if medicine can find a solution for you to ameliorate or cure your condition and in the meantime I wish you very slow progress in the condition, an abundance of joy and adventure in daily life and all the very best of luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,910 ✭✭✭✭whatawaster


    Hello, a very good question.

    To be honest I came across it by accident really. When I was 30/31 I was getting muscle cramps in my calf muscles and twitching in one arm.

    A GP spotted my arm during a routine visit and booked me an appointment in Beaumount to see a specialist who asked me to come in for tests.

    I spent a week undergoing tests before diagnosis.

    Thanks for your response.

    Did you have muscle weakness at that time that you hadn't noticed. In hindsight were there obvious signs (ie: weakness) that you missed at the time?


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    mittimitti wrote: »
    What kind of progression have you noticed over the years since your diagnoses

    Do you have a better outcome getting it early and starting treatment

    Hi it has been 3.5yrs since my diagnosis.

    In that time I've gone from being fully fit to needing two hands to pick up a cup. I need my wife to dress me and a walking stick to walk.

    There is no cure, only 1 drug called Rilutek which slows it down by up to 3 months.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 118 ✭✭mittimitti


    Thanks for your response and hopefully a cure will come about


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  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Hi there, firstly cheers for being here to answer what may be some tough questions.

    Can you explain what you mean by the twitching in the arm and cramps, would there be a particular pattern or way these thing happen?

    When first being investigated where other symptoms or outcomes considered before the actualy MND diagnosis?

    Hi, I would be at work and at random times a calf would cramp up like a footballer gets. The arm twitching or fasciculations as they are known happen because the messages from the brain do not reach the muscles so they become irritated.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q0SfKfIcYc

    There is no definite test for MND. It is diagnosed by ruling out everything else.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Malayalam wrote: »
    Just to say thank you for volunteering to answer people's questions. It is kind and brave of you. My dad died young enough with MND and it terrifies me, to be honest. A stumble or an unusual twitch can make me feel emotional and worried. It would be wonderful if medicine can find a solution for you to ameliorate or cure your condition and in the meantime I wish you very slow progress in the condition, an abundance of joy and adventure in daily life and all the very best of luck.

    Hi. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Would you mind sharing his journey?

    I fully understand your fears as I have young children myself but you can't let a what if stop you from enjoying your life.

    We'll all get there someday anyway.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Thanks for your response.

    Did you have muscle weakness at that time that you hadn't noticed. In hindsight were there obvious signs (ie: weakness) that you missed at the time?

    During the tests we noticed the muscle between my right thumb and 1st finger to be slightly wasted but I had no loss of strength.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    mittimitti wrote: »
    Thanks for your response and hopefully a cure will come about

    Thanks if they could press pause its would be a great start.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,188 ✭✭✭Malayalam


    Hi. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Would you mind sharing his journey?

    I fully understand your fears as I have young children myself but you can't let a what if stop you from enjoying your life.

    We'll all get there someday anyway.

    Just here I would rather listen to what you have to say. He was in his 50s so there is some difference, and it was some time ago so hopefully medical knowledge has advanced. But he had developed that same super-human ability to make a compassionate compromise with the cards that life had thrown at him as you apparently have, and was, like you, prone to being wise. All the very best.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Malayalam wrote: »
    Just here I would rather listen to what you have to say. He was in his 50s so there is some difference, and it was some time ago so hopefully medical knowledge has advanced. But he had developed that same super-human ability to make a compassionate compromise with the cards that life had thrown at him as you apparently have, and was, like you, prone to being wise. All the very best.

    No problem. Thank you for your comments. They are making great advances understanding the disease. I took part in a trial drug myself and although it was not a success if you don't try you'll never know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,122 ✭✭✭killanena


    I know its awhile now but could you describe the craps you were getting in your calf's? I often get craps in either calf and its very painful, feels like the muscle is twisting itself in knots, I also get a twitch in my right arm by my elbow every so often.

    Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 916 ✭✭✭1hnr79jr65


    Hi, I would be at work and at random times a calf would cramp up like a footballer gets. The arm twitching or fasciculations as they are known happen because the messages from the brain do not reach the muscles so they become irritated.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q0SfKfIcYc

    There is no definite test for MND. It is diagnosed by ruling out everything else.

    Thanks for the clip, it helps some bit in the explanation. I would get some cramps in my right leg, sometimes at night and almost leap out of bed with the pain. For my right arm and hand i have had some feeling like a jolt or shake which at one point i believed may have been an early indicator of parkinsons.

    The symptoms you have mentioned have made me think to possibly get a check up about these things that happen.

    I have followed a few MND cases such as Marie Fleming and i have to admire her strength she showed in looking for right to die, i believe if i was ever diagnosied myself with this that i would choose to go to a dignitas clinic or some such once condition became unbearable for me as in not being able to do simple basic activities we take for granted every day.

    Would you have a view yourself on the subject of the right to assisted suicide?


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,029 ✭✭✭Call me Al


    I dont have any questions. Ij ust wanted to wish you well.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    killanena wrote: »
    I know its awhile now but could you describe the craps you were getting in your calf's? I often get craps in either calf and its very painful, feels like the muscle is twisting itself in knots, I also get a twitch in my right arm by my elbow every so often.

    Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

    Hi. For no reason a calf would cramp / spasm. It would tense up hard as a rock and last 20-30 seconds. I found the only way to relieve it is to stretch the leg.

    There could be a million reasons for your twitch, stress etc. The odds of MND is 1 in 50,000. If you have any concerns contact your GP.


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  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Call me Al wrote: »
    I dont have any questions. Ij ust wanted to wish you well.

    Thank you very much.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,063 ✭✭✭✭Tom Mann Centuria


    Hi OP, thanks for doing this.

    Have you begun getting adaptations to your house yet, has this been a straightforward process?

    Do you get physio, occupational therapy or Speech and Language therapy provided?

    Wishing you the best luck possible going forward.

    Oh well, give me an easy life and a peaceful death.



  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Thanks for the clip, it helps some bit in the explanation. I would get some cramps in my right leg, sometimes at night and almost leap out of bed with the pain. For my right arm and hand i have had some feeling like a jolt or shake which at one point i believed may have been an early indicator of parkinsons.

    The symptoms you have mentioned have made me think to possibly get a check up about these things that happen.

    I have followed a few MND cases such as Marie Fleming and i have to admire her strength she showed in looking for right to die, i believe if i was ever diagnosied myself with this that i would choose to go to a dignitas clinic or some such once condition became unbearable for me as in not being able to do simple basic activities we take for granted every day.

    Would you have a view yourself on the subject of the right to assisted suicide?

    The main giveaway for MND is muscle wastage. My arms are alot thinner now compared to 3yrs ago. It would not do any harm to get checked out.

    Looking back now I have some regrets, the biggest being that I did not have a life insurance policy in place. I was young and never thought too far ahead.

    Assisted suicide is a tricky one. I think everyone should have the right to choose but I can see it creating issues where family members might feel pressured into agreeing to it. They may feel a burden or in the way.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Hi OP, thanks for doing this.

    Have you begun getting adaptations to your house yet, has this been a straightforward process?

    Do you get physio, occupational therapy or Speech and Language therapy provided?

    Wishing you the best luck possible going forward.

    Hello they are very good questions.

    Within an hour of my diagnosis we had professionals pushing terms like tube-fed, wheelchair bound, assisted breatheing at us.

    I was put in touch with a local occupational therapist and the only way to best describe her is amazing. She came out and explained everything. Our only sleeping/toilet/shower facilities were upstairs so she advised us to build on. We have recently built on a groundfloor bedroom, wetroom and wheelchair access to the house with the aid of a grant. Without her help and the grant I can hand on heart say I would be currently sleeping on the sofa and peeing in a bucket.

    I do physio every few weeks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 916 ✭✭✭1hnr79jr65


    The main giveaway for MND is muscle wastage. My arms are alot thinner now compared to 3yrs ago. It would not do any harm to get checked out.

    Looking back now I have some regrets, the biggest being that I did not have a life insurance policy in place. I was young and never thought too far ahead.

    Assisted suicide is a tricky one. I think everyone should have the right to choose but I can see it creating issues where family members might feel pressured into agreeing to it. They may feel a burden or in the way.

    From my own perspective i have spoken to family and my fiancee about my wishes, all are in agreement of what i would require.

    I suppose its very important for anyone with such diagnoses to have this hard discussion so there is no confusion of what the exit pathway may be based on beliefs or wishes.

    Anyhow thank you for your answers and wish you all the best in fighting this.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    From my own perspective i have spoken to family and my fiancee about my wishes, all are in agreement of what i would require.

    I suppose its very important for anyone with such diagnoses to have this hard discussion so there is no confusion of what the exit pathway may be based on beliefs or wishes.

    Anyhow thank you for your answers and wish you all the best in fighting this.

    Yes i hope to put my own plan in place before things become too difficult.

    Thank you and i hope your issue is something simple.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,580 ✭✭✭✭Riesen_Meal


    I would like to wish you the best of luck on your journey, hopefully some kind of cure comes along...

    Have you considered cannabis to try and treat it?

    I know it can work wonder for people with Parkinson's disease...

    I know MND is different than Parkinson's but I saw this video a while ago and it had me wondering could it be used?



  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Fieldog wrote: »
    I would like to wish you the best of luck on your journey, hopefully some kind of cure comes along...

    Have you considered cannabis to try and treat it?

    I know it can work wonder for people with Parkinson's disease...

    I know MND is different than Parkinson's but I saw this video a while ago and it had me wondering could it be used?


    Thank you.

    I'm not sure. I have heard it can help with seizures but i have not heard anyone in the MND community mention it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 52 ✭✭Campogna


    Fieldog wrote: »
    I would like to wish you the best of luck on your journey, hopefully some kind of cure comes along...

    Have you considered cannabis to try and treat it?

    I know it can work wonder for people with Parkinson's disease...

    I know MND is different than Parkinson's but I saw this video a while ago and it had me wondering could it be used?


    Hi I believe I can give a rudimentary answer on that.

    Medical marijuana works well with Parkinson's because it inhibits the sporadic and uncontrolled firing of messages from the brain to nerve receptors, basically relaxing. However, with MND the brain is actually losing its ability to effectively communicate with nerve receptors in the body and no amount of 'relaxation' will be able to help revive unresponsive nerves. If anyone can correct me or confirm this as well that would be grand.

    Medical marijuana is great for plenty of disorders but a degenerative disorder like this one needs to be stopped before it can wreak havoc on the nervous system. Maybe there is research on whether it can delay it.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,188 ✭✭✭Malayalam


    Campogna wrote: »
    Hi I believe I can give a rudimentary answer on that.

    Medical marijuana works well with Parkinson's because it inhibits the sporadic and uncontrolled firing of messages from the brain to nerve receptors, basically relaxing. However, with MND the brain is actually losing its ability to effectively communicate with nerve receptors in the body and no amount of 'relaxation' will be able to help revive unresponsive nerves. If anyone can correct me or confirm this as well that would be grand.

    Medical marijuana is great for plenty of disorders but a degenerative disorder like this one needs to be stopped before it can wreak havoc on the nervous system. Maybe there is research on whether it can delay it.

    I am not going to advise the OP on what he should try in such a difficult condition but there is definitely research out there regarding neuroprotective properties of cannabis. One thing I regretted was not getting my Dad on it. Ditto psilocybin.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,580 ✭✭✭✭Riesen_Meal


    Campogna wrote: »
    Hi I believe I can give a rudimentary answer on that.

    Medical marijuana works well with Parkinson's because it inhibits the sporadic and uncontrolled firing of messages from the brain to nerve receptors, basically relaxing. However, with MND the brain is actually losing its ability to effectively communicate with nerve receptors in the body and no amount of 'relaxation' will be able to help revive unresponsive nerves. If anyone can correct me or confirm this as well that would be grand.

    Medical marijuana is great for plenty of disorders but a degenerative disorder like this one needs to be stopped before it can wreak havoc on the nervous system. Maybe there is research on whether it can delay it.

    Thank you for the detailed explanation of it, makes a lot of sense actually.... :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,555 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    What is your physio routine, if you don't mind me asking?

    I've often wondered how something like MND would be managed from a physio perspective. I also just wanted to say thank you for doing this and I really wish you every bit of luck.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    What is your physio routine, if you don't mind me asking?

    I've often wondered how something like MND would be managed from a physio perspective. I also just wanted to say thank you for doing this and I really wish you every bit of luck.

    Hi. I do a lot of stretching exercises. My physio helps me hold on to the uses of grip, reach, etc.

    She supplies me with different aids to keep me as mobile as possible. For example I use a splint on my hands. It is similar to a cast which keeps my fingers straight as they tend to curl.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 798 ✭✭✭Bicycle


    Sending you a big hug.

    My Dad died from MND just over 25 years ago. He was in his 70s. Its a horrible illness.

    Well done for educating us all on it.

    Thank you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,594 ✭✭✭Damien360


    To my shame, I knew of MND by name but not the symthons or the agressive speed at which it progresses. Thanks for educating me in this thread so far and best of luck to you and your family.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 52 ✭✭Campogna


    I wish all the best for you and your loved ones.

    My question is not so much about the disease. Do you find yourself cherishing things you may not be able to do in the future? For example, do you love going outside more and the like or do you still find yourself focused on different aspects of your life?


  • Registered Users Posts: 783 ✭✭✭jockeyboard


    Thank you for answering questions.
    Just wondered if you are in pain? Or just loss of movement/strength.
    Have you read the book found my tribe written by a wife of man like yourself, I am only half way through but was surprised they decided to have more children after his diagnosis and when he was quiet immobile etc. Hope that's not rude. I only ment they had (I think) 3 kids and then she got pregnant again with twins. Just thought they had alot going on and I can barely manage mine own kids without myself or husband having something like mnd.
    Again, really hope that dosnt come across rude or insensitive, just wondering kinda how much does your mnd play on day to day planning and future planning?


  • Registered Users Posts: 115 ✭✭Teacher0101


    Hi,

    My own father had MND and died from it some years ago. Is it familial or sporadic form that you have?
    Do you have a list of things you want to do - or a go-fund me page for some of them?


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Bicycle wrote: »
    Sending you a big hug.

    My Dad died from MND just over 25 years ago. He was in his 70s. Its a horrible illness.

    Well done for educating us all on it.

    Thank you.

    Thank you, i am still learning myself.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Damien360 wrote: »
    To my shame, I knew of MND by name but not the symthons or the agressive speed at which it progresses. Thanks for educating me in this thread so far and best of luck to you and your family.

    Thanks. Progression rates vary wildly, some people pass away waiting on a diagnosis while others have it years. I know a man who has it 42 years.


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  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Campogna wrote: »
    I wish all the best for you and your loved ones.

    My question is not so much about the disease. Do you find yourself cherishing things you may not be able to do in the future? For example, do you love going outside more and the like or do you still find yourself focused on different aspects of your life?

    Yes i really enjoy just sitting in the garden. I worked a lot of nights so didn't do much during the day.

    I spend loads of time with family, go to the 3 arena and Aviva quite often, stuff i didn't do before as my priorities were wrong.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Thank you for answering questions.
    Just wondered if you are in pain? Or just loss of movement/strength.
    Have you read the book found my tribe written by a wife of man like yourself, I am only half way through but was surprised they decided to have more children after his diagnosis and when he was quiet immobile etc. Hope that's not rude. I only ment they had (I think) 3 kids and then she got pregnant again with twins. Just thought they had alot going on and I can barely manage mine own kids without myself or husband having something like mnd.
    Again, really hope that dosnt come across rude or insensitive, just wondering kinda how much does your mnd play on day to day planning and future planning?

    I'm thankful that i am not in any pain.

    I know of that man, Simon Fitzmaurice. I'd highly recommend you read and watch "Its Not Yet Dark" about his life. I have not read Ruth's book. I'm not sure about the pregnancy, maybe it was unexpected.

    At the beginning everything was MND, it was all i ever thought about. As time passes i realise its only a part of my life. I don't let it get in the way of the things i enjoy.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭andreoilin


    Hi there, thank you for sharing your story with us. Incredibly brave. How do you stay positive in the face of such a life-changing disease?


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    Hi,

    My own father had MND and died from it some years ago. Is it familial or sporadic form that you have?
    Do you have a list of things you want to do - or a go-fund me page for some of them?

    Hi sorry to hear about your dad. My MND is sporadic as i was told around 90% is.

    I have done some fundraising for the IMNDA and we have done a few personal ones. We got to do some family stuff together, my highlight has been bringing the kids to Lapland, it was just magical.


  • Registered Users Posts: 115 ✭✭Teacher0101


    You could look into doing a go fund me to go somewhere else with the kids.

    I know some people aren't mad on the idea of 'Go Fund me' (as in they might think it's going cap in hand), but great memories would be made. I was 19 when my father passed and 16 when he got it and fairly rapidly went downhill, so I know you're young and the three year time they give to older people doesn't apply to you. But you know this yourself, make as many memories as you can.

    Just wondering, do you think you've come to terms with it and do you take any anti-depressants?

    It sounds like you've a great support base which is essential.


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    andreoilin wrote: »
    Hi there, thank you for sharing your story with us. Incredibly brave. How do you stay positive in the face of such a life-changing disease?

    Hi.

    Don't get me wrong not everyday is great. When i was diagnosed i was crushed. The day i received that news i had a 2yr old and a new baby and for a while i wasn't a nice person to be around. But we find good in every day even if its something as small as going out for a pizza.


  • Registered Users Posts: 790 ✭✭✭forgodssake


    I don't have any proper questions really ,just you come across so positive and I was wondering if there is anything you have started doing ,since you found out you had this disease , that you find takes your mind off of it for however long it may be ? I also have an illness(nothing related to MND ) and since finding out I've been struggling to enjoy everyday things . Also I would like to thank you for sharing your story and wish you all the best in the future .


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    You could look into doing a go fund me to go somewhere else with the kids.

    I know some people aren't mad on the idea of 'Go Fund me' (as in they might think it's going cap in hand), but great memories would be made. I was 19 when my father passed and 16 when he got it and fairly rapidly went downhill, so I know you're young and the three year time they give to older people doesn't apply to you. But you know this yourself, make as many memories as you can.

    Just wondering, do you think you've come to terms with it and do you take any anti-depressants?

    It sounds like you've a great support base which is essential.

    Yes we have a few trips planned.

    I don't think i'll ever accept it but i've learn to live with it better. I don't take any medication.

    The support is great and getting better everyday.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 452 ✭✭fishy_fishy


    Thanks for taking the time to do this. You're very kind to take the time to do this and educate us all a bit more. I hope my questions are okay.

    I suppose people are normally older when diagnosed and the people around them have more experience dealing with bad news, but you were very young being diagnosed and I can't imagine your friends had a lot of experience to draw from.
    Did people surprise you? What did you find was the best & worst way for people to take the news and behave afterwards? Like, was it worse for people to get upset or to bury their heads in the sand and pretend nothing happened?

    You've alluded to having had your priorities wrong before the diagnosis. I suppose in theory we all know the concept that we don't spend enough quality time with our loved ones. But real life comes into play and bills have to be paid and that sort of thing. Do you think there are little changes that people could make a difference?


  • Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep I've Motor Neuron Disease, AMA


    I don't have any proper questions really ,just you come across so positive and I was wondering if there is anything you have started doing ,since you found out you had this disease , that you find takes your mind off of it for however long it may be ? I also have an illness(nothing related to MND ) and since finding out I've been struggling to enjoy everyday things . Also I would like to thank you for sharing your story and wish you all the best in the future .

    Hi before i was diagnosed all i had on my mind was work and bills, worrying about stuff. I believe a lot of conditions are stress related.

    Now I tend not to worry about things, if a bill gets paid on time then it gets paid and if it is a day late then that is life. I have enjoyed little things like having lunch out, sitting in the garden and having time to watch some Netflix since i retired and what will be will be. You cannot buy time so i'm going to enjoy my time.


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