Man recognized with MND shares how the situation impacts him 26 years on

Tommy, 80, first sought the recommendation of his GP when he observed strolling had develop into a bit tough and his speech was slurred.

Referred to a specialist, again in 1997, Tommy was recognized with a life-altering situation.

Motor neurone disease (MND) progressively damages the nervous system, the NHS says.

The well being physique explains: “MND happens when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurones, stop working properly and die prematurely.”

Marie Curie – a charity that gives care and assist for terminal sicknesses – states “a person with MND will usually die between two to three years after diagnosis”.

Tommy, nevertheless, defied this timeline as he’s nonetheless dwelling 26 years on from his MND prognosis, however it is not with out its challenges.

“I can’t swallow solids anymore,” Tommy advised Glasgow Live. “I rely on a Peg feed overnight and can only sip drinks.”

Tommy revealed his “left hand is no longer functional” and he experiences ache in his left shoulder.

“Using an electric wheelchair and scooter has become essential for getting around,” Tommy added.

“Although my MND is stable, infections or colds take longer to clear up.”

Tommy stated: “Face difficulties with excess saliva build-up, but Botox injections to my saliva glands provide some relief.”

Nowadays there are a number of therapies to assist management signs of MND, regardless that the situation does not have a treatment.

Symptoms of MND can embody:

• Weakness in your ankle or leg – you may journey, or discover it tougher to climb stairs
• Slurred speech, which can grow to be problem swallowing some meals
• A weak grip – you may drop issues, or discover it arduous to open jars or do up buttons
• Muscle cramps and twitches
• Weight loss – your arms or leg muscle groups could have develop into thinner over time
• Difficulty stopping your self from crying or laughing in inappropriate conditions.

Anybody experiencing any indicators of MND ought to ebook an appointment with their physician.

Symptom administration can embody occupational remedy, physiotherapy, help from a speech and language specialist, and drugs.

One medicine that may be prescribed known as riluzole, which may barely decelerate the development of the situation.