2 July 2009
Today I had my quarterly MND assessment at Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge. Having explained the deterioration in my hands and arms the doctor was not surprised and said, on the whole ‘I was doing very well’. In other words, I am going downhill pretty much at the rate that they anticipated (although of course, he neither hinted at more, or said such a thing; it is just my own personal interpretation.)
My Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) – blowing into a little handheld device -was 10% down on last time, in the supine position. The support nurse did not think this was significant but she obviously was sufficiently concerned to say that I should perhaps go to Papworth Hospital for a more detailed check. I believe this test is one that indicates your overall rate of deterioration more accurately than any of the others. Having said that the doctor examined my tongue and told me that, at present, the disease was not attacking my throat, so I really don’t know what to think.
One good thing that came out of assessment was that the doctor agreed there was a possibility I could still go to China in October. In other words, my flailing arms may not have completely given up by then. He suggested a further assessment in early September when a final decision can be made.
A team of people came in to the consultation to look at the feeding device and appeared to be very impressed. They included a dietician, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a lady running a hospice and the engineer. The frame still needs a tiny adjustment on the armrest but once that’s done I believe it might be possible to have it tested within the hospital itself and then perhaps trialled in an NHS care home.
Enough boring stuff I think it’s about time I added another anecdote. With the Ashes starting next week (cricket against the Australians for those few people in the world who haven’t a clue what I’m talking about), I have added to Anecdotes The Cricket Match, which I hope you all find amusing.