May 2008/January 2009
I went on pretty much as normal over these intervening months but with progressive weakening of my hands and muscle wastage of the arms. Both hands were very weak with the right-hand fractionally stronger than the left. I could no longer manage buttons or zips or any action that required the use of my forefinger […]
23 January 2009
Back in November when I was getting really worried about by weakening hands and wondering how on earth I would manage to operate my artificial urinary sphincter, I dreamt up the idea of a bionic glove. The purpose on this glove would be to give me a ‘grasp’ once the strength has gone from my […]
21 May 2008
I had my first consultation today with the Cambridge MND support unit. A nice Dr. Chris Allen, heads up the unit with a charming and helpful support nurse co-ordinator, Joanna. Dr Allen noted the increasing weakness in my hands and arms but observed no sensory symptoms or problems with speech or swallowing. He did however […]
15 May 2008
I made my annual pilgrimage to Cyprus where I have taught for the lost 10 years or so. This time I gave my lectures to the local technical Institute (ETEK) as well as addressing the Cyprus branch of The Arbitration Club.
21 April 2008
I was admitted as a day patient to Bury Hospital, for a nerve block in my neck. Not a very pleasant procedure but hopefully it will sort out my neck pain.
10 April 2008
Alice joined me in my consultation with Professor Leigh at Kings College Hospital. I must say the Professor was very charming and gave us two hours of his valuable time. He agreed with the diagnosis of MND and said, encouragingly, that there was no definite upper motor neurone signs… which is the case in 10 […]
20 March 2008
The neurologist wrote to Professor Leigh, at Kings College Hospital, and said inter alia: “My 15th February examination revealed widespread fasciculation’s, bilaterally in the upper body and in the thigh, but to a lesser extent. His neorophysiology demonstrated widespread ongoing denervation with fasciculations including the axial muscles. I have subsequently discussed the findings with (a […]
28 February 2008
On 28 February I flew off to Australia, determining to enjoy life while I could. The future was clearly pretty bleak. I stayed with my dear old friend (Dr.) Michael Long as well as spending a few days with some other old friends in Barwon Heads – Geoff. and Anne Waite. One day, during this […]
24 February 2008
A beautiful spring day, I played golf in the annual geriatric match over 65’s against the under 65’s. We had a usual problem of finding enough members to play in the under 65’s team. Unfortunately I was unable to continue past the 15th hole. I had the most excruciatingly burning pain in my groin, in […]
23 February 2008
Smiler, Kimberley (Son and daughter-in-law), Chloe, Karl (daughter and son-in-law) and the grand children all came down today for lunch which cheered me up no end. The Volz’s left after tea but the newlyweds stayed for supper. It was lovely to see them all before I headed off down under.
D. Mark Cato
D. Mark Cato