Good evening all, I’m apprehensive to post as I appreciate many of you here have had lives turned upside down by an MND diagnosis and then living with or caring for those with the progressive symptoms.
My story is not quite like that right now. It relates to my elderly Father. At 89 he has suffered with severe communication and mobility issues after a long long period of decline. He and Mum remain remarkably independent with support from family - notably myself and my sister, and some occasional community health interest.
Now then. Having accompanied my Dad to a trip to A&E on Sunday (low blood pressure - he had a turn but came home with me) the consultant was very struck by my fathers long term symptoms. On examining the tongue and discussing his voice I first heard the words ‘Bulbar’ and ‘Fasciculations’. She then took me aside and asked what if any diagnosis he had been given (Lots) but she was at pains to tell me he has all the symptoms of MND, and that he must see a neurologist via his GP. Obviously we had not previously had that diagnosis.
So we are on top of getting this investigated.
But really, can it be possible MND has not been considered by medical attendants given these symptoms and progression, over at least 2 decades- but the pieces are picked up in 5 minutes by a Dr he has never encountered, and who is looking after 10 other people in A&E re-sus?
Has anyone experienced a reluctance to diagnose MND, particular when of a good age? Will we struggle to obtain that diagnosis when present or am I being a little bit cynical?
My story is not quite like that right now. It relates to my elderly Father. At 89 he has suffered with severe communication and mobility issues after a long long period of decline. He and Mum remain remarkably independent with support from family - notably myself and my sister, and some occasional community health interest.
Now then. Having accompanied my Dad to a trip to A&E on Sunday (low blood pressure - he had a turn but came home with me) the consultant was very struck by my fathers long term symptoms. On examining the tongue and discussing his voice I first heard the words ‘Bulbar’ and ‘Fasciculations’. She then took me aside and asked what if any diagnosis he had been given (Lots) but she was at pains to tell me he has all the symptoms of MND, and that he must see a neurologist via his GP. Obviously we had not previously had that diagnosis.
So we are on top of getting this investigated.
But really, can it be possible MND has not been considered by medical attendants given these symptoms and progression, over at least 2 decades- but the pieces are picked up in 5 minutes by a Dr he has never encountered, and who is looking after 10 other people in A&E re-sus?
Has anyone experienced a reluctance to diagnose MND, particular when of a good age? Will we struggle to obtain that diagnosis when present or am I being a little bit cynical?
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