Progression of condition

[Mowbray]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with MND in October 2017, my consultant later confirmed that I had PMA, I am 76 years old.

I am finding walking is getting more difficult due to the weakness in my legs, I am tending to shuffle along and have to make a concious effort to pick up my feet to avoid stumbling. My general balance is not good, especially standing still and when rising out of a chair.

What is really worrying me is that I have started to have vivid and disturbing dreams. These normally involve me being in a car normally in the dark. The car seems to be out of control and although I am pressing on the brake, nothing seems to happen. I wondered if the dreams had anything to do with MND and if anyone had experienced anything similar.

Regards,

Mowbray

[Terry]

Hi Mowbray;

Can't help much with the bad dreams but sometimes serious pain medication can bring them on or eating something like cheese last thing at night.

Walking does normally get harder as Mnd progresses, the main thing is to try to stay safe. I would speak to your OT about getting some equipment to assist walking and also a rise and recline chair so as you can sit to stand easier.

Love Terry

[Barry52]

Hello Mowbray,

I also have vivid dreams and some can be scary. I put it down to citalopram or baclofen side effects but it may be MND related.

Barry

[Ellie]

Hi Mowbray,

I too recommend contacting your OT and get aids to keep you walking safely - add AFOs for footdrop to Terry's list.

We have an important rule here: Do Not Fall !!! (But there are serial offenders to this )

Re your vivid dreams: usual culprits are anxiety, medication and poor respiratory function, so check your meds for side effects for starters.

I'd be inclined to have your respiratory function assessed, particularly if it's been a while since your last tests.

We dream during REM sleep and the diaphragm muscle is particularly involved in periods of REM sleep. When this muscle weakens, it disrupts breathing and can lead to vivid dreams and nightmares.

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) aka BiPAP, supports and improves quality of sleep and reduces thes types of dreams.

If you think anxiety is the cause, audiobooks/podcasts/music in bed, relaxation techniques, mindfulness and counselling are worth exploring.

But I think ruling out respiratory reasons is the most important.

Love Ellie.

[Doug Carpenter]

Welcome Mowbray

We are of a similar age and increasing mobility problems.

This orthotic helps me avoid foot drop:

http://www.orliman.com/en/product/calf-support-for-the-boxia-drop-foot-ankle-brace/

I've always had vivid and sometimes scary dreams, so these may not be related to your MND. But do follow Ellie's advice, especially about respiratory issues.

Doug

[HWRhoades]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with MND in October 2017, my consultant later confirmed that I had PMA, I am 76 years old.

I am finding walking is getting more difficult due to the weakness in my legs, I am tending to shuffle along and have to make a concious effort to pick up my feet to avoid stumbling. My general balance is not good, especially standing still and when rising out of a chair.

What is really worrying me is that I have started to have vivid and disturbing dreams. These normally involve me being in a car normally in the dark. The car seems to be out of control and although I am pressing on the brake, nothing seems to happen. I wondered if the dreams had anything to do with MND and if anyone had experienced anything similar.

Regards,

Mowbray

Hi Mowbray: First, let me say everything said so far regarding your dreams makes sense. Any of the physical conditions mentioned could be responsible. Second, your MND diagnosis closely parallels mine. I too have the foot drop issue and weakening of my legs. That said, I also experienced strange dreams for several months after my diagnosis in October, 2018; however as I progressed in my knowledge of what my disease entails, plus lots of positive feedback from others on this forum, I've noticed my strange dreams have slowly dissipated. It took several months for me to process everything but as my understanding increased about the issues I face long term, my dreams have returned to normal (if that makes sense when it comes to dreams!)
I hope this turns out to be the case for you too. Also, I second the recommendation for looking into AFO's! They improved my mobility to the point that I can function better as well as more safely.
Wish you the best on your journey. You're not alone.