Greetings

[richcrocker]

I used my first post to ask about drinking tea (priorities!) so I thought I'd say hello properly.

I'm Rich, I'm 42 and I live in Bedfordshire.

My symptoms started around February 2019 when I noticed weakness in my left hand. In May I went to the GP and that kick started a range of tests and scans. Initially it was thought I may have multifocal motor neuropathy and I started a course of IV immunoglobulins. I didn't respond to that, and following a second set of of nerve conduction studies I was diagnosed in July 2020.

I've always been fit and active cycling running and a sport called CrossFit. I managed to remain reasonably mobile until June/July last year but now I'm in my power chair when I go out and about.

My wife is my main carer and she does an incredible job. We have two cats and some fish and a pathological fear of taking anything too seriously.

I refuse to be defeated by MND and take the opinion that there is always a way to do things, usually with a good dose of humour.

anyway I'm sure you have got bored by now so I'll sign off!

[Suefromwakey]

Rich your very young to have this to contend with............my thoughts are with you

Sue

[Ellie]

richcrocker Geez, some people do anything for 2 welcomes 😉🙄 - welcome again Rich 🤭

I also had onset site in my left hand, had IVIg to rule out MMN, but my subsequent EMG sealed my ALS fate - my progression was also much faster than yours, making my diagnosis 'easier', as I had increasing symptoms during my 10 week diagnostic period, during which I turned 38yo.

Anyhoo, love your attitude 👍👍 xx

[LindaB]

Hello again richcrocker sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Humour is important I agree...look forward to hearing from you👍🏻😉

[Lynne K]

richcrocker hello again Rich. You are young. I’m glad that you aren’t alone. I hope that you have all the relevant services coming to you and that your wife has support on this hard journey. Lynne xx

[denise]

Hi rich

Yes its humour that gets me through though lately the tears have been coming. Trying to just go with the flow but could really do with a plan so that when things get too much I have a mantra or a coping mechanism. If anyone wants to share I'd be grateful only the gin bottle sitting on my kitchen table doesn't look good but it's there from Christmas. I've run out of mixer 😳

Oh sorry and welcome to our gang.

😘

[Rosemary6NT]

Hello again Rich, I'm just over the county border in Buckinghamshire. I was lucky to get to 69 before i realised something serious was going on with ALS diagnosed last May.

[Stubot]

richcrocker - Hello and welcome to the forum. I’ve only been on here a few days, but seems an incredibly supportive and helpful bunch.

[matthew55]

I've said it once.........😉😉👍🙏xx

[Hairbsb]

richcrocker hello. My name is Wanda and I'm 49 awaiting confirmation of Bulbar onset. I am from hertfordshire have two children aged 19 and 23 and two fur babies. Humour is paramount so I am up for that. My humour is odd and not alot makes me chuckle but I do strangely enjoy everyone loves Raymond, whose line is it anyway (us version) , wipeout (US version) , the great pottery throwdown.

[Hairbsb]

Went to the opticians today as I have two pairs of glasses for long and short distance. Told my optician of my diagnosis and I broke down. I said if I can't speak in the future how will you test my eyes? I also said I really need one pair of glasses for now and for the future. Never had one pair for both ! Set me back a pretty penny

[Hairbsb]

denise hello my lovely here to chat if you like x

[richcrocker]

richcrocker Geez, some people do anything for 2 welcomes 😉🙄 - welcome again Rich 🤭

I also had onset site in my left hand, had IVIg to rule out MMN, but my subsequent EMG sealed my ALS fate - my progression was also much faster than yours, making my diagnosis 'easier', as I had increasing symptoms during my 10 week diagnostic period, during which I turned 38yo.

Anyhoo, love your attitude 👍👍 xx

I will have to work out a way to get a third welcome!

Thanks all for the warm welcome,I can already see how beneficial this place can be!

[Suefromwakey]

Hairbsb - have a word with Specsavers - they do home visits and they were very good with Albert - 3 of them came with more equipment than in the shop!

[Hairbsb]

Thanks Suefromwakey will do just something that popped into my mind as I need two pairs currently .