First sign of trouble
December 7, 2015
I felt a twitch in my shoulder – nothing major, just annoying
First Physio Appointment
December 19, 2015
I went to see AS Physiotherapy. Ange really pummeled me (to a point where I had to ask her to stop) – But the twitch wouldn’t
Freddie is born
January 13, 2016
My gorgeous little boy Freddie is born – 2 weeks overdue
Lets try a Chiropractor
February 19, 2016
With physio and massage proving unsuccessful it was time to try a chiropractor. This time I employed the services of Alex Hurley
2nd Chiropractor visit
March 10, 2016
The twitches are now in my bicep and tricep and my finger. Alex sends me to my GP to get a referral for an MRI
GP Visit
April 13, 2016
Without giving anything away, Dr arranges for a referral to see Dr Mark Silva at Gloucester Royal
Specialist Neurologist Appointment
May 17, 2016
Mark runs a full set of tests on me. Blood tests normal, reactions normal BUT he signs me up for urgent MRI and EMG tests
Testing
July 1, 2016
MRI is booked. Letter from Docs is alarming as it referred to Suspected Monomelic MND – Lots of research, starting to panic a bit.
EMG
August 16, 2016
My EMG is at Gloucester Royal -It involves about 50 needles poked all over my body testing for electrical impulses.
A ray of hope
August 17, 2016
My MRI results letter indicates I have a small prolapse and may account for my problems. Have a beer to celebrate having a broken neck.
Follow up appointment
September 1, 2016
Dr Silva confirms that he suspects it is Limb Onset MND. Im referred privately to Dr Fuller at the Winfield.
Meeting with Dr Fuller
October 4, 2016
A full examination confirms its MND / ALS. Buckle up, get my life sorted – Prognosis is between 3 to 5 years.
Rilluzole Drug
October 13, 2016
I start a twice daily course of Rilluzole, the only approved MND drug. I can extend life by 3 Months only !!
Professor Turner
November 27, 2016
Appointment with Professor Martin Turner at Oxford Brookes Hospital. He is a world renowned MND expert. He confirms MND too.
Living with MND
January 1, 2017
I have MND, nothing I can do about it. There is no cure. Park it and get on with my life.
Muscle Cramps
February 13, 2017
I suffer from daily cramps in my hands, fingers and sometimes feet. I take Quinine (which doesn’t work), then Baclofen.
Everyday Life
April 1, 2017
Simple tasks like dressing, cutting food, dressing Freddie, lifting, turning keys, typing are difficult.
Time to tell the world
May 1, 2017
Lots of people now know, so I make the decision to go public with my challenge.
Slurring
July 1, 2017
I began to notice and hear that some of my words are difficult to say, even without beer.
A little unsteady
August 31, 2017
While I still have good leg strength I found I lose my balance occasionally, particularly going up and down stairs
Right hand troubles
September 25, 2017
My left hand is pretty useless and now my right hand has become progressively worse.