Living with MND: take things one day at a time, says Todd
I live in Mullingar with my wife Patricia. We have one son, Conor. I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for the last 45 years.
In December 2003, I contracted a bacterial strain of meningitis, known as listeria. That left me with peripheral neuropathy and resulted in significant nerve damage to my feet. I was out of work for 18 months and after returning for a short period, I was forced to retire on grounds of ill health.
In January 2009, I began to notice a periodic drag in my right leg. A subsequent MRI scan showed nothing unusual. In March the following year, nerve conduction studies revealed possible signs of MND. I was referred to Professor Orla Hardiman. After a number of consultations, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s were ruled out. MND was later diagnosed. Prof Hardiman explained the exact strain of the illness could not be determined for a number of years. I was hopeful I could avoid the worst outcome.
In 2014, a diagnosis of Primary Lateral Sclerosis was confirmed. That meant the most common symptoms of MND could develop gradually, over a number of years.
MND has primarily affected my mobility. I use a walking stick around the house and a rollator for trips outside. The IMNDA installed a stair lift, which has significantly improved my quality of life. I can use a car, as it has been adapted for hand operation.
What does the future hold? Well, who knows? I have three guiding principles – take things one day at a time, focus on what I can do as opposed to what I can’t, and remember that the glass is always half full, not half empty.
I would like to thank all the people who have helped me throughout this journey. My wife, Patricia, my son, Conor, my family and friends, and, of course, Prof Hardiman and the team in Beaumont Hospital. I am particularly grateful to the IMNDA for the constant help and support over years.
Todd is one of the faces of MND Awareness Month. June 21 is Global MND Awareness day and for the whole month, we are being asked to Drink Tea for MND! Todd shares his story about life with Motor Neurone Disease in the hope that greater awareness will generate increased support for those living with a degenerative and debilitating condition – increased support that is needed now more than ever.
To organise a Drink Tea for MND event in or around June 21, visit imnda.ie and register your virtual tea event. For more information, email fundraising@imnda.ie or phone 01 670 5942.
If you can’t host a tea event, you could make a tea donation – go to imnda.ie to find out how or just text MND to 50300 and donate €2. Text cost €2.
The IMNDA will receive a minimum of €1.80. SP: LikeCharity. Helpline: 0766 805 278.
The IMNDA provides specialised services for people affected by this debilitating disease, such as equipment on loan, financial assistance towards home help, advice and home visits by MND nurses. In order to provide those vital services, the IMNDA depends heavily on the generosity of the public and supporters of the association who generate over 80 percent of its income.
Collection in Mullingar
Buckley’s SuperValu in Mullingar is hosting a till collection for the IMNDA on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week, June 17, 18 and 19.