Five Years Later
(6 months after diagnosis/Boxing Day of 2021/West Coast NZ) Five years ago today, on 30 June 2021, I received the most heartbreaking diagnosis of my life: Motor Neurone Disease (ALS). I was terrified then of what I would lose and whether I would still recognise myself in the years to come. Now, I am much more adjusted to my condition. I have learned to accept help from people who genuinely want to contribute. Before, I would never let anyone feed me except my husband. If friends want to help me during a meal, I let them. It gives my husband the chance to enjoy his own food and be present in the conversation instead of constantly being "on duty." Over the past five years, here are some of my physical changes and how we adapted to the ever-changing progression of ALS. Motor Function and Mobility A couple of years ago, I could still hold my phone and use a computer mouse. My hand dexterity is almost gone, although I still have a surprising amount of grip in my right hand, whic...
