Plans


 My GP was thorough and respectful. He had also done his homework and asked me outright if I was concerned that my arm weakness was related to a motor Neurone Cause. Somewhere in my notes must have been documented with the fact that my brother Andrew had died from the disease.
He told me that it was unlikely.
Another batch of tests and referrals were made, as I sat there and he told me that he wanted me to rest, and signed me off work for two weeks . 
Mentally I have already filled the time constructively, with paperwork, books and sleep

The morning shot by. 
I walked the dogs, picked up a prescription , saw my sisters and had supervision
The afternoon shot by
I bought a steak from Marks & Spencers as a treat, and lit the fire just before 5pm 

I feel better because I have a plan of action. I always teach worried patients and their families this simple initiative. 
Find out the facts and formulate a plan
This processes the problem from problem to solution 
It’s a simple and effective way of reducing stress

I can’t brush my teeth with my right hand without moving my head my muscle weakness is fickle and irritatingly particular.

131 comments:

  1. Rest and relaxation . . . and sleep . . . are good for recovery. Tooth-cleaning sounds interesting!

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  2. Traveller4:12 pm

    How did the lit MnS steak smell? I usually eat mine.

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  3. Barbara Anne4:17 pm

    Am glad your doctor was careful to end what might have been your subtext worry that this weakness might be a sign of early motor neuron disease and that you now have a plan to give you time to rest. Any PT?
    Take good care of yourself, please, John as you're important to a lot of people both near and far.

    Big hugs!

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    1. Thank you babs,
      I’ve been referred to physio, but I may go privately

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    2. I have some doctor friends who may help

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    3. It's good to have friends who are excellent doctors! So glad you have some of those well qualified friends. Wishing you WELL.

      Hugs!

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  4. Hi John., I don't think I have ever commented before. I do read a few British blogs and I am a daily reader of yours.
    I wonder if your medical problem has something to do with your thyroid.
    Anyway I hope they soon find out. All the best and a speedy recovery.

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    1. I doubt that deArheart re thyroid but I’ve had it tested
      I think you’ve commented once before
      But welcome xx

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  5. Nelliegrace4:36 pm

    Good to have a plan.
    Can you use your left hand to support the right, to continue moving and using the right in the usual way?

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    1. I do that with lifting heavier weights

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  6. Well, it seems your GP was thorough, and it's good that he picked up on the MND possibility and (I hope) put your mind at rest on that. A plan of action is a good strategy. Deal with one thing at a time, as and when. Let's hope some R&R helps. Hugs. xx

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    1. Yes, I went to see my sisters today to share that fact, I’m sure it was on their minds too

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  7. Good to hear your GP had done his homework and hopefully eased some of your unspoken worry. Rest, take good care of yourself and the furry ones, and simply be.
    Hugs to you, John dear, and head scratches to Mary, Roger, Bun and Weaver.

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    1. Yes he was kind and very professional
      When I told him I had discharged myself from the ER he said I don’t blame u

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  8. Do you make sure to keep this arm warm when you sleep? Getting cold in the night never helps.

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    1. Does Bun now weigh enough to cause nerve compression just from her position there all night long?

      Hugs!

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    2. No, the location of c5 nerves are in the armpit

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  9. It must be weird trying to brush your teeth with your left hand after 60 years of brushing with your right hand. It's a bugger that this has happened at the very time you're planning to move away from hospice nursing into counselling work.

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    Replies
    1. It was a worrying moment but I’ve got to carry on and keep swimming

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    2. Anonymous7:04 pm

      Haven’t you got a painting that says that?

      Lee x

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    3. https://disasterfilm.blogspot.com/2023/02/just-keep-swimming.html

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    4. Anonymous7:36 pm

      That’s it johno!!

      Lee

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  10. A man with a plan has hope for the future.
    I just read that somewhere 😋
    Hope your plan works out well for you x

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  11. Thanks for updating us - we do worry! Some lovely perceptive comments here. Really glad you have been told to rest - far easier to comply when it's doctor's orders! Take great care of yourself; you are much loved and I wish you well. Jan xx

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    1. Thank you Jan, that was a kindness I needed x

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  12. Shitty timing, but then the timing is never good. May this all turn out to be a minor blip and may you soon be brushing with your right hand again and not shaking your head. Hugs to you.

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    1. Cope and deal with things
      That’s the only way forward

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  13. Thank you for the update, I --we--were very worried. Does this mean you will go for further tests and possible answers and treatment plan? It must be hard missing income from work. Please let us know how you are.
    As for making a plan---yes that is how I try to cope with my extreme anxiety. I do find it helpful, but am often criticized as being to intense or compulsive, being a worrier.
    Today I am waiting to hear from my vet as my little dog is very unwell; I need a plan!
    hugs

    lizzy

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    1. Bless you
      Yes I’m in the process of assessment both medically and neurologically ,
      I will get paid but without my unsocial hours payments so things will be tight

      Get a vet plan
      Jx

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    2. Yes, I am hoping to hear from the vet. Things here tend to come to a full stop during holidays, Passover, Easter, spring break. Silly me, I had no idea why even the animal ER was closed. And heaven forbid you want some matzo ball soup delivered.
      What's an unsocial hours payment? Extra for working nights?

      xx

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    3. Something always goes wrong with animals on holiday time , when costs soar

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  14. It's reassuring your GP was informed and that he made , what sounds like, appropriate referrals and tests for you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the outcome of them is ok.

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  15. Thankyou for the update xx

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  16. A good GP... respect to him for respecting your family history and your knowledge

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    1. Yes I feel safe and respected in him

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    2. That is so important

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  17. I either didn't know or had forgotten that your brother had died from a motor neuron disease. That changes the differential diagnosis. I'm so sorry. That's got to be so scary, but as you said, a plan helps. Take care.

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  18. That was sweet, thank you deArheart

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  19. Glad your doctor was reassuring about motor neurone disease and has prescribed two weeks off work for you. Hopefully the additional tests and referrals will provide you with some answers. Rest is a good idea anyway; you've been working so hard lately finishing up your uni and everything. Hugs!

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  20. Thank you for this update. We continue to care.

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  21. Anonymous7:39 pm

    I’m glad you are getting some time off and also that you and your GP are continuing to seek answers. Take care John, you have so many people who read your blog and care about you.

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    1. I’m realising that, and gain a great deal of strength from it

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  22. Glad your doctor could give you some reassurance and has referred you for further tests. Rest, relax and recover.
    Live, laugh, be kind to others, do what you love to do and take care of yourself, John. xo

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  23. Anonymous7:40 pm

    All I can say is I hope this problem is resolved soon. You have so much to look forward to in your life and I admire you. Linda from PA

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  24. Yorkshire Liz7:42 pm

    I think you have a GP in a million, which is no less than you deserve. There may be quite a few of us here who would like to borrow him or ourselves! Everyone here is saying much the dame thing - so I do really hope you find that as reassuring and calming as iy should be. Chin up, sweetheart - and God bless you.

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    1. I feel well supported both here and from friends and family,
      I’m also blessed with a deadline to get my counselling paperwork sorted so that helps a great deal

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  25. Anonymous7:58 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  26. Anonymous8:30 pm

    I had a stroke in 2016 and had a left sided weakness which still affects me
    You deal with it John , I’m impressed by you and your ability to organise it in your head

    Keith

    Xx

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    1. I didn’t know that about you Keith thank u for sharing

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  27. Anonymous8:31 pm

    My diagnosis is that the kitty sleeping on your arm is pinching a nerve. Joke- probably she weighs next to nothing!!! Seriously though thanks for the status report and good luck with the paperwork. Ceci

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    1. Interesting , my friend who is a gp asked if I had fallen asleep with my arm over the back of the sofa
      That could have happened x

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  28. I'm sure at least twenty other people have said this but it really could be a pinched nerve.

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  29. Anonymous9:15 pm

    Make sure you do actually rest! Medical people are always the worst at not doing this. (I am a retired nurse) step

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  30. Anonymous9:16 pm

    suep

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  31. "Find out the facts and formulate a plan"
    My dad was big on this same idea and it works!
    Take care and do as the doctor ordered!

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  32. I would only guess your GP gave you 2 weeks off to rest , recuperate nothing taxing need be done for those two weeks. Hugs to you, smooches to the pups and feline girls.

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    1. I need to get back to work asap , financially I work in an area that pays less than the going rate

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  33. Anonymous10:49 pm

    I am a totally unqualified medical practitioner of any description, although for most pain I use a heatbag, a Panadol and if totally necessary a Band-Aid , would a physio or a massage give relief 😅 . Formulating a plan based on real medical advice and then taking action is how my brain would think as well. ♥️

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  34. Almost 10 years ago, you reassured me, that even if things change, we adapt and move forward. Take the real time off.

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  35. Hi John
    Since it's not unilateral that rules of some stuff, ALS, etc.
    I won't try to diagnose from a distance and over the ether, I just hope you can get a definitive diagnosis soon.
    Take care, my friend.

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    Replies
    1. I’m glad you of all people are in my corner

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  36. Anonymous11:05 pm

    With you John, rest and recover. Hugs. Gigi

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  37. Thank you for the update. I've been thinking of you.
    I am all for gathering the facts and having an action plan. Your GP sounds excellent. Two weeks of R&R will be very helpful too. R&R should be #1 on the action plan!

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    1. He’s careful and precise and honest
      I like all three traits

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  38. So glad you have a doctor you can communicate with, who is direct and hopefully puts possible worries to rest. Do you think being “ in the business “ helps you to put things into logical perspective? I hope everything goes well for you and it’s obvious you have many, many people sending positive vibes your way! Take care! - Jenn

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    1. Being a nurse makes me the worst patient jenn

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  39. Anonymous12:24 am

    Who is covering your duties when you are on medical suspension?

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    Replies
    1. As inevitably as night follows day, there is anonymous.

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  40. Jackie12:28 am

    Sending healing thoughts from Georgia USA

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  41. Anonymous12:40 am

    Sending you all the best wishes for your recovery.
    Linda from Alabama

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  42. I forgot about your brother. That episode must have been terrifying. My best thoughts to you.

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  43. Pay attention to your doctor and yourself, my friend.

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  44. Sounds to me like your GP is a pretty sorted Doc, that's a good thing. Doctors that listen and do their homework are a gift. Hang in there and rest, it sounds like he has a plan.

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  45. Anonymous3:25 am

    Sending you all the best and healing wishes from the PNW, USA. Olivia

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  46. Best wishes John, hopefully the rest (real rest) will help, and your problem will have simply been temporary.

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  47. Your GP sounds good. I hope you can rest well and that the tests results are helpful. The plan should definitely help you deal with it at the moment.

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  48. Wishing you well John, Im glad you are signed off whilst this is investigated, your pets are your therapy x

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  49. Add my name to all the well- wishers here! It's quite a fan club you have. We all want you better.

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  50. Anonymous6:27 am

    Sending many good wishes from Wigan. You are part of my everyday. Rest and get well. Jean

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  51. Hugs to you dear Sir.

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  52. Hugs to you dear Sir.

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  53. All good wishes and take it easy xx

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  54. Thinking of you and thanks for letting us know the latest - we all care about you John.
    Wendy (Wales)

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  55. Everything has already been said so I will just add my good wishes for you and hope all is resolved soon.

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  56. I hadnt realised there was a genetic element and herieditary varient of MND

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  57. Anonymous10:50 am

    Sending all good wishes. Rest up, take it easy and slowly. Carole R.

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  58. Anonymous2:06 pm

    Get well soon, it's great that you've been given some time off x
    Alison in Wales x

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  59. Anonymous3:44 pm

    MND is rarely hereditary. If Bun has been sleeping on your arm it sounds like nerve compression. Is it painful?

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  60. I think your plan of action -- to form a plan of action -- is good advice! Perhaps you simply strained your arm muscles or tendons. My mother once developed a "frozen shoulder" that came from her dog pulling too strongly on her arm during walks! So you never know how these things originate. A period of rest sounds like a good start to healing.

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    1. No unfortunately there is nerve impingement there

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  61. Anonymous11:36 pm

    Glad you are getting a little rest period. You have been a busy man the past couple of years. Here's to a good resolution!! Jen

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  62. Jo in Auckland12:31 am

    Late to the party as always. But thanks for the update, I was worried for you like many here. Resting up is easier to do if you're told to do so. I hope the arm doesn't get more painful than it already is and you get solution very soon. Hugs from NZ.

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