After seven years it can feel impossible
MND can be tough going for families and carers as well as the patient.
Vivian Laycock, 70, from Nairn, admits she has struggled to cope with her husband Michael’s MND for the last eight years.
From the time of his diagnosis, his deterioration has been marked and Vivian found herself going from a wife to a carer.
The former primary school teacher and her property developer husband have been married for 42 years and have three children, Jamie, 40, Siobhan, 38, and Hannah 35, as well as three grandchildren.
All their lives were turned upside down when Michael was diagnosed with MND in October 2009.
He was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis, a rarer form of MND.
Vivian’s responsibilities have grown as the condition progresses.
Michael was fitted with a feeding tube in 2012 and he uses an iPad to communicate. His condition also leaves him struggling with day-to-day issues such as drooling and incontinence.
And for Vivian, it has been tough. She admitted: “Initially, I was positive but after seven years, sometimes it feels impossible. He was told he could have a normal life span. Both his parents died at 94. He is only 75.
“I am 70 and I’ve tried to deal with things as I may go first, hence he is now in a nursing home. Everything has been a challenge. Pre-empting issues, finding a car to take him out and how to have respite.”
But she said: “I do not want people to think that life is all doom and gloom. We do have laughs.
“I guess as each stage unfolds we will survive it all, and keep our sense of humour.
“I think that’s the fundamental crux of the matter.”