Sir, – Having watched Prime Time on September 27th regarding “assisted suicide”, I wish to allay some of the fears of those diagnosed with motor neuron disease.
When this disease is mentioned it is, inevitably, coupled with negative overtones – a deadly neurological condition, incurable, aggressive, degenerative, short term, a monster. The result is that patients who are given the diagnoses hear a death-knell which they feel will be preceded by months and if unlucky, a few years of unbearable suffering. Not necessarily so!
Yes, as yet, there is no cure for motor neuron disease. There will be. Indeed, many of our grandparents died from “incurable” illnesses, which, today, are curable, and even preventable. Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. When I applied for a medical card I was turned down on the grounds that this disease was “short term” – somebody playing God! Now, far be it from me to stand in another’s shoes. I can only speak for myself.
However, had I allowed the negative literature to colour my thinking, the Dignitas Clinic in Switzerland might have beckoned. I would have missed some of the best years of my life, enjoying my family and friends, seeing my grandchildren blossom, appreciating nature. We are all born to die and it is a privilege to get a “wake-up” call. I agree that illness and old age can be lonely and frightening and I fully appreciate that I am lucky to have wonderful family, friends and ongoing contact with concerned, caring, positive and expert medical staff in St Vincent’s Hospital, who keep me happily afloat.
Indeed, once, when I worried about what would happen down the road, when the going got really tough, I heard the caring words of my neurologist, “We keep our patients”. Four simple words, but volumes of comfort!
The advice that I would, tentatively, give anyone diagnosed with a “terminal disease” is to take each day as it comes, to try and see the bottle half full, and, most importantly, to find a caring doctor. – Yours, etc,