Whilst Ian is tackling a traumatic experience, he does have good moments and there have also been some very special times. His brother-in-law and wife visited in March and his daughter and grandson, Jennie and Joshua visitied in April. Ian’s Niece and nephew popped in and then Leanne came to visit followed by Mark &…
Ian has lost the avbility of his legs to stand/walk. This has meant that Fiona has had to physically move him using a transfer board and sheets and pulling on his clothing. He also battles to swallow so a simple thing like swallowing saliva is not so simple any more. It’s been a tough time…
Some of you may have noticed that Ian does not communicate as much as he used to. Using his fingers is a struggle, his left thumb is more nimble than any other finger and even that, is difficult. Sending WhatsApp messages take much effort so if you get something from Ian, know he’s made the…
***After going for numerous tests it was still unclear why Ian’s right arm was so weak, especially since he had no pain, no pins and needles in his arm or fingers and in that, he is right-handed. During these tests, Drs found prostate cancer and he was fast-tracked on hormone treatment and after a scraping,…
The progression is always at play but keeping calm is not always easy. For example, as the muscles in Ian’s tongue and throat change shape and/or weaken swallowing and speaking becomes more of an effort than it was. Water on its own can be dangerous and cause Ian to choke, but water with a bit…
Joshua, Ian’s grandson joined Laura (previous Ian en ander champion) and Pieter, Ian’s son-in-law at a relay mountain bike event in Sabie. They rode 7km in relay to raise funds for Ian. A sponsor came forward for their team. Team Brakanjan rode for 2hrs20 and did very well! They had completed 7 laps by then. …
For most people with MND the intellect and memory are not affected, nor are the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Ian’s legs are getting weaker, this means the joy of walking has become no more. Each step is a struggle and a worry as to when he might fall. Ian has become…
A friend of Ian and Fiona’s sponsored them a holiday in East London! Hearing that Ian’s “Camper” friends had recommended a place, they found a unit that would be suitable for Ian and his limited mobility. Jennie, Leanne, Mark and their families decided to take the opportunity to join them. Other friends offered to take…
As Ian has good days and bad days, so his body responds accordingly. On good days, Ian can use an upright walker, but on bad days, he needs his wheelchair. He is so very grateful to you for making donations so that he could get this mobile device! Ian is finding the wheelchair with a…
Since Ian received hormone treatment for his enlarged prostate and after the prostate scraping to remove cancerous bits earlier in 2023, he has had to have regular blood tests to monitor his PSA levels. Unfortunately, the last screening resulted in his PSA levels being too high. Ian’s urologist has started hormone treatment once again. He…
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