Verity Healthcare

Imelda McHugh was recognized with A number of System Atrophy (MSA) in 2021, a uncommon, progressive illness affecting the central and autonomic nervous programs, which management motion and involuntary features.

She mentioned:

I used to be initially recognized with Parkinson’s after experiencing points with my proper hand. It felt clumsy and I couldn’t management it absolutely, I then developed a tremor so was referred to Neurology to analyze.

After some time on medicine, my signs weren’t enhancing so different circumstances have been explored and that’s once I obtained my MSA prognosis.

It’s a “Parkinsonian illness”, with related signs however is extra aggressive with restricted to no remedy or medicine. I say it’s Parkinson’s on steroids.

Imelda additionally has a type of arthritis, affecting her mobility. She continued:

Fortunately I’m not on the stage the place I’m in fixed ache from my MSA, however having these signs alongside arthritis does have an effect on my mobility fairly a bit which might then trigger ache.

Imelda has been seeing a Parkinson’s nurse in Coventry since her prognosis to assist along with her signs. The nurse talked about our Affected person & Carer Wellbeing Service and the way it may benefit her. She added:

When the nurse talked about Myton and palliative care, I used to be initially frightened by what which may imply. She defined the distinction between palliative finish of life care and palliative wellbeing care.

She reassured me that, whereas my sickness is terminal, I’m not within the remaining months or weeks of life. As a substitute, the main focus is on sustaining my present well being so I can profit from the time I’ve left. With that understanding, I agreed to the referral.

Imelda began receiving weekly calls from our Wellbeing Workforce in 2024, signposting her to companies to additional assist her and her household. Imelda continued:

I have to admit I used to be nonetheless doubtful once I first began speaking to Jill, my Myton Wellbeing Nurse, however with every telephone name my worries disappeared. She referred me to Myton’s Complementary Remedy service which was a dream. I had a therapeutic massage on my arms, shoulders and neck. Oh it was heaven!

Jill additionally knowledgeable me of all of the assist teams I may attend to fulfill likeminded people in related conditions. I used to be additionally made conscious of the carers assist group which I knew nothing about.

My youngest daughter is 21, she has autism and lives at residence with me and her dad. To have a spot devoted for them as my household is unbelievable. They’re in a position to speak to different carers and members of the family, share their experiences and possibly get just a few useful ideas. With my daughter’s autism, she’s very reliant on us.

My accomplice is 15 years older than me and my solely concern for the longer term is how she is going to cope when her mother and father aren’t right here anymore. However she thrives at Myton, she’s an entire new individual, opening as much as individuals in a method she by no means has. She is so comfy at Myton and I believe that’s the largest reflection of the surroundings they create.”

After six months of attending these periods, Imelda was admitted to our Warwick Myton Hospice in early January 2025 for per week of Respite care. Imelda commented:

I couldn’t wait to offer my accomplice a break. He does a lot for me and our youngest daughter so to have this week devoted to giving him, in addition to me, a break is all I may ask for. They’ve deliberate to go away for just a few days while I’m right here which is one thing they simply wouldn’t be capable of do with me at residence. I’m additionally getting the perfect care and a little bit of a pamper right here too.

For the reason that minute I arrived, I’ve felt so relaxed and like I’m in a position to breath once more. When Myton was first talked about, I wrongly assumed hospice care was only for these on the very finish of their life and I absolutely related Myton with demise. However I used to be so improper. Being right here has opened my eyes to the completely different, and primary, aspect of hospice care.

It’s so refreshing how the medical doctors and nurses have the time to get you realize me, perceive the place my frustrations lie with my situation, and work collectively to make it simpler for me. My first evening right here, the physician and guide spent so lengthy chatting with me about my signs and medicine – it’s one thing I’ve by no means skilled earlier than! Myton is really magical.

Our Affected person & Carer Wellbeing Service is accessible to any grownup who has lively, progressive illness for which the prognosis is proscribed. The grownup must be aged 18+ and registered with a Coventry or Warwickshire GP.

We will assist you in case you are dwelling with, or caring for somebody with, a life limiting sickness who wants specialist assist, data, steering, assist planning for the longer term, or who simply wants a espresso and a chat.

We goal to be alongside you for so long as you want.

For extra data on Wellbeing go to right here!

Our Respite Care is accessible freed from cost at Warwick Myton Hospice for individuals aged 18 and over dwelling with a life limiting sickness who want to give their unpaid carers or households a break.

Offering a possibility for a deliberate keep of 1 week, with a most of two weeks per 12 months, you might want to be registered with a GP in Coventry and Warwickshire and being cared for by household or buddies at residence.

For extra data on Respite go to right here!