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Sarah Finegan with family

Me and my catheter

By Sarah Finegan
Sarah Finegan, from South Wigston, has Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The 36-year-old has been keeping a diary of her condition for BBC Leicester. Here is the second part – covering everything from catheters to a song written for her!


Patrick Cardona and Clive Fuller from London have written a song inspired by Sarah. Patrick, aged 42, and 40-year-old Clive are now looking for a record producer to help them market the song, which is called Sarah. Anyone who would like to help can email Patrick at borgpanodrac@aol.com.

Sarah says:

I think it is wonderful that somebody would do a thing like this for a stranger. And I think the song is lovely.

I am amazed by the response I have had to my last diary. I have been getting messages from people I have never heard of. One couple contacted me from Australia because they are coming to England for a holiday and would like to meet me!

I have another operation coming up and after it is over I will be taking some time out. But I will be bouncing back and down the pub with my friends soon – watch out Leicester, here I come!

The last month has been quite hard for me and I have had some bladder problems, which have meant a catheter has been fitted. Also, because my throat does not work properly, I have to be fed through a tube in my stomach.

The other day I was lying on the sofa with the food bag resting on my arm and my catheter bag resting on my leg. I could feel the cold food in the bag going into me. And I could feel my warm urine flowing into my catheter bag. So now I know what it is like to have hot and cold flushes!

I have started to get cramp in my left leg, which has been keeping me awake at night. I can take quinine for it. But the other liquid I find quite useful is coffee – laced with whiskey. That really perks me up – but I only have one a day!

last updated: 30/09/05
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lesley
I cannot think of much to say, but I hope the future will remain bright and that your family keep as strong as you are

Rosie
Hi Sarah I too have been diagnosed with MND, I am a very young 43! My symptoms started in my left leg so it may be that our journey may be slightly different. My 32 cousin also has MND and her father, my father and our grandmother all sucummed to it. So it is a blow that seems to be sweeping through the family. I really wish you well and I believe we are chosen as fighters.

Pete
Sarah,Good luck with your next op, i was feeling really down 'til i read about you , then i realised i had no real reason to be , i think you are a truly brave and courageous person , also with a good line in humour ! once again good luck for the future

Kath
Your a shining star and an example to us all Sarah.As for the one a day Im saying nothing!

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