Lucy Lintott is the youngest woman in Scotland to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). As it causes progressive weakness, Lucy did not think it was possible for her to have a baby. Because of this belief, she was ecstatic to welcome LJ into the world on February 13th. Her partner, Tommy, is also very excited by the arrival of their son. Lucy has said that having Tommy in her life has made her stronger and given her the power to start a family. Now that she has had her son, Lucy is turning her goals towards raising money and finding a cure for MND. She is also very excited to get married.
About Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
MND is a rare, progressive disease that causes weakness. It affects the brain and nerves, which then leads to weakness in muscles across the body. It mainly affects people in their 60’s and 70’s. There are four forms of MND, with the most common and well-known type being ALS.
Symptoms include weakness in the legs or ankles, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing food, weak grips, muscle cramps and twitches, weight loss, and an inability to stop oneself from laughing or crying.
This disease occurs when the motor neurons in the brain slowly stop working. It is not known why they deteriorate. In most cases it is not hereditary, but one may be at a heightened risk if a family member has it. There is a higher likelihood of developing it if one has frontotemporal dementia as well.
A diagnosis may be hard to obtain in the early stages, as symptoms are not obvious. A diagnosis usually comes after ruling out other conditions. Tests to accomplish this may include blood tests, scans of the brain and spine, measurements of the electrical activity in the muscles and nerves, and a lumbar puncture.
After one has a diagnosis, treatment is symptomatic, as there is no cure. Occupational therapy can help with everyday tasks, while physical therapy can help to maintain muscle strength. Speech therapy may also be helpful. A specific diet may be recommended, as well as emotional support. A drug called riluzole may be prescribed, as it has been shown to slightly slow the progression. Medications to stop muscle stiffness and salivary problems are other options for treatment.
Lucy’s Story
Lucy was diagnosed with MND at age 19 while in school at the City of Glasgow College. She has had this disease for six years and is now in a wheelchair. She was told soon after her diagnosis that children would most likely not be possible for her. Doctors were unsure that her body could handle the stress that comes with childbirth.
She chose to challenge this thought after she began her relationship with Tommy, as they both believed that a child would better their lives. She was ecstatic when a doctor told her that she could have a baby, although it would bring many possible complications.
Although there were fears that came with labor, Lucy knew that she had amazing doctors on her side. She also had Tommy, who she says makes her a stronger person.
Everybody was happy to see a successful, healthy delivery. LJ was at a healthy 7 lb. and 3.5 oz. Nobody was as excited as Lucy, who cried with joy when doctors handed her son after delivery.
Now that she has a healthy, happy, baby boy, Lucy is turning her attention to her wedding. She has a beautiful gown and plans to have her father walk her down the aisle without the help of her wheelchair. Looking even further into the future, she hopes to buy a house with Tommy.
Fundraising for MND
While Lucy is very proud of the accomplishments of her personal life, she has also done amazing things in fundraising. She has raised £200,000 in the effort to find a cure for motor neurone disease, earning her the nickname of The MND Warrior. She has stated that while she may be unable to experience the effects of a cure, she still wants to fight for those who will be affected by this disease later in life.
Others have started campaigns as well, all with the aim of discovering a cure. Rugby legend Doddie Weir has created a foundation for research as well. He is affected by MND, along with many other celebrities, such as Stephen Hawking (now deceased), Fernando Ricksen, and Gordon Aikman.
People hope that these efforts will contribute to a cure for MND. Lucy has helped to fight this battle, as well as defy the odds. Hopefully, more people will join the fight for a cure.
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