Newbie

[covidnoel]

Noel was diagnosed about a month ago at age 83, and I am going to be caretaker when he gets out of hospital (after two falls). Now has Covid. I've really appreciated all of you writing. It's not nearly as scarey, and I feel much stronger. Many thanx!

[Morganthreewheeler]

Hi

Sorry to hear the news but you are lucky that Noel was diagnosed at such an age, my wife was diagnosed at 70 and I suspect she had early symptoms of MSA for many years

Support from you GP is essential as MSA is very rare and if you are in the UK contact the MSA Trust which is excellent charity and has regular face to face and on line meetings

MSA has many symptoms and these must be managed, the falls may be to do with a drop in blood pressure when he stands but there are drugs to increase BP and prevent this. My wife fell out of bed and broke her hip and you want to avoid this at all costs

Good luck for the future

[covidnoel in reply to Morganthreewheeler]

Thank you. Major problems with bp. 70 to 220. We live in Australia, and it seems noone has ever heard of msa.

[Morganthreewheeler in reply to covidnoel]

hi

That is normal, when lying down BP is elevated, when standing it drops, sitting BP should be normal

We were prescribed Ephidrene Hyrochloride 15mg at 8 am and 1pm NEVER at night. This elevates the BP so that when standing you are unlikely to faint and have a fall

You should get onto the MSA Trust UK website as it has loads of advice for carers and doctors

Hope this helps

Best wishes

[Ruffner in reply to covidnoel]

Hello covidnoel, My husband was 77 when diagnosed (now 79). He has similar blood pressure fluctuations as you describe. His neurologist said it is very unusual for a person to be diagnosed with MSA beyond 75. I wonder if any research/studies have been done comparing symptoms and progression for normal onset vs late onset MSA. Take care, Ruffner

[covidnoel in reply to Ruffner]

What a horrible disease. It is a bit overwhelming. Last night he fell in the hospital.

[Ruffner]

I'm sorry he is having such a difficult time with this. I hope you will have some physical and emotional support when he comes home as the care is exhausting.