Don't let me die a prisoner at home
TRAPPED AT HOME . . . David Bryson fears he may be stuck in his bungalow.
View GalleryBy Tanya Scoon
'Heartbreaking' fight for ramp for David's final months
A DYSART man who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease fears he may be forced to spend his final days a prisoner in his home.
David Bryson (64), is battling with Fife Council to have a ramp or a lift installed at his house in Station Road while he is still able to go out and enjoy his last months.
But he says red tape and constant changes in council decisions is making it more and more unlikely that he will be able to get out of his elevated bungalow in the coming months.
Mr Bryson was diagnosed with MND in August after a year of tests and has been told by his doctor that most sufferers can expect to live for around two years after the initial onset – which would give him a year.
He was recently placed on medication which could extend his life expectancy by up to six months, but says the struggle to have a ramp or lift installed and a recent rejection for an electric wheelchair is adding extra stress on an already extremely difficult situation.
"The council was told about my condition the day after I was diagnosed and I received a telephone call the next day, but it was about four or five weeks before they could fit me in for an appointment," explained the former Rosyth dockyard welder.
"The original occupational therapist I saw was very good and I quickly got things like my wheeled walking aid, a bath lift and hostess trolley as well as supports around the toilet, but she was replaced and since then I have had nothing but delays and rejections.
"An initial quote was arranged for a ramp, but the therapist said that there was not enough room at the door, so I would need a hydraulic lift instead. The man who came out to give the quote said he could have one installed within a week if the council gave the go-ahead, but it wanted a second quote ... and the person who came out didn't even know what he was there for.
"Then they mentioned a z-shaped ramp so we are really back at square one again – and I can feel my legs getting worse by the day."
Dave's wife Karolyn (61), says she is increasingly worried about taking him out of the house. He has already fallen twice, the muscles in one leg have gone completely while the other is getting progressively weaker.
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