Parkinson's sufferer Diane Hastings, the wife of former Scotland and British Lions captain Gavin, has revealed that her condition has deteriorated significantly in the last six months.
Speaking to a Sunday newspaper, Hastings, who was diagnosed with the incurable degenerative brain disorder back in 2003, said that her medication was no longer working effectively as it once did and she may now have to consider surgery.
"I was warned the medication would work for the first ten years and keep it under control. Now it's become unpredictable and I can't depend on it to work when I want it to," she said.
"I'm the sort of person who tries not to think about the future and just concentrate on today. But I can't see myself enjoying life much the way things are heading. Everything has become more of a challenge, even simple tasks, like ironing. Sometimes I can be fine, other times it can be bad."
The disease attacks the central nervous system and leads to involuntary body spasms, which, Hastings admitted, makes her feel very self-conscious. "When I'm at home, I feel quite comfortable. But when I go out for a meal, I see people stare from other tables.
"In some ways," she added, "it's worse being married to someone like Gavin, who is used to people staring at him anyway. They may, of course, be staring at him anyway. But I feel they are staring at me and it makes me worse."
Hastings, who lives in Edinburgh, self-diagnosed herself at the age of 39 after watching episodes of Holby City and ER on television. That was when she realised the slight tremor in her hand and mild depression might be early symptoms of Parkinson's. When that diagnosis was confirmed by doctors she had to phone her husband who was in Australia at the 2003 Rugby World Cup at the time.
In the years since Gavin Hastings has spent much of his time raising awareness of the disease while boosting money for research. This week he is walking part of the Southern Upland Way with Parkinson's sufferer Norman Yarrow.
His wife is now considering the option of deep brain stimulation surgery which involves implanting electrodes into the brain. "The surgery used to be given to older sufferers," Hastings revealed, "but they now realise it can be better giving it to younger patients.
"I'm hopeful it might be the way forward for me and help me regain some control of my life," she added.
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