Help Keith Navigate Through MSA (aka Shy-Drager)

Help Keith Navigate through MSA

During the summer of 2023, Keith had been busy working what seemed endless hours to maintain the gravel roads. Some of his responsibilities include: owning and operating his Blading business, while helping local farmers, family, and friends to accomplish their own projects. Meanwhile, he was busy attending medical appointments across Southern Minnesota searching for answers as to why the left side of his body had become weak with his foot dragging as he walked, why he was having shortness of breath and stridor, his voice quivered and became soft, experienced shortness of breath, or why his hand trembled or became “stuck or frozen '' at various times (Akinesia). It was at an Ear Nose and Throat appointment that confirmed Keith had Immobile Bilateral Vocal Cords where he then underwent a surgical procedure to cut his paralyzed cords to aid in his breathing status.

On a warm sunny day in September, Keith and his mom, Rennie, made the trip over to Mayo Clinic in Rochester where they would receive what would be the most difficult news he and all who love him has had; Keith was diagnosed with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy). Also known as Shy-Drager Syndrome.

If you know Keith you know he is always the quick witted friendly man, the hardest working guy in the room, who always makes sure whatever he is working on is completed with fine detail. He loves to share moments with his family and friends, always making sure others have an amazing time in his presence. In his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator, he sought thoroughness and going beyond expectation in his duties. If you have a favor, he is always there for you, letting his friends and family tap into his resources for whatever is needed. If you had a fundraiser, Keith was always attending and donating to help you reach your goals and execute a perfect event.

Keith was 45 years old when diagnosed and will be celebrating his 46th birthday in one short month. He had been experiencing symptoms for about two years prior to receiving his diagnosis. Today Keith’s health is still decent, yet extremely challenging, all things considered and where this condition can sometimes lead to in a short amount of time. He is still walking, talking, eating, working and enjoying personal time, but there are clear signs of the condition affecting everyday things such as stability, sleep, breathing, and so much more. With many different misdiagnoses and doctors not being able to figure out the cause of such symptoms he was often left wondering what he was dealing with. The news was awful.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder that causes gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain. A multitude of symptoms in any combination including breathing, swallowing, impairments to balance, difficulty with movement, weak quivering voice, poor coordination, bladder dysfunction, visual and sleep disturbances, memory issues, poor blood pressure control, and fainting.

Currently, it is believed that MSA is “sporadic,” meaning that there are no established genetic or environmental factors that cause the disease. MSA is a rare disease, affecting about two to five individuals for every 100,000 people. Currently, about 13,00 people are diagnosed with MSA in the United States. including people of all racial groups. The cause of MSA is unknown. Prognosis is currently guarded, with most MSA patients passing away from the disease or its complications within 6-10 years after the onset of symptoms. Currently there are no treatments to stop or slow the progression of MSA, and there is no cure.

MSA is much more rapid than other neurological disorders such as Parkinsonism, MS, or Alzheimers. Generally, people with MSA are wheelchair bound 5-6 years after diagnosis, however can progress much more quickly, eventually becoming bedridden. Death is often due to respiratory problems, infections or blood clots in the lungs.

There are two different types of MSA, which are categorized by the person’s most prominent symptoms when they’re evaluated by a doctor:

Parkinsonian type MSA (MSA-P) has primary symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (such as slowness of movement, stiffness, and tremor) along with problems with balance, coordination, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction (such as urinary problems, sweating abnormalities, and digestion difficulties).

Cerebellar type MSA (MSA-C) is associated with balance and coordination problems (ataxia), difficulty swallowing, speech problems or a quivering voice, and abnormal eye movements.

Keith began to lose his balance with standing and while walking d/t low blood pressure, which led to frequent falling. Activities of daily living became cumbersome, requiring taxing effort just to use the bathroom, putting clothes on, eating, writing, many others; imagine taking two hours to get dressed for the day after you’ve struggled just to move your body out of bed. But finally - driving. Since Keith’s job requires driving 100% of the time as well as climbing up and down heavy equipment, working conditions became very dangerous. Keith has been working with multiple medical therapies to learn how to navigate through his challenges and explore ways to manage is activities of daily living at home -

It was at the point when Keith was hospitalized for a week d/t complications from MSA, just six short months after receiving diagnosis, that we realized we needed help…

What will the funds be used for?

Medical expenses such as hospital bills, travel expenses, Durable Medical Equipment

(MSA Challenges & Equipment Solutions)

Wheelchair, ROHO cushion

Electric Scooter for mobility

Transfer Equipment

Positioning in a vehicle swivel seat

Sit to stand mechanical lift

Transfer Security Pole

Hoyer LIft

Outdoor Wheelchair ramp

Wheelchair lift chair

Mechanical recliner chair

Adapted Bathroom/BIDET/WALK IN SHOWER TUB

Hospital Bed

Pressure relieving MattressAlternating pressure and low air loss therapy have been demonstrated to be valuable aids in the treatment of those identified as being at risk of developing pressure ulcers

Keith has accepted help from his friends and family as well as hired outside help to assist him with cleaning and cooking, and relies on family and friends to attend medical appointments.

Thank you ever so kindly for your consideration in helping Keith along his journey, it is sincerely appreciated