Hello everyone, My name is Tom. I am 65 yrs. old. I was diagnosed with Addison's at age 41, first experienced neuropathy in the bottoms of my feet at age 48, took early retirement from my job as an Industrial Electrician at age 55(balance problems were becoming more noticeable and could have been dangerous to me and my associates in an industrial setting!) and was finally diagnosed with AMN at age 57. My youngest son and his wife are expecting their first child(and my first grandchild) in about a month. I would like to be involved in caring for this child (other than sitting in a chair and holding her). Does anyone have any ideas for someone like me to safely transport an infant from place to place inside a house or from car to house, etc. I presently walk with a cane everywhere and use a walker at night when I have to get up and use the bathroom(usually about every 2 hours!!) It won't be necessary for me to be a sole caretaker for this child, but I would like to be able to do what I can when needed. Thanks in advance for any ideas you can send my way.

I'm not sure what type of pain or how stiff your legs are, but based on my husbands opinion, he doesn't think it would be safe to carry a baby. But where ther is a will there is a way.Your symtoms are a lot more mild, or at least you've had a lot of time compaired to other male AMN patients that I know. Maybe use a stroller if you can walk holding onto it? As far as walking years, it would be very difficult without some help if you cannot chase them, until they reach the age of that they listen very well. My grandson just turned 5 and I would only be okay with him staying with my hubby for a hour or two. My grandson has a mind of his own and listens to his grandpa pretty well. Although he sometimes goes through those times when he doesn't and that could get dangerous if he decided to go into the road ect.. Everyone is different and every child is dffferent too. You just have to go with what you and your son feels comfortable with. Best wishes Deb

Thanks for your input Deb. I guess I am one of the lucky???ones where this crazy disease is concerned. It saddens me to hear of guys in their 20's suffering from the symptoms that didn't hit me until my late 40's/early 50's. I have no desire to attempt to carry my granddaughter, I was wondering if maybe someone had modified a walker or a pak-n-play so that a person with balance problems could safely move an infant around. I'm still looking around for possibilities. If nothing materializes I will be happy to just sit in my chair and hold her! Thanks again, Tom