Page 151 of The Scene of the Crime

‘Right, got it, but what is it, and what does it do to you?’

‘It’s a form of myositis and generally happens to men aged thirty to sixty. You can have it for months or even years before it is diagnosed. It affects the muscles, their connective tissues and sometimes the joints, causing chronic muscle inflammation and weakness.’

‘But how did you get it?’ she asked, beginning to feel seriously concerned.

‘They don’t know for sure what causes it. Doctor Bennett did say it could be a genetic disorder. She advised that you get a blood test done.’

‘I’ll book an appointment on Monday,’ she said.

‘I’m still trying to get my head around everything, but this website says . . .’ he looked at his laptop again, ‘. . . it causes the immune system to turn against the body and attack its own tissues, blood vessels, fibres and joints. Some think it’s started by a virus or the combination of a viral infection and a defective immune system.’

‘Is it curable?’

David shook his head. ‘Looks like I’m stuck with it. But don’t worry . . . it’s not contagious,’ he said with a grin.

Jessica couldn’t bring herself to ask if it was life-threatening. ‘Can it be treated?’

‘There’s no cure, but there is medication to help manage the symptoms like steroids and immunosuppressants. Doctor Bennett emailed me different exercises I can do to help restore my muscle strength and arranged a physiotherapy appointment.’ He smiled. ‘She even recommended meditation, so I hope you can help me with that.’

‘Of course. It’ll be nice to have someone to do it with,’ she said, trying to be upbeat.

‘Don’t look so worried. Although it’s a chronic illness, it’s rarely fatal. I’ll learn how to adapt and cope with it so I can live as normal a life as possible.’

She was close to tears. ‘I’m so sorry, David. It’s hard to know what to say, but I’ll do everything I can to help you.’

He got up from his chair and hugged her tightly. ‘l know you will. That’s why I love you.’

‘And I love you,’ she replied, hugging him tighter as she started to cry.

David stepped back and wiped the tears from her eyes. ‘Don’t you start, or you’ll get me going.’

‘You’re very upbeat about it all,’ Jessica said, grabbing a sheet of kitchen roll, wiping her eyes and blowing her nose.

‘I wasn’t when Doctor Bennett first told me. If it wasn’t for Donna being there, I think I’d have had a total meltdown. Donna told me it wasn’t the end of the world and to be positive. She said onwards and upwards and live the best life possible, even when facing hard times or an uncertain future, and that’s what I intend to do.’

‘Donna is a very astute lady. I’m pleased she’s there for you.’

‘She’s already helped me find online sites and blogs where people with polymyositis talk positively about living with the disease. It’s all quite inspiring, actually.’

‘As are you, David. I’m really proud of the way you are handling this.’

David looked at his watch. ‘We better get a move on, or we’ll be late. You don’t want your new boyfriend thinking you’re a no-show.’

She wagged a finger at him. ‘I told you, he’s just a friend.’

‘I’ll be the judge of that. Now, get a move on.’

Jessica had a quick shower, and while she got dressed, she thought about David’s diagnosis and how it would affect his life. She knew nothing about his disease other than what he had told her earlier and decided to look it up on her iPad – then quickly regretted it. Although David had spoken about some of the problems he would face, he hadn’t mentioned the serious complications.

She read that if the oesophagus muscles are affected, swallowing and digestive problems could occur, leading to weight loss, malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, as you’remore likely to breathe food or saliva into your lungs. Breathing problems were also mentioned. If your chest muscles are affected, shortness of breath and respiratory failure could occur. It also raises the risk of heart disease, lung disease, cancer and other connective tissue diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Most worrying was the estimation that about one in ten people who have polymyositis die from it or related diseases, and the condition slowly gets worse.

Jessica closed the iPad and threw it on the bed, wishing she’d never looked at it. She decided to wait until another time to discuss David’s illness in more depth. If he was determined to be so positive, she knew she had to be the same. However, she couldn’t stop herself fearing for David’s future and worrying about the return of his depression, especially if he and Donna were to split up.

David was still getting ready when Donna arrived, and Jessica managed to have a quick chat with her in the kitchen. She thanked her for all her support at the hospital. ‘It can’t have been easy for you.’

‘I was glad to be there for him, Jessica. My mother had motor neurone disease and died from it a few years ago. David’s illness is not as severe, but he will face many of the same problems MND sufferers have, like muscle weakness, dysphagia and respiratory problems. Being positive is a must for him and those close to him, and I’ll do everything I can to keep his spirits up and help him deal with it. I know from experience it will be a tough time for you as well, but if ever you need someone to talk to, I’m a good listener.’

‘Thank you, Donna. I’m so glad my brother’s met someone as kind and considerate as you.’