NHL Star Bryan Bickell Retires - Diagnosed with MS
Bryan Bickell was an NHL star and member of the 2015 Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks. His career was cut short in 2016 when he retired from the NHL after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
He was 30 years old when he announced his retirement from the NHL Carolina Hurricanes. Bickell had health issues going back to his time with the Blackhawks. The Hurricanes announced his MS diagnosis on November 11, 2016, shocking players and fans.
He retired but left on a high note. On April 9, 2017, he scored in a shootout as the Hurricanes beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3. His teammates wore his number 29 in their final two regular-season games in his honor. See CNN story here.
Multiple sclerosis is a rare disease that affects the central nervous system, with symptoms varying from case to case but eventually leading to nerve damage and physical impairment. There is no known cure. Many people with MS end up requiring help with normal activities of daily living (ADL’s) and requiring them to need extended care with those ADL’s.
"Since the 2015 playoffs, I've been struggling to understand what was going on with my body. Again during the past few weeks, it felt like something wasn't right."
"Obviously, this is a bit of shock for my family and me.”
Brian Bickell, NHL star
MS is a "spectrum disease" that can present mild to disabling symptoms in different patients. Life expectancy is near normal; however, the impact on independence generally is the biggest concern.
Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation Service Dog Program
Bickell created a foundation to help those living with MS. Learn more about his family foundation.
The foundation's latest program benefits people living with Multiple Sclerosis by providing them free of charge, a fully trained service dog.
Trained service dogs can cost around $20,000 each. A specially trained service dog provides assistance in helping those with MS achieve a greater level of mobility and independence.
Learn more about the foundation's service dog program.
Symptoms of MS Usually Start Young
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually, the symptoms get better but then come back. Some may come and go, while others linger.
The early symptoms of MS include:
• Blurred or double vision
• Thinking problems
• Clumsiness or a lack of coordination
• Loss of balance
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness in an arm or leg
No two people have the same symptoms of MS. This can make a diagnosis more difficult, especially early in the disease. People with MS often say they feel like "pins and needles" sensation. They may also have numbness, itching, burning, stabbing, or tearing pains. About half of people with MS have these uncomfortable symptoms.
About 8 in 10 people have bladder problems as well. A person may need to urinate more often, need to go at night, or have trouble emptying your bladder fully. Bowel problems, especially constipation, are also common.
MS and Mobility Problems
Mobility issues end up being the main reason people with MS need Long-Term Care. MS can cause muscle weakness or spasms, which makes it more challenging to walk. Balance problems, numb feet, and fatigue can also make walking more difficult. Often people with MS may suffer from falls, especially as they get older and the MS progresses.
The cost of custodial care for a person with MS can be high. As it progresses, a person may need home-care in addition to any care a family member may provide. As a person ages, it becomes challenging for family members to be caregivers. Generally, a person will move into a facility like assisted living or, in extreme situations, a nursing home. Health insurance and later, once a person is 65, Medicare will not pay for most of these costs.
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can give you both the current and future cost of long-term care services where you live.
The financial costs and burdens placed on a family can negatively impact a family. The consequences of a long-term care event will impact family and finances. No matter if the extended care is caused by MS, other diseases, accidents, or just aging, it impacts a family's assets and income and creates emotional and physical burdens on those you love.
Since these health events can happen at any age, having a plan that includes Long-Term Care Insurance is an affordable way to safeguard your 401k, IRA, and other savings while easing the family's burden.
Most people are not professional athletes who have substantial savings and investments. However, even those who do could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars unless a plan is in place.
There is no doubt your health, body, and mind will undergo changes in the decades ahead. There are many reasons people require long-term health care, including for just getting older. Planning is essential to enjoying a successful future retirement.