All I can add to this thread is to make sure to take some time for yourself. My mom, who was a yoga/aerobics instructor with a killer body (for a now 55 year old), was diagnosed in November 08. At the time, she could not keep her sandal on her foot as she had trouble with her toes. She is already confined to a wheelchair, completely unable to stand on her own and needing help even just to sit up on her own, and now starting to notice that it is progressing to her hands. I moved home in December (I lived around the corner) to help out and have been overwhelmed at times by what I'm having to do (help my mom get on and off the toilet, get her dressed etc). Still, I think I stay sane by spending the odd weekend away as well as at least a night a week when I head out with some friends for dinner and conversation about anything but
ALS. We are looking to hire a professional to help out as I am not able to do it all (I work fulltime) and I wouldn't have done it any different in terms of my moving home to help out - but it is overwhelming. Be sure to find people you can talk to and get out of the house when you can to get a change of scenery.
This is the first time I've posted a message on one of these boards, but I am at a point where I am ready to connect with those who may have been down this road. I know what's ahead, my mom is progressing really quickly, and I may need the extra support.
Here's to hoping for a miracle!
