Weakness of Tongue

[wayne_md]

Hi Guys,
I'm 21 years old, and about a year ago, I noticed that my tongue isn't as nimble as before. I was never a great speaker (I used to stutter a little bit), but I never had a problem with my tongue and other facial muscles associated with speaking. Now, my face feels a bit sore if I talk too much.

I have good stretches and bad stretches with my speech. The good stretches usually last about 2-3 weeks and the bad stretches about a week. However, recently, I noticed that my bad stretches are taking over. My tongue just feels a bit heavy and while I'm not necessarily slurring, it's just more difficulty for me to say the same thing. I really have to concentrate to enunciate everything correctly. I don't have any swallowing problems or drooling problems either. My tone and loudness of my voice is also fine, although I would sometimes get hoarse if I talk too much, or if it's winter. (I don't know if this is a problem) I don't have weakness in my arms or legs, although lately I'm feeling that my fingers are a bit less nimble also. I mistype things alot more and it just feels a bit labored to type anything. (I've probably had to correct 30 words typing just this) How long does it take for the full-on symptoms to be noticeable? It's possible that my ALS (if I have it) hasn't completely revealed itself. If I begin to choke on things or drooling, I would probably die of fear.

I really really hope this isn't ALS. Though I know I'm young, I have heard of young people getting ALS. Stephen Hawking himself was only in his early twenties when his ALS set in. This is really scaring me, and any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[liz]

Hi Wayne -

Have you seen a neurologist? Sounds like you have some weird stuff going on but there are other possibilties besides ALS. And if by chance you do have ALS, the sooner you get proper medical attention the better off you will be. Do you have medical insurance?

Liz

[Al]

Hi Wayne. As Liz says a trip to a Neuro would be a better idea than getting yourself worked up thinking you have ALS. While it is rare in a person of your age it is not impossible so I'd get it checked and try to stay away from medical sites that will only give you more symptoms to worry about.

[wayne_md]

I guess I should make a trip to the neuro, even though it would take at least two months to get an appointment. The reason I'm scared is because even if it's not ALS, I doubt there will be a definite cure for my ailment.
A possibility that slipped my mind was mercury poisoning. I began weight training two years ago. I only continued it for four months, but during that time, I ate two cans of tuna each day. I don't remember specifically if it was during that time that I started feeling a heavy tongue, but I will definitely ask my physician.

[Al]

Wayne. I think you are way overthinking this. I would think you'd have to eat a way more tuna than a couple of cans a day to get mercury poisoning if you even could get it from doing that. A 2 month wait for a Neuro is about right for Canada or the US so I'd try to remain calm and wait it out. And by the way DO NOT listen to anyone who tries to sell you a detoxifying program. It's a scam. AL.

[patricia1]

Hi Guys,
I'm 21 years old, and about a year ago, I noticed that my tongue isn't as nimble as before. I was never a great speaker (I used to stutter a little bit), but I never had a problem with my tongue and other facial muscles associated with speaking. Now, my face feels a bit sore if I talk too much.

I have good stretches and bad stretches with my speech. The good stretches usually last about 2-3 weeks and the bad stretches about a week. However, recently, I noticed that my bad stretches are taking over. My tongue just feels a bit heavy and while I'm not necessarily slurring, it's just more difficulty for me to say the same thing. I really have to concentrate to enunciate everything correctly. I don't have any swallowing problems or drooling problems either. My tone and loudness of my voice is also fine, although I would sometimes get hoarse if I talk too much, or if it's winter. (I don't know if this is a problem) I don't have weakness in my arms or legs, although lately I'm feeling that my fingers are a bit less nimble also. I mistype things alot more and it just feels a bit labored to type anything. (I've probably had to correct 30 words typing just this) How long does it take for the full-on symptoms to be noticeable? It's possible that my ALS (if I have it) hasn't completely revealed itself. If I begin to choke on things or drooling, I would probably die of fear.

I really really hope this isn't ALS. Though I know I'm young, I have heard of young people getting ALS. Stephen Hawking himself was only in his early twenties when his ALS set in. This is really scaring me, and any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
hi I started in 99 with tongue tightness and hoarse and nasal sounding and it stayed that way for 6 years no diagnosis until 2005 when i developed arm weakness all my test emgs spinal taps and blood test all neg. but by process of elimation thay say its als. Look at your tongue see if it quivers and unable to move side to side quickly and see a als clinic they will know more. I hope its something else Good Luck and God Bless Pat

[wayne_md]

hi I started in 99 with tongue tightness and hoarse and nasal sounding and it stayed that way for 6 years no diagnosis until 2005 when i developed arm weakness all my test emgs spinal taps and blood test all neg. but by process of elimation thay say its als. Look at your tongue see if it quivers and unable to move side to side quickly and see a als clinic they will know more. I hope its something else Good Luck and God Bless Pat
Hi Patricia, so are they absolutely sure it's ALS? I can't imagine doctors' diagnosis through process of elimination. During those six years, did you experience a difficulty of speaking? I can speak, but I just feel that my tongue isn't as nimble as it should be, but it's not too severe. My tongue doesn't really quiver (are you talking about fasciculations?) and I can move it side by side (though i don't know how fast is considered fast). I don't even know where an ALS clinic is. Thanks for the info though.

[Al]

Hi Wayne. If you got to this website and look at the in your community section you should find info for your area. AL.
http://www.alsa.org/

[patricia1]

Hi Patricia, so are they absolutely sure it's ALS? I can't imagine doctors' diagnosis through process of elimination. During those six years, did you experience a difficulty of speaking? I can speak, but I just feel that my tongue isn't as nimble as it should be, but it's not too severe. My tongue doesn't really quiver (are you talking about fasciculations?) and I can move it side by side (though i don't know how fast is considered fast). I don't even know where an ALS clinic is. Thanks for the info though.
Hi Wayne Yes I am taking about fasciculation I have that since 2000 and my tongue is scalloped Yes I started with very mild slurring now its moderate slurring but now that I have weakness in my arms assoc. with atrophy they are calling ALS but I went to a ALS clinic John Hopkins and it is worth the trip But Wayne dont read into it it maybe something minor so go to a Neurologist before you make yourself crazy like me I guessed for 6 years . Take care and Happy Holidays Pat:)

[wayne_md]

Hi Wayne Yes I am taking about fasciculation I have that since 2000 and my tongue is scalloped Yes I started with very mild slurring now its moderate slurring but now that I have weakness in my arms assoc. with atrophy they are calling ALS but I went to a ALS clinic John Hopkins and it is worth the trip But Wayne dont read into it it maybe something minor so go to a Neurologist before you make yourself crazy like me I guessed for 6 years . Take care and Happy Holidays Pat:)
Patricia, did you have fasiculations during those early six years? If so, were you able to feel them? Also, if you look in the mirror, is it evident? Thanks alot.

[wayne_md]

Patricia, did you have fasiculations during those early six years? If so, were you able to feel them? Also, if you look in the mirror, is it evident? Thanks alot.
Sorry, nevermind the first question. What I meant to ask is, do tongue fasciculations feel like fasciculations in the rest of the body? I know that when I have fasciculations in my leg or arm, I can feel it. Is it the same feeling with the tongue? Can you see them?

[patricia1]

dear wayne no you dont feel them in the tongue only when you stick out your tongue do you see them. and that was the first thing I noticed besides the slurred speech. And it stayed that way for 6 years now its in my arms I still have energy and walk. Good luck

[wayne_md]

Is it easy to spot like fasciculations in other parts of the body? When I stick out my tongue, I can't tell the difference between small movements of the muscle (analogous to small trembling of hand) and actual fasciculations. However, it's hard for me to completely keep my tongue motionless, which scares me.

[patricia1]

wayne where do you live I can call my neurologist in philly and get you in sooner if you want to You need a EMG A MRI and blood tell STOP guessing youll get crazy Pat

[wayne_md]

Hey Pat, thanks for the offer, but I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My dad is a generalist, and he's basically telling me that I don't have any problems, but I really think there is something wrong. I guess I'll just have to wait a few months for the neurologist appointment.

[patricia1]

Hi Wayne My family didnt deal with my illness for 4 years they would say theres nothing wrong with your speech is probably from your nerves or they never would even address there was a problem so I guess if they ignore it maybe it would go away. Anyway hang in there feel free to write me anytime I know what your feeling. Pat

[CindyM]

Hi Wayne. If your Dad is a doc and is not concerned then I'd hold onto that thought. But I would take the advice of others and go to a good neuro when you get the first appointment. Even if it takes a couple of months it will be worth the wait. You'll be able to get definitave answers and know how best to proceed. Two months is not too long to wait - unless you are in great pain and it doesn't sound as if that is the case right now. Here's hoping you get some answers soon! Cindy

[wayne_md]

Do you guys know anything about speech pathologists? If this thing isn't ALS (I don't have any fasciculations or swallowing problems), then perhaps a speech pathologist can help me. The problem with me is that these are grave problems, which means it'll be harder to help me. Do you guys know if it's possible to have ALS, but have no fasciculations?

[CindyM]

I am kind of new at all this myself so I don't know the answer to your latest question. I will say that I didn't know I was having fasciculations until a Doctor pointed them out to me. One thing you said sounded familiar to me: sometimes my speech slurrs but when I ask people around me they tell me it is my imagination. I know it is not. When my speech is slurred my tongue is tingling and my jaw is guivering. Maybe when this first starts it is only apparent to us and not to any bystanders? Who knows?

[patricia1]

same with me I knew I was slurring and my family didnt hear it until it was worse and then they tried not to think about it That was in 1999 Pat S

[Lynn555]

Hi Wayne, I would definitely go to a neurologist, especially one that specializes in motor neuron diseases, even if it takes a few months to go to one. My mother started having thick speech and slow speech and finding it hard to pronounce words with more than one syllable 8 years ago. She still does not have fasciculations, but she was diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic in AZ with progressive bulbar palsy just this past November. It seems that ALS and pbp is different for everyone and progresses in a different way and at a different rate for everyone. If it's ALS or pbp, you may get fasciculations later. But it may not be that, so definitely get checked out. My mother went to a lot of speech therapists, but no one could help her because she was losing control over her tongue, but they didn't know that then. But you could go to one and see if it helps. But I would definitely also go to a neurologist. :?

[ahpeditor]

Wayne. I think you are way overthinking this. I would think you'd have to eat a way more tuna than a couple of cans a day to get mercury poisoning if you even could get it from doing that. A 2 month wait for a Neuro is about right for Canada or the US so I'd try to remain calm and wait it out. And by the way DO NOT listen to anyone who tries to sell you a detoxifying program. It's a scam. AL.

Al, What medical research have you done to prove or disprove the correlation between ALS and mercury? Have you an advanced or medical degree that gives you any more insight on this subject? Just curious.

I am in the very early stages of researching their effect and have NO particular explanation or scientific background to support this statement, but I would NEVER discount the impact of mercury and heavy metals on our bodies or the effect they may have on the neuro-muscular system. I certainly wouldn't rely on what a neurologist has to say about it. At least none of the neurologists I've met.

Joel

[liz]

Hi Joel -

Welcome to the forum.

I know what you mean about neurologists. Sometimes it feels like all their poking and prodding (and shocking) of our bodies is a bit like quackery. These motor neuron diseases are so bizarre. I felt the same way about an eye doctor who examined my one son when he was 18 months old. She held up what looked like a bunch of prisms to his eyes then announced he needed surgery right away. It looked like so much voodoo to me that I said no way to the surgery. Weird! But he did have eye problems and I do have ALS despite my feelings about all these docs. Oh well.

Nice to meet you.

Liz

[CindyM]

I just had some valuable feedback about the slurred speech thing! My niece works in a bank and one of her co-workers had bulbar-onset ALS but didn't realize she was ill. It seems the customers kept reporting to management that she sounded drunk on the phone. I imagine it must be a bit unnerving to think your banker is drunk in the middle of the day!

Anyway, management started paying attention, but they didn't hear the slurring. They asked my niece, who worked next to her, and nobody in the area thought the woman was slurring her speech. Apparently when you are used to hearing someone every day, you don't notice the deterioration. But the woman was ill, all right. Unfortunately she passed away last year.

So now I feel validated. I know my speech is off sometimes. If others can't hear it, that's because they hear me the way they are used to hearing me.

[Al]

Hi Joel. Welcome to the forum. I don't have any degrees but have been living with ALS for 4 years and have read extensively and other than people trying to sell detoxifier kits no other credible profession has gone on record as saying they will cure anything. That's my opinion. Some people respect it some don't. Just like the disease we're all different. So you don't rely on neurologists? What type of doctor diagnosed you? Do you have ALS or do you peddle detoxifier kits? I see you give no information about yourself in your profile and you don't have to but it does help maintain your credibility especially when on your first post you put up dissenting opinions which are welcome at any time. We value all opinions just don't try to sell us false hope or anything else. AL.

[ahpeditor]

Al, My wife was officially diagnosed with ALS on Jan. 4th by a neurologist at Mayo Clinic. I say officially because she saw an extremely insensitive neuro on Nov. 10th, who told here she MAY have BFS, or MS, or ALS during her very first consultation. This was after an initial clinical test and before he had even scheduled an EMG! My wife was alone (I didn't attend this consultation because my wife said it wasn't necessary, a fact that I will regret until the day I die), afraid and nowhere close to being mentally ready for such callous treatment. We asked for a referral to Mayo hoping for better treatment.

Mind you, we never asked for sugar-coating and fully expected to be told the truth regardless of the diagnosis. But when the neuro at Mayo told us it was ALS, it was as if she was reading from a manual. She didn't even offer a tissue. The person at the front desk gave us a packet and we were on our way home less than an hour after the dx.

On our first visit to the MDA clinic early last week in Des Moines, we had a consultation with a new neuro (my wife refused to go back to the original neuro). When he read of her diagnosis, he asked why we wanted to see him? As if it was a waste of his time. I don't think the words neurologist and compassion have ever been used in the same sentence until now.

I replied to your post because I came to ALSforums looking for answers and hoping that people would have an open mind. I can tell you that I will sell everything I own and spend every penny I can beg, borrow or steal before I will give up hope that there may be something that can be done for my wife. No one we have talked to yet has offered any alternative to simply giving up. I know that no amount of wishful thinking will help her get well. But, I can tell you that I get damn mad when I see someone's honest questions about Mercury and its affect on the nervous system get brushed off as quackery, a waste of time, or simply BS.
-Joel

[Al]

First off Joel let me say how sorry I am at how badly your wife was treated. I have seen 5 Neuro's and 1 was an abrupt bitter person with the personality of a turnip. I refused to see her after 3 visits. The others, while a bit clinical at least treated me with compassion and understanding. While at present there is no good news at having ALS there is still hope. My point is there is hope in the future, not in old scams that have been around for years and didn't work 20 years ago and won't work now. There are other forums that let these guys peddle their wares and peddle false hope. We don't buy into that here. We are a support forum made up of people with ALS their caregivers and their families and friends. A new person came on forum asking for advice. I gave him the best advice I had. Can you really n your own mind think you can get mercury poisoning from eating tuna fish? I didn't say that mercury or heavy metals can't cause ALS. I said Tuna Fish doesn't cause it. If you read the past forums you will find that there are a lot of desperate people coming here for answers. I could not sleep at night if I didn't try to keep them away from people that would prey on their ignorance and desperation.
If they want caring support and honest answers from people that have ALS and their caregivers then they have come to the right place.
If they want to chase false hopes and spend money on suspect remedies well there are other sites that allow that and they are welcome there.
We don't do that here.
AL.

[liz]

Joel -

My husband, upon being told of my diagnosis described himself as feeling "blind-sided". God knows I did too. The first few days and weeks were just awful. It takes a little while for something this big to sink in. How is your wife coping with the news? Do you guys have kids and if so have you told them? It is too bad you've had such negative experiences with the doctors so far.

As far as this forum goes, I've seen some beautiful support shared between caregivers and maybe you can join with that. There's also tons of practical information about coping with the disease as it progresses. Some folks do a lot of research and post useful links.

There's a saying in some self-help groups which I think applies here also - "take what you can use and leave the rest".

Hang in there.

Liz

[hope]

Joel,

I understand how you feel. We want our loved ones to be well and the pain we are all in is something no one can put into words. It is heartbreaking this illness and when I read your words about trying to keep hope I agree with you. We have to do everything we can because who else is going to. I remember the day we were told my husband had ALS we were shocked, numbed, scared and we recieved a pamphlet, yes the doctor we had was kind but that was all there was. For months we have held onto each other and learned in our own way how to cope in this. I believe there should be more for the patients and the families. HOPE is so imporant. In life we all want that. We hold on for a cure. We never give up. I am sorry you are in this. I believe changes are needed for those suffering with this disease.

hope.

[ahpeditor]

Al and everyone else,

Can you really n your own mind think you can get mercury poisoning from eating tuna fish? I didn't say that mercury or heavy metals can't cause ALS. I said Tuna Fish doesn't cause it.

How do you know that? I'm shaking right now trying to decide how you can say in one sentence that you can't get mercury from tuna, and in the next that mercury or heavy metal may cause ALS. A better response to someone who asks is "...if you have any doubts, why take a chance?"

I have eaten lots of fish (tuna included) in the past 52 years and as far as I know, I suffer from no known neuro-muscular disease. But my petite wife, Lisa, has eaten little BUT tuna for most of her adult life. (How do you think she maintains that slender figure!) In addition, she has worked in dentist offices for the last 30 years where amalgams fillings have been used. She has one silver filling and seven root canals. I can go on and on through a long list of factors we have discovered in the last few weeks that may have added to the toxicity levels in her body. My point is, the mercury from tuna or amalgams or wherever it comes from may not be a problem for 99.9% of us, but I think it is very possible that it may, just possibly, be a problem for that 1/10th of 1 percent who are prone to neuro-muscular disease.

Silver fillings contain mercury, and even though dentists and the ADA will tell you that the mercury is "safe" because it is encapsulated, I find it much more likely, that as the silver that surrounds that mercury degrades over the years, a little of it may end up affecting your brain and nervous system. It probably doesn't take much. So if someone asks me if the tuna they're eating can cause ALS, I'd probably tell them the chances are slim as well. But I'll also mention that the metal in their bodies probably can. That's much more responsible, IMO than just shrugging it off.

Dentists and the American Dental Association have a huge stake in telling you that amalgam fillings are safe. If they ever admitted that they weren't they would all be out of business. It's an incredible Catch-22 for dentistry. I'm sure most dentists (and I know several from the years that my wife worked with them) are not evil. They don't want to kill their patients. But think about it. What a dilemma they face. On the one hand, their patients are screwed (or at least a very small percentage of them) if they use amalgams. And so they play the odds and continue to use them. But the minute a dentist stops using amalgams, they're admitting that they might not be safe, and that means THEY are screwed. Since it's safe to say that practically every adult in the US has at least one silver filling, think of the lawsuits it would open them up to. No, they will never admit its harmful. But that doesn't necessarily make it true.

Dentists who remove amalgam fillings because they feel they are unsafe can have their licenses pulled and be barred from ever practicing dentistry in the US by the ADA. They're not even allowed to talk about it. That's kind of scary.

-Joel

[CindyM]

Hi Joel. I can understand your search for answers, especially if some answers lead to clues that give us hope or even make things better. I just hope, for your wife's sake, one of you also does some research on how to cope with the reality of your rapidly changing life situation. She will want and need a lot of support as her physical condition changes. Has she registered with your local ALS society yet? Perhaps when she is ready she can join us once and awhile also.

I am finding my entire family needs support right now! And some, like you, are uncovering every stone to find a way to slow things down.

Cindy.

[hboyajian]

One of the most traumatic parts of this illness is the not knowing. Not knowing what the cause of the illness is. Not knowing how fast the deterioration will go. Not knowing what to try to slow the illness down if possible. Not knowing if you will be able to eat or breathe tomorrow. For my family, not knowing what the real effects of surgery wil be. Some doctors and other health professionals were compassionate and able to answer questions and explain options. Some did not communicate as well, made downright odd or unkind statements, or simply didn't take the time. I think even these people were not trying to be cruel, but simply were overwhelmed/busy, misinterpreted the question, or had seen too many people in and out of their office or hospital room to care about any individual much. Some examples:

'"Nobody would agree to operate on you in your condition" when Dad asked what was the significance of his aortic stenosis. He just wanted to know if he was in imminent danger of a heart attack which might take him out sooner than the ALS.

"Younger people ask why didn't this happen to me at 84." when my dad asked why the had gotten this illness. He wanted to know what caused it, not being self pitying and asking 'why me?'

"We treat our pets better than we do human beings" when my dad had chosen not to be sedated on the ventilator so that he could be with us in mind as well as body for his last day. Yes, he was in some pain, but he wanted to be alert at that point.

Regarding mercury in dental fillings...I have a dentist who is willng to take them out and replace them with composite so long as I pay the difference between what my insurance pays and the cost of the new filling material. My fillings were old, and the dentist said it was reasonable that thay be updated so the insurance did pay for the base price of the procedure. It wasn't the dentist who made it hard, it was the insurance company. I chose to do this because I was concerned about potential mercury involvement in very slow healing from a back injury. I have no idea if there was any connection for sure, but I didn't want to lay awake nights worrying about it. The cost was so much less than all my other medical bills at the time. If you are concerned about it, get them out if for nothing else than peace of mind.

[ahpeditor]

In posting here these last few days, I realize that I'm taking my anger out on the wrong people. In fact, I'm sure that I've been extremely insensitive. I want to apologize and say thank you to Al, hboyajian, CindyM, Hope and Liz for your comments, care and concern. I don't know if Lisa is interested at this point in joining a forum, but I suspect she will be at some point.

-Joel

[liz]

Joel -

I'm really glad to see your last post - was afraid you might take a pass on this wonderful support. No need to apologize. We definitely understand the stress you're under. We welcome you and also Lisa if she chooses. My husband hasn't joined but there's days he probably feels like a member because when he raises issues I share all that I've learned here.

Looking forward to hearing more from you.

Liz :)

[Al]

Hi Joel. I was going to mention to try the search feature and check on toxins and amalgam fillings and mercury. There is quite a lot there to read. Some good some bad meaning there are differing opinions. We are here primarily as a support forum for people with ALS and their families and friends. Occasional rants are welcome as we know this is part of the process. We are all going to do it one day or another. As long as we are not hurtful or abusive it is understood. No need to apologise. We do understand.
AL.

[CindyM]

Good morning to you Joel, and to Lisa as well. It is perfectly OK to feel anger. It is one of the first stages we all experience when dealing with terrible news. So welcome aboard and glad you joined us! And do keep us informed if you uncover any interesting facts when you're looking into causes for this terrible disease. I wish the both of you an enjoyable weekend. regards, Cindy

[CindyM]

Liz- My hubby hasn't joined yet, he's not a big computer-user so he may never join. But I am sure he knows a lot from this forum. I tell him what I am learning and share the funny stories, like when MT fell and his wife asked what he was doing on the floor and he said, 'mopping the floor' and she replied 'Oh' and walked out of the room.

Sometimes when Lee makes a wise-crack over my condition I say, "Don't think THAT isn't going to make it online!" :-D

It is too bad we are so scattered geographically. It would be great to all hang out together on a warm beach someplace!

[JACKIEMAX]

hi,

i'm very new here. only joined very recently. my husband was diagnosed just a couple of months ago with als, but his symptoms began a little over a year ago. his symptoms to date are mostly weakness in his limbs, but his voice is very raspy. he has no problem swallowing at this point, but has to have oxygen to sleep at night. my questions are about the progression of this monster disease.... no one has the same ones at the same time, so living with als is like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

we don't know what to expect next. he can still walk short distances, although he walks very awkwardly, and has to sit down to shower, shave, and dress.

his limbs are very weak, and he coughs an awful lot, and has lots of phlegm problems. he has shortness of breath, but his als dr. does not seem to be too alarmed about it at this point.

i cry every time i even think about what is coming up for us.

thanks for listening.

jackiemax

[ahpeditor]

jackiemax,

I feel really fortunate that my wife has so far avoided any problems with speech, breathing and swallowing. She is still losing use of her right hand, especially the thumb. She can walk and stand, but needs a rail to climb stairs.

Last week we went to a wrestling meet in our hometown. The first since our kids were in school, maybe 15 or 20 years ago. She was a wrestling cheerleader in HS (and yes, I wrestled, but not well!) and it was just too much for her. We had to leave shortly after we got there. We both cried all the way home.

I know you haven't asked, but I'll tell you that Lisa has found much hope from starting the detoxifying process. PM me if you want more info as I know that, non-medical "hope" is not allowed on this forum.

I'd like to know how everyone deals with family members who are in denial. I bought hand rails for the shower and toilet and my M-I-L was very upset..."I refuse to believe she won't get well." Her words, not mine. I mean, I have a great deal of hope that some of the things we're doing detoxification-wise will help, but I know that it will catch up with her eventually. I guess I want to stay positive, but at the same time, I don't want to be in denial.

Joel

[CindyM]

I think each person comes to acceptance, or not, in his or her own way. I have a lot of family members that think that, because I don't have a DX, there must be nothing wrong with me. These are the same people who have watched me deal with regular health issues in a clear and level-headed manner, the same folks who know that I don't often feel ill, never need meds, always have an active and full lifestyle until now.

Maybe you don't need to convince your M I L that Lisa is ill. When her eyes open to how your wife feels and how she is impaired, she will know for herself. I'd be more worried about Lisa. If her Mom can't accept her illness then your wife may not feel supported. At least she has you to lean on and I am sure ther are others in your lives who can express the loss they feel for her and her situation. Regards, Cindy

[Saubier]

Hi Wayne,

I have a confirmed dx of ALS that began with speech and swallowing. I notice that I can make myself understood if I speak slowly, but if I try to talk fast everything is slurred. It's a good thing I speak English, though, because I absolutely cannot roll a Spanish R.

Pappy.

[Saubier]

Joel,

Your neurologist should rule out heavy metal poisoning with a blood test, stroke or tumor with MRI, myesthenia gravis with a blood test, perform an EMG and nerve conduction test.

Pappy