How do you deal with the feeling that you are a burden?

[DesertWoman]

Hi friends,

I am so grateful I found this forum.

Even though I haven't been diagnosed yet, after my throat realization (meaning that it is one more symptom that comes and goes but is so present right now and feels like a mucous ball) I am starting to think ahead as if I do have ALS.

My number one concern is my sons. They are 20 and 16 and live with me.

I'm concerned that they will see me suffering and that it will hurt them. How do you cope with knowing that the people that love you are worried and how do you not feel like a burden to them?

Can you tell I have lived my life worrying about not being a burden? :)

Karen

[Al]

Teen age kids and young adults are pretty smart these days. I am sure your kids love you and won't feel like you are a burden to them. It won't be easy for them but keep them in the loop and let them know what is going on. I'd maybe hold off telling them you might have ALS untill you get a diagnosis. If you haven't already told them I'd just prepare them by saying you are being tested for a very serious illness and you are hopeful that the news won't be bad.I'm sure they already might think something is wrong. Try not to worry.

[Barbie4]

Hello
I am glad I found this forum too.
My friend apologizes to me for crying or she'll say she is ruining my weekend or something like that. I assure her that I am exactly where I want to be and that I wouldn't be anywhere else. I hope she believes me, because it is true. I love her and will never think she is a burden because of that. I sometimes think she thinks I am a bug for always trying to be there and do stuff for her. :).

Hopefully, your diagnosis will not be ALS and something easily treated.

Barb