Grace1218
New member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2012
- Messages
- 9
- Reason
- CALS
- Diagnosis
- 11/2011
- Country
- US
- State
- NY
- City
- Carle Place
my husband, 58, started 5 years ago with some problems with left foot. then developed a foot drop 2 1/2 yrs ago. Spine surgeon found cyst in the lumbar spine at L2-3 and was surgically removed Jan. 2010, with fusion, mobility improved somewhat. April 2010, had triple bypass surgery, June 2010 had anterior cervical surger at C3-4 with fusion. Since mid 2010 mobility had significantly declined, including right foot. August, 2011, upper body weakness started, very fatigued, muscles jumping all over. Using wheelchair since April, 2011. Has had spinal tap (negative), MRIs, 2 EMGs (peripheral neuropathy. ) and lung function test (50%). He is insulin dependent diabetic. Seen 4 neurologists (including specialist in NYC), who state he has no reflexes, extreme muscle atrophy, and they feel he has ALS or possibly PMA. He is totally confined. He sits, sleeps etc in his electric recliner. He weighs approx. 260 lbs. Can transfers, using a sliding board, to his electric wheelchair occasionally. Transfers to a commode, all with my assistance. Has hospital bed, but can't get comfortable, extremely difficult to even get in bed, screams in pain, legs separate (frog legs) He does have persistant cough, at times "horse", shortnwessof breath,sputum. Has hadtwiches in legs, now has them in his trunk and left arm. So far can eat fine and breathe ok. What can we expect next, what stage do you think he is in. Did the surgeries bring on the ALS? When should we consider some home care.