inhaler? cough assist? resources in Mexico, stem cells

[pams]

:My mother was diagnosed with ALS in February. She has been living in central Mexico for several years and wants to stay there. She is able to walk very slowly, speaks very softly and is having intermittent episodes of problems breathing. There are few to no ALS/MND specific resources and doctors there are not familiar with ALS.

Her doctor there prescribed oxygen and an inhaler. I recommended she not use the oxygen and I imagine the inhaler could be counterproductive also, but could not find information about that with a google search. It sounds like a BiPAP might be helpful. The doctor who diagnosed her at Mayo Clinic mentioned that a Cough Assist could help to exercise respiratory muscles. Does anyone have experience with that?

In light of the fact she wants to remain in Mexico and does not want to travel because of the stress and is tired of medical evaluations, how important is it that she travel to an ALS clinic and what will they offer? Are there other sources of support and information for her in addition to this web site? We are currently trying to get information about the stem cell research in Mexico.

Thank you.

Pams [/COLOR]

 

[Carolan]

Hi Pams,

Could she get to Houston? Dr. Stanley Appel at the Methodist Hospital in Houston is phenomenal. My understanding of the stem cell therapy is that it is a scam. Someday it will most likely be a reality, but right now, there is no cure for ALS. The money would be better spent on a nice vacation.

Best wishes,
Carolan

 

[hopingforcure]

Your mother should be on the bi-pap oxygen and inhaler would not be effective for an als patient. Welcome to the forum, hope you can find some answers and peace here.

 

[pams]

Hi Carolan,
Thank you for the information about the doctor in Houston. Houston and Dallas are probably the most accessible cities to her so she may be able to take the trip. Is Dr. Appel associated with an ALS clinic so she could see a number of relevant specialists in one day? Thank you for the help.
pams