Derek
New member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2009
- Messages
- 4
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Diagnosis
- 09/2009
- Country
- US
- State
- WA
- City
- Shelton
Hello everyone. My name is Derek and my wife's cousin (more of a brother to her) was diagnosed with ALS in September. I have been helping him complete a new bathroom that will allow him wheelchair access when the time comes. I am also slowly taking over many tasks around the home for him as he progresses. He has had slurred speech since August of last year and in the past few months, developed more trouble swallowing. He has all but lost most of the ability to use the pinching movement of his thumbs and forefingers, but his grip is still working, although lately he has dropped a few things.
Last night we were working and he raised his hand above his shoulder to mark the wall with his fingernail and his index finger 'froze' in a curled position momentarily, at least until he lowered his arm and straightened his finger with his other hand. He said nothing of any pain with this 'freeze'.
I am trying to educate myself on ALS and it's effects so please bear with me, but is this the start of hand atrophy? Is there anything I should begin looking into for him that may help reduce these episodes or possibly extend the time he has for the use of his hands? He has always been a very strong and active person but I saw in his eyes last night the fear of losing use of his hands. If is it the onset of hand atrophy, in cases of others, what was your progression and timeline like?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and help.
Derek
Last night we were working and he raised his hand above his shoulder to mark the wall with his fingernail and his index finger 'froze' in a curled position momentarily, at least until he lowered his arm and straightened his finger with his other hand. He said nothing of any pain with this 'freeze'.
I am trying to educate myself on ALS and it's effects so please bear with me, but is this the start of hand atrophy? Is there anything I should begin looking into for him that may help reduce these episodes or possibly extend the time he has for the use of his hands? He has always been a very strong and active person but I saw in his eyes last night the fear of losing use of his hands. If is it the onset of hand atrophy, in cases of others, what was your progression and timeline like?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and help.
Derek