Hello, all,
My father was diagnosed with PMA about ten months ago. He turned 70 in March. It is rapidly progressing, unfortunately. Over the past few months, he has lost most of the muscle mass in his arms and legs along with about 40 pounds, and has terrible shortness of breath. He's on oxygen at night, and sleeps in a recliner because he can no longer lie flat. He's still walking, but can't make it very far without having to rest.
There have been so many shocks over the past year: First, hearing the words "suggestive of
ALS," then being told it wasn't
ALS and the relief over that, then realizing that PMA is taking its toll fairly rapidly, anyway. And, of course, the fear that this is genetic. My great grandfather was apparently very weak and frail towards the end of his life. He was never diagnosed with PMA (or anything else), but it makes us wonder.
Any suggestions on how you all cope, and if there's any way to encourage my father, would be really appreciated.
As to my situation: I'm 43, married with no kids (no regrets over that!
), and live near my father. I see him at least once a week and during the summers, even more (I'm a teacher and am on summer vacation right now). He's married to his second wife and they have a sixteen-year-old daughter. I also have a brother near my own age whom I often turn to, but he has his own "stuff" to cope with and tends to be fairly matter-of-fact about my father's situation. My mother lives nearby as well but she's not exactly a fountain of support when it comes to her ex-husband. It's understandable in many ways, but it's sad that I can't go to her.
Enough about me.
Thanks for listening.
Dad with PMA 
I will take you up on that.
