Meet Gladys; Diagnosed This Week.

[TheGroovyMule]

Hello Everyone,
My Mom was diagnosed this week and is not real tech savy, so I have joined her as a member of your group. When she is at our house for Christmas I will teach her how to log on and show her your posts. I'm hoping you can all send some toughts her way. This is how she wanted to be introduced;

"After eight months of doctors and tests I received the final diagnosis yesterday. For 78 years I had a very positive, active life; raised a family, volunteered at my church and local hospital, stayed active ball room dancing, doing aerobics and going to Curves. In May I had a case of what was orginally diagnosed as sciatica that caused intense pain and resulted in foot drop in my left leg. After seeing numerous doctors I was finally sent to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, to see the ALS specialist, who confirmed that it's early stage LMN ALS. He also found some weakening in my left thumb as well.

I'm frankly terrified. I've lived a long and full life and am blessed by the fact that it's late onset. I'm not afraid to die but I don't want to suffer. I have watched friends go through this and it's so sad and frightening. All of the medical terminology is overwhelming and I am so tried of being poked and proded. If any of you can explain the impact that such a late onset may have please do so. I'm in shock."

 

[Gembead]

Hello Gladys, welcome our group and we hope we can answer your questions and hold your hand during this journey, love and hugs. Gem

 

[Nikki J]

Hi Gladys. Sorry for your diagnosis but welcome. Hope you have a superslow progression!
I think we have several PALS here who are in their 70s and I know Kim's dad is in his 80s
Look forward to getting to know you!

 

[davbo49]

like the users name. sorry your in this boat. it dose have it's up's and dowm's but some how we maintain to float as long as we can.

max got some good rules to go by and so dose the other........................welcome

 

[affected]

Sorry to be welcoming you Gladys.

Your introduction gave such a lovely 'feeling' of the person you are. I will look forward to when you learn to post here yourself, and we can start supporting you.

Please know that the first month or two after diagnosis are the very worst in feeling the shock and fear of what it means. We will help you move through that awful time.

 

[swalker]

Hi Gladys, and welcome to this wonderful forum. You will find this to be a great resource with many kind, friendly, and supportive people.

Tillie is right. The first few months can be a chore. Here you will find people who have been through those months. We are here to help you.

Steve

 

[gooseberry]

Welcome Gladys! We are here to answer questions, offer support, listen to you rant.....basically help you walk this path. So very sorry you have had to join us.

 

[pearshoot]

DXed at 74 and Feb will be 5 years, very little pain, in PWC, require no other medical devices..one day at a time

 

[Janie H]

Sorry that you have to be here Gladys, there is not a lot of pain. I know just not knowing what to expect is stressful.

Janie

 

[Graybeard]

Welcome to Heartbreak Hotel, Gladys. That is my late mother's name. She lived to 95, and her mind was still sharp.

 

[azgirl]

Welcome Gladys,
A year ago I was absorbing the devastating news of this diagnosis. I was sure there would never again be joy in my life. Not to minimize how tough it's been, but I've had a year filled with wonderful new memories with those I love the most. And I've met some great, supportive people here.

Take time to let it absorb and then get on with making the most of your moments!

Hugs,
Kay

 

[Candle2014]

My mum just about used a mobile phone to text by her 70s but boy did she soon get to grips with high tech stuff when she had to. She used an iPad and then laptop with Bluetooth mouse to make the grandkids jealous! Your mum will pick it up quickly enough so that she can keep in touch with people who really understand what you're all going through.

 

[LoveMyKids]

Hi Gladys- Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Look forward to chatting with you.

 

[starente15]

Hi and welcome! I've found a lot of answers and support in this group and I'm sure you will also. Happy Holidays.

 

[SusanSt]

Hi Gladys, welcome. You will find a lot of kind and understanding people here.