Just checkin' in

[Lindy73]

This is my first post and wanted to say howdy. I've been reading the forums for a while and thought it was time to jump in the pool. I am a 73 yo Vietnam Vet, diagnosed with ALS in Nov. 2014, along with prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and some other less ominous things. 2014 ended with a less than bright outlook to say the least. The specialist that I see at the VA say that there are others at the hospital that have the same problems, but not all at once. I have read on the ALS forums, multiple times, it is what it is. So true. All for now. Lew

 

[MaxEidswick]

>I am a 73 yo Vietnam Vet, diagnosed with ALS in Nov. 2014, along with prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and some other less ominous things. 2014 ended with a less than bright outlook to say the least.

that sucks!

The next months will be an emotional roller coaster altho i bet you know that . Try to go with the flow, expect

fear, anger, bitterness, and a new awareness of life. I have found that being active here on

these forums has helped me in way I cannot explain, but you will see.

before trying miracle cures, etc., ask here, go to alsuntangled dot com.

Lastly, anxiety can be debilitating so beware.

Lastly, lastly DON'T FALL, take vitamins, keep your calorie intake up, and stay away from sick

people, especially w/ respiratory problems.

Kind regards and warm welcome,
------

> I do know it is healthier to be thankful for what still works than to resent what doesn't

(easier said than done )

------

also remember the rules:
------
#1 don't fall
#2 don't hang around sick people, at 1st sign of respiratory issue go to doc
#3 conserve energy, rest, never push it, try to relax
#4 stay warm
#5 take vitamins
#6 power off pwc when not driving and Don't ram wheelchair into immovable objects

ALS is about living, not dying!

my stuff is in my blog

 

[Nuts]

Welcome. I'm always sorry to say that, but I'm glad that you've decided to join the conversation. So, you are an overachiever. ALS is enough for most people here, but you had to complicate things even further! Seriously, one is bad enough, but at least you will be in the company of some wonderful people here.

 

[Lindy73]

I have been reading your sage advise since I first found the forum. I have accepted the fact that I have ALS and what the outcome is going to be and the rough road ahead. In Psalms 90:10 indicates we have a lifespan of three score and 10. Sounds like I'm playing with house money now. My main focus now, other than daily activities, is to get in place things that will take care of my wife. She has my rock for the past 47 years. I have been volunteering at the VA here for the past 9 years, so I know my way around in the system. Today I got the last part of the to-do list finished by going to the county assessors office and requested for property tax exemption. We won't have to pay anymore property taxes and my wife will not have to pay that tax after I'm gone. Just taking care of the details.

 

[Nikki J]

Welcome and sorry. Sounds like you have a good handle on things. I hope you will have plenty of time after getting your affairs in order to enjoy time with your wife

 

[mpnatx]

This is my first post and wanted to say howdy. I've been reading the forums for a while and thought it was time to jump in the pool. I am a 73 yo Vietnam Vet, diagnosed with ALS in Nov. 2014, along with prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and some other less ominous things. 2014 ended with a less than bright outlook to say the least. The specialist that I see at the VA say that there are others at the hospital that have the same problems, but not all at once. I have read on the ALS forums, multiple times, it is what it is. So true. All for now. Lew

Lindy, welcome and sorry you are dealing with multiple issues. I too have prostate cancer, mgus ( a precursor to multiple myeloma) that has to be monitored and ALS. The mgus was found during the elimination process we all go through for a final diagnosis.
I am sorry you're here, but you'll find very valuable information from these wonderful knowledgeable PALS and CALS.
Marty

 

[Atsugi]

LEW: First, thank you for your service. A lot of us are vets so this is a vet friendly website. I hope you've printed out the "Veterans" sticky post at the top of the General Discussion subforum to help you navigate the VA.

Before my wife passed, we spent a lot of time ensuring our debts and assets were cared for. We hired an elder/ estate attorney to ensure her final affairs were in order.

Importantly, you get to choose and prepare how you will spend your final weeks and days: tubes, PEG, vent, at home or in a facility? My wife's passing was as comfortable and dignified as it could possibly be.

Welcome to the conversation.

 

[MaxEidswick]

>Welcome to the conversation

Ditto that!

 

[Green Queen]

Lew, hello from Western Australia. We have just commemorated ANZAC day here, I have a huge respect for people who have a high regard for the freedom of others. Vietnam day here is 8/18 (battle of Long Tan). I now have people across the sea to be grateful for on that day...
I am very saddened to hear of your many health issues, you would know from your reading here there is a lot of emotional and practical support for you and your beloved wife.
Thank you for sharing your journey so far, may God continue to bless you as you prepare for the next chapter.
God bless, Janelle x

 

[MaxEidswick]

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

 

[Green Queen]

Max unfair! You can decipher my "shorthand" but I'm still trying to figure out...well ALL the shorthand here!
Oh well...IIWII after all...

 

[MaxEidswick]

>ANZAC

real heroes!

we americans usually need aussie/kiwi translations -- its taken quite a while to get tillie/kat fluent

 

[Clearwater AL]

Lew, sorry you're here but the Forum will serve you well.

Just wanted to mention... I worked with several Aussie's in Viet Nam. The Aussie's are almost the "Forgotten Ones" concerning Viet Nam. I was with 1st Field Forces in the Tri Border area '68 - '69.

Welcome Home Brother.

 

[MaxEidswick]

>The Aussie's are almost the "Forgotten Ones" concerning Viet Nam. I was with 1st Field Forces in the Tri Border area '68 - '69

:-( very bad .. tet, I was there a year later. you are certainly not forgotten ... at least by us!

 

[Clearwater AL]

It's kinda sidetracking this Thread but... same to you Max, "Welcome Home Brother."

Ok, back to Lew.