Hello,
This is my first post and I do NOT have ALS, but have been to the UFHealth Dept of Neuromuscular Diseases and Movement Disorders twice, because I was exhibiting many of the symptoms of ALS last fall.
First, let me say that it is one of the best run departments within the UFHealth system. They are kind, compassionate, and very efficient. The first time I saw Dr Manganore, who did not believe these was a problem, but wanted to schedule a follow up EMG ( I’d had two previously in PA which stated ‘early stage MND was a possibility).
The second visit, for the EMG, I saw the Chief of the Dept, Dr. James Paul Wymer. I brought my wife (a physician, not a neuro) for moral support and in case it got technical. Dr. Wymer was extremely thorough, spent 1/2 hour going over my history, then doing a thorough exam before pronouncing I did not have ALS. He offered to to a full EMG to assuage my fears, however I declined. When an expert in the business tells you that you don’t have ALS, IMO you listen to him.
He spent a lot of time with my wife discussing Dr.related matters. He is very excited for future developments, and said that it appears nerve cells don’t die in ALS patients, they simply stop functioning. His passion really came through.
Though I didn’t see the full range of specialists, I can highly recommend UFHealth and the Neuro Dept. for all neuromuscular related matters.
Finally, I lost an Aunt to ALS at the age of 53, so I know first hand the devastating impact this disease has on everyone involved. It is my fervent wish and belief we will solve this terrible malady, and my hopes for everyone here are that it comes soon.
Wthensler