The New Guy in Gehrigville

[cfoughty]

Age: 53, male

Problems started with my right foot, and then up my right side to my right arm; my left side is affected also but not as much. Breathing is down 25%, and right side of my face has weakened so that my speech is slurring now.

Diagnosed, seconded, and thirded by neurologists June 2011. And confirmed yet once more by an ALS specialist neurologist two weeks ago (July 15th 2011). Symptoms noticed October 2010, but I thought it was due to other medical issues. While trying to diagnose the "balance" problems I had chest pains on April 10th, followed by open heart bypass surgery on April 15th. Then a minor heart attack on June 26th fixed by angioplasty that day; one of the bypass grafts clotted completely. Oh yeah, discovered DVT (blood clot) in my right leg July 15th. Geez.

I recovered fairly well from the open heart surgery for about six weeks, then the ALS progression took off like a rocket in June, and July. In April I was walking with a cane, now I use a walker and can only go about fifty feet. I use a craigslist purchased Permobil C300 power wheelchair most of the time.

The fatigue is my main concern as the recovery time is long. The doctors can't determine how much is due to the heart surgeries or the ALS. Fun times.

So that is my story so far.

 

[linzblkr]

So sorry you had to join the community. My mother was diagnosed in March of this year. There are so many helpful people here with a wealth of knowledge and advice. I wish you the best!

~Linz

 

[Ms. Pie]

Yes, I'm sorry you're here but if you must this is a good place to be. It's nice to meet you!

 

[brooksea]

Wow! You have really been through it with health issues!

Sorry you have to be here and hope we can help in some small way...

 

[joni51]

So sorry you have had so much happen all at once! Really helpful friendly people here. If I can be of any help hollar at me

 

[epkennedy]

My husband was diagnosed March 31, 2010. He was very tired and slept a lot even before symptoms became noticeable in December 2009. Since, he is tired from certain medications he is taking. Have you been given anything that fatigue may be a side effect?

Sorry you have to be here- pleasure to meet you.

 

[notgivnup]

Welcome, So sorry you had the need to find us. But this is a great family to belong to. They have love, compassion and do truly care. If you need info just ask someone propably can help, if support, we will help you stand, and if it just an ear to listen we are here...(Hug)

 

[EGBAR]

Welcome and I hope you are feeling better. You certainly have been through a lot. keep us posted on your progress and there are a lot of helpful people here for questions.

 

[Zaphoon]

Welcome to the forum, CF. Here's hoping for a good recovery from the surgery and some better days ahead!

 

[tomby]

That is a lot all at once. But you have found a good place for answers and support

 

[susanf]

If you need answers and advice, this is the place to be. Welcome

 

[Miss]

Wecome to the forum. We are all here to help.

 

[KissJ]

Welcome! My husband was diagnosed May 20th and a second opinion June 16th. I'm his wife and caregiver. This is a great place to come to vent, get support, and find information. It is too bad we all have to be here and this even has to exist, but since there isn't a cure ...yet...this is a great help and a family of friends.
You said you bought a chair. Do you know you can contact the ALS Association for loan equipment? They have a "Closet" and so does the MDA. We have the best social worker guiding us through this horrible process. She is a huge support.
Blessings to you!

 

[caldona]

Your doctor can order anything you need from a wheelchair to fit your requirements to computer when you can no longer use the one you have Medicare pays 80% some of the other insurance will pay the 20%. I have never paid for anything that I needed except a shower chair .

 

[cfoughty]

Thanks for all the kind words.

My subconsience is really trying to process all of this. I had a dream where I was jumping all around and doing things like before, just nine months ago.