Hello everyone,
I began having weakness in my hands about 3 years ago; noticed first when I had difficulty sliding the slide on my 45 semiautomatic Smith and Wesson. Cramping began about 2 years ago. Fasiculations began in April 2014. Weakness and muscle wasting in hands got worse and by January 2015 I saw a local neurologist who did an EMG, MRIs, etc. He said possible ALS. It wasn't unexpected since I had all the symptoms for so many months. I am a family physician and I have cared for PALS over the years. I work 4 days a week; hope to work till June to complete 50 years on the job since med school graduation.
Next I was referred to UCSF where Dr Lomen-Hoerth, ALS specialist, agreed and started riluzole. Due to the long drive to San Francisco I decided to transfer my care to Sacramento Multi-disciplinary clinic where Dr Oskarson repeated the EMG and nerve conduction tests. He says probable ALS. So far my involvement is all lower motor neuron. I have lost strength in hands, arms and shoulders. I stopped doing surgery when my hands became weak a year or two ago. I can still type but have to hunt and peck where i used to do full keyboard. So far I don't need bipap but will be re-evaluated in January. My legs are strong; a friend and I did an 8 mile overnight hike in Caribou wilderness on Labor Day.
As i mentioned in my first post going on a gluten-free diet has essentially stopped my cramps.
We have a great monthly support group in Chico,CA, sponsored by the Greater Sac ALSA.
Sorry to join you on this journey but I appreciate the support you give to each other.
My patients are supportive when I tell them what is happening.
If there is a bright spot in my story it is that I didn't get this horrible disease when my 4 children were young. i am nearly 77 and appreciate each day when i awaken and can still get up on my own. My wife is supportive. We take life a day at a time.
Dan
I began having weakness in my hands about 3 years ago; noticed first when I had difficulty sliding the slide on my 45 semiautomatic Smith and Wesson. Cramping began about 2 years ago. Fasiculations began in April 2014. Weakness and muscle wasting in hands got worse and by January 2015 I saw a local neurologist who did an EMG, MRIs, etc. He said possible ALS. It wasn't unexpected since I had all the symptoms for so many months. I am a family physician and I have cared for PALS over the years. I work 4 days a week; hope to work till June to complete 50 years on the job since med school graduation.
Next I was referred to UCSF where Dr Lomen-Hoerth, ALS specialist, agreed and started riluzole. Due to the long drive to San Francisco I decided to transfer my care to Sacramento Multi-disciplinary clinic where Dr Oskarson repeated the EMG and nerve conduction tests. He says probable ALS. So far my involvement is all lower motor neuron. I have lost strength in hands, arms and shoulders. I stopped doing surgery when my hands became weak a year or two ago. I can still type but have to hunt and peck where i used to do full keyboard. So far I don't need bipap but will be re-evaluated in January. My legs are strong; a friend and I did an 8 mile overnight hike in Caribou wilderness on Labor Day.
As i mentioned in my first post going on a gluten-free diet has essentially stopped my cramps.
We have a great monthly support group in Chico,CA, sponsored by the Greater Sac ALSA.
Sorry to join you on this journey but I appreciate the support you give to each other.
My patients are supportive when I tell them what is happening.
If there is a bright spot in my story it is that I didn't get this horrible disease when my 4 children were young. i am nearly 77 and appreciate each day when i awaken and can still get up on my own. My wife is supportive. We take life a day at a time.
Dan