Statius@
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2016
- Messages
- 351
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 11/2015
- Country
- US
- State
- Iowa
- City
- Iowa City
Greetings. Since I’ve benefitted from reading through these forums for some time now I thought I should introduce myself and try to make some contributions of my own over time. I’m a retired academic librarian and 69 year old husband (our 47th wedding anniversary is next week) and was diagnosed with ALS at Mayo in November of last year, though I think I was having symptoms as long as a couple of years ago.
My symptoms showed up first and chiefly in my legs and with issues of balance—I’ve had a few falls. I walk with a cane and expect to be using a rollator (as I think they’re called) before long. Lots of muscle cramping and fasciculations and some muscle atrophy according to my massage therapist. No speech or swallowing issues so far, though I suspect some involvement of my diaphragm due to sporadic hiccups daily and occasional “catches” during inhalation.
As a Navy veteran from service many years ago I am fortunate to enjoy the numerous benefits that bestows of PALS. I’m currently being seen in the ALS clinic at the Iowa City VA and have been impressed by the helpfulness of the local ALSA chapter and PVA.
My wife and I live in an 1890s farmhouse we’ve restored and rehabbed over 25 years, presently sleeping in a bedroom on the second floor, but accepting that we’ll need to move to the first floor (and make other modifications) in the near future. We’d like to avail ourselves of the substantial VA grant for home modifications but anticipate there would be too many ADA-driven requirements for our old house for that to work.
I feel fortunate that despite this grim diagnosis I’m blessed with a wonderful wife and family. My two daughters are both happily married (one grandson) and pursuing their own careers. My heart goes out to those afflicted with this condition while children are young.
My symptoms showed up first and chiefly in my legs and with issues of balance—I’ve had a few falls. I walk with a cane and expect to be using a rollator (as I think they’re called) before long. Lots of muscle cramping and fasciculations and some muscle atrophy according to my massage therapist. No speech or swallowing issues so far, though I suspect some involvement of my diaphragm due to sporadic hiccups daily and occasional “catches” during inhalation.
As a Navy veteran from service many years ago I am fortunate to enjoy the numerous benefits that bestows of PALS. I’m currently being seen in the ALS clinic at the Iowa City VA and have been impressed by the helpfulness of the local ALSA chapter and PVA.
My wife and I live in an 1890s farmhouse we’ve restored and rehabbed over 25 years, presently sleeping in a bedroom on the second floor, but accepting that we’ll need to move to the first floor (and make other modifications) in the near future. We’d like to avail ourselves of the substantial VA grant for home modifications but anticipate there would be too many ADA-driven requirements for our old house for that to work.
I feel fortunate that despite this grim diagnosis I’m blessed with a wonderful wife and family. My two daughters are both happily married (one grandson) and pursuing their own careers. My heart goes out to those afflicted with this condition while children are young.