Recent content by Jessie

  1. J

    Melatonin as a sleep aid

    Has anyone had experience using the health food medication Melatonin to help with sleeplessness? Drs seem somewhat reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills for ALS patients due to the negative effect on the respiratory system. My husband,Vic has very poor nights, waking at least every hour with...
  2. J

    Just Been Diagnosed. My wife and I are devastated.

    recently diagnosed Dear Hope, Just wanted tosay a few words of encouragement at this difficult time for you and your wife. My husband was diagnosed with ALS last August after almost a year of ominous symptoms.You will find so much support and practical help from the ALS society. Accept offers...
  3. J

    Leg Cramps

    Hi Terri, My husband, Vic suffered greatly with leg cramps until a few months ago. We found that massage helped a lot. I used my hands but also bought a Wahl Massager and that was beneficial too. His Dr had him on Baclofen, Gabapentin and Amytriptylene. He finally prescribed Zanaflex and that...
  4. J

    Hand Swelling

    Good Morning, Is swelling of the hands a common result of ALS? My husband, Vic is now troubled with his right hand swelling mostly at night. Our local ALS Society has just provided him with a Track Ball system and that has made his use of the computer somewhat easier. He is soldiering on trying...
  5. J

    Track ball or other remedies for computer problems

    ALS and Computer problems Thank you Richard and Patsy, for all your useful suggestions. It gives us some hope that Vic will still be able to enjoy his computer in spite of weakening arms and hands. He has done a fair bit of writing over the years. The computer and Tv sports are about all he...
  6. J

    Track ball or other remedies for computer problems

    Good morning all, My husband, Vic is starting to have trouble using the mouse on the computer. Since this is one of the few activities that he can still enjoy, I'm trying to find out about any adaptations we could make to our computer. His problem at this point is that as he moves the mouse and...
  7. J

    Waiting for ALS diagnosis and frightened

    New and Frightened Hi Wendy, My heart goes out to you at this frighteneing and traumatic time. So glad to hear you are getting to see some specialists sooner rather than later. Keep being a "nag". We found we had to "call them because they didn't always call us". You know--- "the squeaky wheel"...
  8. J

    Support the fund raisers

    Betty's Run Calgary The rain clouds held off and over 1000 people walked, ran and rolled at Betty's run this morning. It was a great experience for Vic and me to be part of the larger ALS community. Since Vic's diagnosis last year, we have been blessed with care, concern and support from...
  9. J

    How much discomfort?

    how much discomfort Thank you Al, Chris and Carol for replying to my query with practical advice and words of encouragement from 'farther down the road'. I guess the secret is 'one day at a time', as we seem to have our darkest moments when we start looking fearfully too far ahead or looking...
  10. J

    How much discomfort?

    Hello, My husband,Vic was diagnosed wIth ALS last April having had symptoms since the summer of 2003. It started in his right leg and has progressed to the point where he is in a wheelchair and is losing the use of his arms and hands. He is on many medications, some to help with the spasms...
  11. J

    National award

    Congratulations on your award. A well-deserved recognition! Vic and Jessie
  12. J

    Flying small aircraft

    common denominators in als Good Morning Interesting commonalities with Pals and flying, chemical toxins, rural living. Vic and I have noticed what we think is another common factor: extreme athletic activity. Vic was a long distance runner, regularly running 10 miles and entered marathons and...
  13. J

    New introduction

    sleeping difficulties Hi and Thanks to all of you who responded to my question on cramping and poor sleep. I did read up on neurontin (Gabapentin), TImshelper, and it was indeed a disturbing eyeopener. Vic is now on 1600 mgs of it plus the Baclofen and Rilutek. We may try the Quinine, Al...
  14. J

    New introduction

    Hi i joined tHis site in nov 04 but Haven't posted mucH at all. i tHink it is time to introduce us. my Husband vic was diagnosed last year witH als after developing symptoms in tHe summer of 2003. He was a long distance runner and as of dec 2003 is in a wHeelcHair. it Has been a year of so...
  15. J

    Polls?

    I'm new to the ALS forums (and deficient in computer lingo). What does 'Add a Poll' etc mean. How do I respond on the forum to a post? Is it 'New Topic'? I have found the forums very helpful in the short time I've been a member. Jessie
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