Recent content by JMH

Jodie, Thank you. I, too, still find myself coming to the forum. It's almost like a link to my dad I think. I find that I still can't believe it's happened. Everything seemed to move so fast for my Dad and caring for him was such a big part of my life that I can't seem to get back into the...

Thank you all for your care and understanding. Everything seemed to happen so fast that at times I still feel like it's not real. I find that it helps to remind myself that Dad has gone to be with Mom, and that they are both free from pain and worry. In the midst of losing Dad we have just...

I just wanted to let everyone know that my Dad passed away last Thursday (Feb. 15th). It's been a very difficult time. He got pneumonia and it was like he just couldn't fight any longer. His passing was peaceful, but heartbreaking. I'm thankful that I have been fortunate enough...

The trouble is...my doctor doesn't indicate whether he knows what he is doing or not. That's why this is so scary. I inquire about a treatment I've read or asked about in the forum, he writes a prescription. You good people have been my guides. The doctor doesn't do tests, he prescribes...

Hi Al.....Congratulations on the birth of your new Granddaughter. Her and Samantha are sweethearts. I have 3 grandchildren.....2 girls and a boy. They are the light of my life - they bring joy and hope and laughter. You must treasure yours! JMH

Thanks Al. Was pretty sure the 02 was okay for Dad. The BiPap I'm not familiar with and assumed the doctor would know, although he does tend to give me whatever I think might be good for Dad which is scary. I have to be careful, read up on everything, and have come to depend on this forum...

Age of Diagnosis My Dad is 77 years old. He started having falls about 6 - 8 months prior to this. (He was still farming full time at this point.) He had other symptoms earlier such as weight loss, etc. but everyone thought it was the stress due to my mother being ill. Mom passed away in...

Just got back from spending 4 weeks with Dad. He's really having difficulty talking now so I am thinking it's time to start alternative ways of communicating. His doctor has prescribed oxygen for dad. He has had a couple of chest infections and was diagnosed with COPD a couple of years ago...

Dear Emjoi, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. May you find comfort in knowing that your father is at peace and no longer suffering with this terrible disease. Take care. JMH

Thanks so much for your reply....the nearest hospice is 3 hours away from us. It's very difficult for dad to travel. I would love to be able to call a hospice and get such help. Everything is very scary. I'm wondering which pill your mom got to help with the phlegm. Dad is using a...

You are so right. It is a horrible disease and no one should have to suffer with this. My dad is 77 and some people say...well, you're lucky you've had him this long. It hurts, I think, no matter the age or relationship you have with the patient. My had has lost the use of his legs, left arm...

Spent 3 weeks with Dad. It gets harder and harder to leave. We were both in tears when I left. I am still trying to get all the equipment we need to look after him at home. He is so afraid of being left alone for some reason and it hurts me that he needs this reassurance. He doesn't seem to...

My father's hands Hey Al, I've been with my dad for about a month now. I wish I could do more to help him. His left hand is curled to the point where he can't straighten it, and we're worried about his right as it's beginning to atrophy as well. Since he just had his diagnosis confirmed in...

I love this forum. Al you are one of the good guys (and have a wealth of information for strugglers like me). I USED to be a scared little mouse that wouldn't ask a Dr. for anything in case I overstepped my bounds. ALS and my father's well-being have changed all that. I have learned so much...

The first neurologist we had my Dad to told him he had ALS (without doing an EMG or nerve tests). We took him to an ALS specialist who confirmed the diagnosis (after doing the tests). Dad had widespread fascilations - we could see these under his skin when they were pointed out to us. He...