Recent content by Shasta

Delb.....Holidays can be depressing for everyone. OMG Hope's letter is filled with so much kindness that I could read it over and over again and forget about all MY problems. I've spent years assisting in disasters for Red Cross. I've seen tears, agony, dispare.....but along with that I've seen...

ROM exercises Because I can't use the pictures from the PT I got them from, I'll try to describe each one explicitly. 1. * Lie on back with head and neck supported (on the ground or flat surface). * Turn head to right, then left (rolling on the back of the head). Special instructions: -Stay...

I wanted to start this post with an apology. Because I don't have ALS, I was thinking of exercise not as a person with ALS. I was thinking that exercising should be in order to become stronger when in fact, after doing research from doctors, exercise should be taken as a stretching exercise to...

Bala.....that's why we're here. You can get mad.....you can do it undertone or you can do it right out front but know you're doing it to others that have or are going through it. Everyone here .... is here for you. :) Doug

HI Gina and Nell, You'll find some very nice and supportive people in here. Also there are links to support groups in your area. I was amazed at the turnout we had here in Indianapolis for a Walk to raise funds for ALS. Glad to have you both here. Doug

HI Andie and glad to have you in......Remember that family means more to mothers than you can ever imagine. You didn't say whether your mother lives with you or not but if not, then visiting her whenever you can is usually a happy moment. It's fantastic you are taking such a concern for her...

Right Joel.....You hit the premium words right on....Not to overdo it. Start out at a very low end. Someone that's been exercising already will know their limits. Beginners won't. There is no macho-ism to staying in shape. I remember in the late 70's when women would go jogging with me for the...

Because I am a person that believes in exercising, I've been talking to a doctor about exercise and ALS. As you might assume, information is tough to come by. The most consistant statement is that if you feel tired after a day of exercising, it means you worked too hard the day before. This...

Brenda.....I'm certain your experiences will help with everyone. You know, sometimes it's not information people can share but rather an emotion. What's your's? God Bless Doug

HI Maggie....Glad you could make it here. There are so many wonderful people. I'm an exercise nut and am returning a doctor's call tomorrow about exercise and ALS. I'm finding that everyone has different responses to it and i just don't want to pass anything on that may accelerate the...

When he gets ready to go out....I know that most race car tracks usually have places where people that are wheelchair bound can sit and usually they are one of the best seats in the house. I know at most small tracks you can even talk to one of the managers or even owners and they could make a...

Wow Carolan....what a first post. Obviously alot of wisdom and concern for others. Make that the first post of many. God Bless Doug

Bill....Possibly laying out a framework for him to view. To see. With yes or no answers to be checked. Something simple. Remember everyone is very afraid. YOU, HIM, EVERYONE. At some point those questions will have to be answered. If you told him your ideas he might tell you his position. Then...

The one thing we all must remember....evercise is never easy. Even the most dedicated people who exercise take days to recouperate after a day of hard exercise. I use 10-15-20 lb dumbells to exercise with. It's not he amount of weight you use but, rather, how you do the lifting. Correct lifting...

Billy...don't get too afraid until you've been fully looked over. I became terrified when I found a lump in my pubic area only to find out from a doctor's examination that it was an ingrown hair. How embarrassed could I get? Keep up your happy thoughts and keep us informed as to how it goes and...