Recent content by tmasters

Hi, Tom's children here. Tom died peacefully in his sleep at 10:00 this evening, May 24, 2016, after a bout with pneumonia - and, of course, a long struggle with ALS. We'll miss him.

Things are stable with me except arms getting weaker can't pick my nose :) We never got a winter in SoCal.

Sure. Respironics Swift FX.

I've had DPS since April 2012. No need to worry about the plug or wires getting wet. -Tom

Just got back from Maui. Latest battles are breathing and using my hands to eat but still living thanks to help from others.

Your mom will NEED a powerchair that allows her to tilt and recline and adjust her leg position with the press of a button. It is very important that she reposition herself often to avoid pain, stiffness, and pressure sores. I am transferred 5 times a day bed/chair/toilet/shower/chair/bed...

For some reason I can no longer send/receive private messages or save my avatar pic. Who knows...

You posted: "We moved our bedroom downstairs and had a wheelchair lift installed to go down the 4 steps to the bedroom." Wow! I did exactly the same thing in 2009. Good luck to you and God bless. -Tom

I posted this privately but now realize this may be helpful to somebody else: A year and a half later, I have no regrets. Yet I don't "swear by it" or even really know if it helps. Many others seem to credit its use for a longer life, etc. I use it from bedtime to morning only now. I found it...

Hi Chris, A year and a half later, I have no regrets. Yet I don't "swear by it" or even really know if it helps. Many others seem to credit its use for a longer life, etc. I use it from bedtime to morning only now. I found it uncomfortable, or just annoying, to pace during the day. At night...

I would be happy to answer any questions. As Nikki said, I have a detailed thread here with my experiences. You can also check patientslikeme dot com for a thread. I'll Post here very often anymore due to difficulty typing. Good luck!

Hey Kim, I had my 57th on Thursday. You are a youngster indeed! Happy birthday! Tom

Good luck with the DPS. They will give you instructions. And there's a band-aid thing you put on your skin that holds the connector securely in place. You replace it weekly. They will give you samples and your insurance should cover the cost of more.

Tahoe is at 6200 feet elevation. At that altitude the air pressure is about 80% of what it is at sea level. I don't know how this calculates to how much O2 to bring, sorry. I recommend you purchase a pulse oximeter on line, to monitor her blood O2 level. These can be had for under $100, are...

I met pearshoot at the Advocacy Days in D.C. last May and one of the things he hoped to do soon was to meet you, Zaphoo! Glad to hear it finally happened! -Tom