Recent content by witzz

Hi all, Thanks for your support these past months. My mother died of ALS in February 2008 and I miss her like crazy. It's good to know that there are people out there who understand. I'm writing today because I have a friend who's been having symptoms that scream "ALS!" to me. It started out...

Hi Jessica, I just wanted to respond to the fact that you're in NY and your dad is in VT. My mom was diagnosed last June, and she was in MA while I live in NY myself. I, too, visited as often as I could but it was basically every other weekend until the very end (when I was up there for about 3...

Hi mg, Sounds like a very tough situation. I'm sorry that you're having to see your mother in such a state. It must be awful for you. As for her not handling things well, and your father not supporting her the way he should, that is very sad, too. One of the things this awful disease teaches us...

Hi, I'm so sorry for your loss. You've literally been taking care of your mom for half your life. It's no wonder that you are feeling unable to cope. I would definitely suggest that you look into grief counseling. There's no shame in asking someone else to help you find your way; that is what...

Hi, How lovely that you want to help! That is a wonderful thing. I would suggest that you offer everything that you've just mentioned to your aunt. Let her decide what she needs - and her needs might change over time, so it never hurts to offer again down the line even if she says she doesn't...

Hi, I'm not sure what to say here. It's clear that you're in a terrible situation and I'm sorry. There's no simple solution for this. The only thing I can think of (and others step in here please) is to take control of what you can control. You can't change your father's plight, nor can you...

Hi Elaine, I'm sorry you're going through this. I know that ALS can sometimes affect the brain and cause some dementia...but I'm also wondering if it might not be the painkillers your husband is on. I suggest you ask the doctor about that. My grandfather had Parkinson's and we thought he also...

Hi Sass, My mom died Feb 25 and I keep going up and down like a yo-yo. I'm guessing that this is normal...that is, any way you are grieving is normal. You suffered a huge loss and it's going to take a lot of time for you to get over it (as much as any of us ever do). Especially since you didn't...

Hi Pam, It's strange how so many of us lost loved ones at around the same time. My mom passed away peacefully on Feb 25. It was great that you could be with your sister at the end, as I was with my mom. May you be comforted in your grief. I know Mom's in a better place but I miss her so much...

Hi Paula-Jane, Sounds like you also did right by your mom. It's very hard to know you did the right thing at the end, because you never want to lose your mom. But giving her release from suffering was a great gift. Best wishes, Witzz

My mom passed away 2/25. She was diagnosed on 6/25/2007 so she lasted exactly 7 months from diagnosis. However, she had been having symptoms for at least 6 months before that; it just took a while to find the right doctor and get the right tests. Even so, the disease hit her hard and progressed...

Mom is gone 2/25 Hi all, Thanks so much for your words of support, once again. Mom did die, in the morning on 2/25. She was courageous to the last. By last Thursday sometime, she was sedated and then we believe she slipped into a coma at some point, but we kept giving her meds to make sure...

Hi all, just a quick update...Mom is still with us but just barely. For the first few days, she was awake enough to be out in the living room receiving guests, and a lot of people came...but as she wound down, so did the company (which was a good thing) and now things are fairly quiet. Mom is...

Hi all, Thanks for your words of support and wisdom on the question of stopping eating. My mom weighed all of her options and decided to stop eating. She hasn't had anything to eat or drink since Tuesday night. My partner and our little girl are here with me at my mom's, and my brother and...

Hi Dadsgirl, I, too, wondered how to stay strong for my mom and not just cry whenever I was with her. But now I'm finding it hard to show her how I feel. I think it's important to do both. You want your dad to know how much he means to you and so you need to let the feelings show, but then, you...