end of life

My fathers doctor has not recommended it. He is in the beginning stages of the disease. My dad is on the fence about taking it saying he has not read anything good about it. I know the side effects can be bad, but are YOU taking it, and if so has it helped in your opinion? At what stage of...

Some months ago someone posted a link to an article about "100 simple things" worth living for. Below is a link to a lengthier story of his life (Martin Welsh M.D.) with ALS. The Sacramento Bee, Friday, November 13, 2009, “A dying doctor savors simple joys and crosses off his final '100 things'...

Hi all, I must say that I truly appreciate the people who have responded to my posts the past two weeks. I am faced with a poor prognosis, and have been told by one of my doctors, that I MUST have my Advance Directive filled out before I go back on my chemotherapy, which is in three weeks...

I think my mom is nearing the end of her struggle. Up until last week, I was working full time as a teacher and then caring for her the rest of the time. I was lucky enough to find a young woman to be with her during the day while I was at school for the last few weeks. But by the time I...

I’m new, posting on behalf of my father as well as myself. He is 85 years old, with the usual plethora of problems that many people of his age have. He thinks he may have ALS. In fact he has been in hospice care for a partial intestinal obstruction related to surgery for colon cancer decades...

My latest column and two new videos were posted today. Here's the link: http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_5516529 The first video deals with hope. I also talk about Ben Byer's documentary "Indestructible" which debuted earlier this month at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose. The...

Hi, my name's Kate - I'm a third year medical student in the UK and I'm currently working on a project looking at attitudes and ethical concerns in the use of ventilation / withdrawal of ventilation among patients with ALS. I know this is a very difficult issue and would be very grateful for any...

Hi there, My brother was just recently diagnosed with ALS. He also has a spinal cord injury, so has been disabled for a long time now, and it's possible the symptoms were masked by his other medical problems. He has listed me as his healthcare proxy... originally, in his previous living...

Hi there, I am a caregiver and am wondering if anyone knows what drug has been useful to alleviate severe leg cramping or spasms during end of life?Morphine seems to be not very effective. Baclofen is already in use but not effective either. Thanks