shadowlynn
New member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2017
- Messages
- 2
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Diagnosis
- 12/2017
- Country
- US
- State
- Iowa
- City
- Des Moines
My younger brother was just diagnosed last week after having seen several physicians to rule out stroke, cancer, etc. The neurologist he first saw detected nerve damage but didn't give him any additional referral or information. He was eventually referred to another neurologist in Iowa City, IA who ran some additional tests. He gave my brother a diagnosis of ALS but gave him NO information at all about the disease, progress, nothing. He is slightly mentally impaired so he had no idea of what to ask in regards to questions. When he told me the diagnosis I knew instantly what it meant. Since this jerk in IA City didn't give him any additional info or seem to care about follow-up at all, do you think it would be wise to get a second opinion? His left hand/arm are contracted, right side becoming so. Weakness in both arms and legs. Gait is unsteady. Some slurred speech. He thinks if he can just get therapy he'll get better. His primary doctor moved so I got him an appointment to see another MD tomorrow afternoon who is aware of the ALS diagnosis. We are trying to collect all of his medical records for the past two years for review. Any other suggestions at this point in the game? I feel so helpless!