My husband was diagnosed in Sep. He has limb onset and his legs have gone quickly...he can still walk but requires AFOs and a walker. He is 64. A veteran as well. His PFT yesterday was 58%. Can someone explain this to me? I got nowhere at the clinic. Thanks!
Michelle in Texas
hi michelle,
so our PALS have trouble with proper respiration. not only can they have trouble inhaling, they can also have trouble exchanging the oxygen and exhaling the CO2. The pulmonary function test (pft) measures the lungs capacity to perform their proper functions. Many PALS (people with ALS) require a machine to help improve that function. it is called a bipap. Your husband will likely need one and soon, i'm guessing. The CO2 build up can cause headaches and eventually serious problems with the brain.
this is a scholarly article that has a lot of acronyms for your information
http://internal.medicine.ufl.edu/files/2012/06/5.12.02-How-to-Interpret-Pulmonary-Function-Tests.pdf
I'm having a hell of a week. I feel cursed and unlike you guys who are being polite, i've got to rant and get it off my chest...(thank goodness for this forum).
In the course of 7 days:
We woke up to find blood EVERYWHERE in our bed. It was real Godfather-horse-head-in-the-bed-an-offer-you-can't-refuse type blood. Turns out, the CAT has inoperable breast cancer. The vet wanted to put her down right there in the office. My BF is bereft. The cat seems fine, otherwise, but left to her own devices she licks one of the tumors and cue crime scene photos. We took her home and bundled her up in a hand made cat onesie. I am giving her cannabis oil. Fingers crossed.
One of the dogs seems to have dislocated its front leg and keeps screaming. She won't eat. The other one can't stop scratching. I turned him over. He has a HUGE bald spot where he's chewed off his own hair.
I got a new doctor, whom I despise. Now I have to find another one.
I visited the chiropractor for my back and leg pain. An hour later I lost my sense of taste. He says it's not related, but...whatever. I have no sense of taste but bitter. Even water tastes repugnant. I've lost 8 lbs, but not in a good way.
My BF seems to be having some kind of nervous breakdown. Gone to bed for the last few days crippling drunk and spending the entire night thrashing. I can't do anything about it. I'm overwhelmed and upset
UPSIDE!
My cannabis plant experiment is suddenly going well and the plant shot up with new growth.
and
My son got 100 percent on his CALCULUS midterm! I'm so proud of my freshman!
sending out love and hugs to everyone. I'm trying guided meditation. It's supposed to be very effective. If it works i'm going to try it with Kathy.
<3 <3
jen
