I am reluctantly a new member here. My dear mother, age 57, was diagnosed with ALS a few weeks ago and I was shocked at how casually the doctor mentioned it without any type of emotional preparation. Since then, we took a family vacation to Cuba and are waiting for our second specialist appointment at Sunnybrook.
It is very overwhelming to be online. There is so much information and much of it is contradictory.
My mother's neurologist said she had "mild als"...what does that mean?
So here are some of the things I would appreciate some advice on:
1. How credible is "Eric is Winning?" My mother has drawn a considerable amount of hope from reading his writings and is about to embark on getting hair analysis and cleaning her colon. She is drinking alkaline water (which she says has increased her energy) and started eating organic vegetables. Have any of you taken this route?
2. She has had symptoms of weakness in her right waist and right leg which challenge her in walking, especially stair climbing. However, she has not regressed significantly for the past year. Should we be in a rush to start the Rilutek or wait to see if things start to worsen?
3. What type of physical therapies will help her maintain her mobility (she is currently using a cane).
4. How does one balance optimism for a cure and preparing for an unknown reality?
5. I have watched my mom choke with horror twice and don't know how to help her when she is wheezing. What should bystanders do in this situation?
6. Are there any alternative doctors in the Toronto area familiar with dealing with ALS?
From what I gather, each person must personally design their own cocktail of western, spiritual and alternative healing practices to walk this journey of faith.
I do believe that love makes a huge difference and the bonding and praying my family has done together has certainly strengthened us a great deal during this time.
I see there is a lot of love and faith in this forum and I am so grateful for all of the courage and encouragement I have found amidst its pages.
Thank you,
Lily
It is very overwhelming to be online. There is so much information and much of it is contradictory.
My mother's neurologist said she had "mild als"...what does that mean?
So here are some of the things I would appreciate some advice on:
1. How credible is "Eric is Winning?" My mother has drawn a considerable amount of hope from reading his writings and is about to embark on getting hair analysis and cleaning her colon. She is drinking alkaline water (which she says has increased her energy) and started eating organic vegetables. Have any of you taken this route?
2. She has had symptoms of weakness in her right waist and right leg which challenge her in walking, especially stair climbing. However, she has not regressed significantly for the past year. Should we be in a rush to start the Rilutek or wait to see if things start to worsen?
3. What type of physical therapies will help her maintain her mobility (she is currently using a cane).
4. How does one balance optimism for a cure and preparing for an unknown reality?
5. I have watched my mom choke with horror twice and don't know how to help her when she is wheezing. What should bystanders do in this situation?
6. Are there any alternative doctors in the Toronto area familiar with dealing with ALS?
From what I gather, each person must personally design their own cocktail of western, spiritual and alternative healing practices to walk this journey of faith.
I do believe that love makes a huge difference and the bonding and praying my family has done together has certainly strengthened us a great deal during this time.
I see there is a lot of love and faith in this forum and I am so grateful for all of the courage and encouragement I have found amidst its pages.
Thank you,
Lily