grp_believes_in_God
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2006
- Messages
- 24
Dear members,
My father was diagnosed with ALS a few days back which came as a big shock. I had vaguely heard of this disease but never thought I would have to deal with it some day. I am so depressed right now after reading about what it does to the patient in the later stages. My father seems to be downplaying it right now as he is generally a positive person. He wants me to just get over it and leave it to God. Currently he has speech difficulties (which is what took him to the doc) and sometimes his thumb doesn't have enough strength to do tasks like opening a lock. Also he has lost some weight in past few weeks and his limbs seem to be a little thinner. I was shocked to see how these symptoms match the ones mentioned in ALS websites. For now, he seems to be doing fine as he can walk a good distance and does all of his activities.
This forums looks like a good place to look for support. I am quite confused as to how to cope with this news. Should I look for second opinion, do more tests?. He has done EMG which turned out positive. Are there other tests to rule out other diseases? I would really appreciate if someone can give me advice on what I should do or expect in the weeks to come. I love my father and want him to live long enough. What is the typical rate of progression? How long before the patient cannot live on his own? Please, if somebody can give me some advice and consolation I would be grateful.
Thank you.
My father was diagnosed with ALS a few days back which came as a big shock. I had vaguely heard of this disease but never thought I would have to deal with it some day. I am so depressed right now after reading about what it does to the patient in the later stages. My father seems to be downplaying it right now as he is generally a positive person. He wants me to just get over it and leave it to God. Currently he has speech difficulties (which is what took him to the doc) and sometimes his thumb doesn't have enough strength to do tasks like opening a lock. Also he has lost some weight in past few weeks and his limbs seem to be a little thinner. I was shocked to see how these symptoms match the ones mentioned in ALS websites. For now, he seems to be doing fine as he can walk a good distance and does all of his activities.
This forums looks like a good place to look for support. I am quite confused as to how to cope with this news. Should I look for second opinion, do more tests?. He has done EMG which turned out positive. Are there other tests to rule out other diseases? I would really appreciate if someone can give me advice on what I should do or expect in the weeks to come. I love my father and want him to live long enough. What is the typical rate of progression? How long before the patient cannot live on his own? Please, if somebody can give me some advice and consolation I would be grateful.
Thank you.