jimmybob
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2009
- Messages
- 36
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 10/2006
- Country
- US
- State
- florida
- City
- plant city
i joined the site last week and want to share my story. I am a 53 yo white male, husband, father of 2, 11+ year veteran of the US Army (helicopter pilot) with duty assignments in Egypt and Korea, and 10 years as a pharmaceutical sales rep. I played sports all my life and maintained my physical fitness throughout my life. When i wasn't playing sports, I was working in the yard or repairing/building something, or fishing.
In Jan 06 I noticed muscle fasciculations (visible and felt) in my right forearm. During my annual physical in Feb the fasciculations had spread to my biceps/triceps, pectorals, and lats on both sides. I discussed this with my doctor and since there was no sign of muscle weakness he determined that i had Benign Fasciculation Syndrome.
My fasciculations became more intense throughout my upper body over the next 7 months, but no obvious indication of weakness. In mid Sep 06 I noticed a change in my speech, specifically my tongue felt heavy. I called my friend, a neurologist I called on for 8 years.
On 2 Oct 06 a full physical neuro work up was done, to include MRI of brain and cervical spine, both of which were unremarkable. On 4 Oct, nerve conduction and EMG tests were done. My friend had that look on his face that no doctor wants to have. I said "go ahead, confirm what I already know", it wasn't easy for my friend to say those three letters, ALS. It was a long drive home from my sales territory.
The first noticeable weakness occured in late Feb 07 (had to hit 9 iron instead of pitching wedge). As of today I am in a powerchair, can't use my hands, arms or walk. My speech is nearly unintelligable, but I can still swallow liquids and solid food. I can stand on my own if someone helps me stand up.
The ALSA, VA, Hospice, family, and friends have provided support, equipment, counseling, and medical care. After reading many posts on this forum, I realize that care is as diverse as this disease. I will try to give whatever information or advice in order to make care giving a less painful experience for all.
In Jan 06 I noticed muscle fasciculations (visible and felt) in my right forearm. During my annual physical in Feb the fasciculations had spread to my biceps/triceps, pectorals, and lats on both sides. I discussed this with my doctor and since there was no sign of muscle weakness he determined that i had Benign Fasciculation Syndrome.
My fasciculations became more intense throughout my upper body over the next 7 months, but no obvious indication of weakness. In mid Sep 06 I noticed a change in my speech, specifically my tongue felt heavy. I called my friend, a neurologist I called on for 8 years.
On 2 Oct 06 a full physical neuro work up was done, to include MRI of brain and cervical spine, both of which were unremarkable. On 4 Oct, nerve conduction and EMG tests were done. My friend had that look on his face that no doctor wants to have. I said "go ahead, confirm what I already know", it wasn't easy for my friend to say those three letters, ALS. It was a long drive home from my sales territory.
The first noticeable weakness occured in late Feb 07 (had to hit 9 iron instead of pitching wedge). As of today I am in a powerchair, can't use my hands, arms or walk. My speech is nearly unintelligable, but I can still swallow liquids and solid food. I can stand on my own if someone helps me stand up.
The ALSA, VA, Hospice, family, and friends have provided support, equipment, counseling, and medical care. After reading many posts on this forum, I realize that care is as diverse as this disease. I will try to give whatever information or advice in order to make care giving a less painful experience for all.
