HI Red. I'm so sorry you've had to join us, but welcome. If you haven't already told your wife, let me echo what others have said and encourage you to do so. My husband received his diagnosis during his first appointment with the neurologist; his PCP had done all the preliminary work and we had no idea that he would receive any kind of diagnosis that day (ALS had never been mentioned). I hate that he was alone, but he says it was actually easier for him that way because he could focus on what he was hearing and not on my reaction. He told me as soon as he got home, and it was a blow, but I think it would have been harder knowing he'd been carrying that burden any longer by himself. Our (adult) children are hours away and one was about to deploy for eight months, so we had a group Skype. He couldn't do it, so I did, and it was probably the most difficult thing I've ever done. The thing is, you just have to say it. I still have trouble telling people (but can discuss it calmly afterwards), but it seems the quicker I do it the more likely I can get through it without tearing up. Again, because of time and distance hubby used Skype to tell his dad and one sibling, the rest received phone calls. Close , nearby friends heard in person, but most read a one-time only post on Facebook.
My heart goes out to you and your family. This is not a place anyone should have to be, but this forum has been a lifesaver for many. It's full of wonderful people who are uniquely equipped to offer support. Please stick around!
