adamfwilson
New member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2015
- Messages
- 6
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 04/2015
- Country
- US
- State
- OH - Ohio
- City
- Cincinnati
Hello All,
Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with ALS. It has been nearly 2 years since my symptoms started, very subtly in my right at first. I am 33 years old with a wife and a 5 year daughter. We are confident in my diagnosis, as I trust my doctors and we basically eliminated everything else. My symptoms fit as I have upper and lower motor neuron symptoms. I have a 2nd opinion set for May 18th at Cleveland Clinic.
I think I have a pretty slow progression as I can still can move my right arm (though slowly and stiffly), type with two fingers, and it has recently (3-4 months) started to affect my right leg. My left side is currently completely symptom free. But I have nothing to compare it to --- what do you guys think about my progression.
I am lucky as my wife has a Ph.D in Molecular and Developmental Biology -- and is therefore researching away! She has many contacts that study ALS or knows someone that studies ALS that we are leaning on. She is the smartest and best person I know. I worry a lot about what is in store for her and my daughter.
My wife and I are both "OK, now what" people -- so after a few days of grieving, we are on to figuring out what to do next. I also understand that there will be more grieving to come as I hit different milestones.
Last week I made the announcement to my family, at work, and then on Facebook. It was nice to hear the nice things people said. It was really hard to tell my bosses, as I really love my job and consider them my friends as well. I told them I would stay at work as long as physically possible. Telling my parents was the hardest though -- that really sucked. My family has been very supportive so far.
Anyway -- sorry for the rambling. I hope to get involved on here for the support...you guys are the only ones that know what is happening. It's important that we stick together!
Thanks again for reading. Let me know if you have any questions about myself or about my progression.
Adam
Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with ALS. It has been nearly 2 years since my symptoms started, very subtly in my right at first. I am 33 years old with a wife and a 5 year daughter. We are confident in my diagnosis, as I trust my doctors and we basically eliminated everything else. My symptoms fit as I have upper and lower motor neuron symptoms. I have a 2nd opinion set for May 18th at Cleveland Clinic.
I think I have a pretty slow progression as I can still can move my right arm (though slowly and stiffly), type with two fingers, and it has recently (3-4 months) started to affect my right leg. My left side is currently completely symptom free. But I have nothing to compare it to --- what do you guys think about my progression.
I am lucky as my wife has a Ph.D in Molecular and Developmental Biology -- and is therefore researching away! She has many contacts that study ALS or knows someone that studies ALS that we are leaning on. She is the smartest and best person I know. I worry a lot about what is in store for her and my daughter.
My wife and I are both "OK, now what" people -- so after a few days of grieving, we are on to figuring out what to do next. I also understand that there will be more grieving to come as I hit different milestones.
Last week I made the announcement to my family, at work, and then on Facebook. It was nice to hear the nice things people said. It was really hard to tell my bosses, as I really love my job and consider them my friends as well. I told them I would stay at work as long as physically possible. Telling my parents was the hardest though -- that really sucked. My family has been very supportive so far.
Anyway -- sorry for the rambling. I hope to get involved on here for the support...you guys are the only ones that know what is happening. It's important that we stick together!
Thanks again for reading. Let me know if you have any questions about myself or about my progression.
Adam