tmasters
Senior member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2008
- Messages
- 532
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 08/2008
- Country
- US
- State
- California
- City
- Anaheim
I found this thread a couple days ago and thought I'd stop lurking and get on to introducing myself. I'm Tom. Hello!
I was diagnosed (I think) on January 23, waiting to get into UCLA for a 2nd opinion. My neurologist says it's some kind of Motor Nueoron Disease, and suspects ALS. This is based on the exam, blood work, an EMG, and a NCV. So frustrating how long it takes to get the second opinion, but I'm dealing with the hurdles of the insurance, etc.
I'm 51, have a wonderful wife which I'm especially thankful for NOW, 4 mostly grown kids, and a grand-baby on the way. :-D
My symptoms started last summer with leg cramps, weakness, especially the right leg. This was after taking Crestor for almost a year; I hope that didn't trigger it! I can still walk, though slowly. I've got the muscle twitches now--they keep me awake at night. It's starting in my right hand/arm, too.
Trying to keep a positive outlook. The first 3 weeks were horrible but my mental state of mind is much more accepting now. I'm still enjoying life and doing what I've always done, just being a little more careful that I don't waste time. I've got some trips planned.
So glad I found this site. There's so much interesting and valuable information here.
I guess if I had a question it would be about a wheelchair/walker. I don't need one (yet), but when I go to the mall or to Disneyland, or whatever, I just can't walk very far any more before my legs give up. I really don't want to sit in a wheelchair, but if it means the difference between sitting at home or going out, maybe it's better? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
-Tom
I was diagnosed (I think) on January 23, waiting to get into UCLA for a 2nd opinion. My neurologist says it's some kind of Motor Nueoron Disease, and suspects ALS. This is based on the exam, blood work, an EMG, and a NCV. So frustrating how long it takes to get the second opinion, but I'm dealing with the hurdles of the insurance, etc.
I'm 51, have a wonderful wife which I'm especially thankful for NOW, 4 mostly grown kids, and a grand-baby on the way. :-D
My symptoms started last summer with leg cramps, weakness, especially the right leg. This was after taking Crestor for almost a year; I hope that didn't trigger it! I can still walk, though slowly. I've got the muscle twitches now--they keep me awake at night. It's starting in my right hand/arm, too.
Trying to keep a positive outlook. The first 3 weeks were horrible but my mental state of mind is much more accepting now. I'm still enjoying life and doing what I've always done, just being a little more careful that I don't waste time. I've got some trips planned.
So glad I found this site. There's so much interesting and valuable information here.
I guess if I had a question it would be about a wheelchair/walker. I don't need one (yet), but when I go to the mall or to Disneyland, or whatever, I just can't walk very far any more before my legs give up. I really don't want to sit in a wheelchair, but if it means the difference between sitting at home or going out, maybe it's better? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
-Tom