JAKE
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2007
- Messages
- 110
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 11/2005
- Country
- US
- State
- Louisiana
- City
- Winnsboro
Since I'm new to this forum, I would like to give my story up to now and hopefully it won't be too long. First of all I want to make it clear I'm not looking for sympathy and on the other hand, by no means do I mean to be bragging about anything that I say. To the best of my knowledge, it all started a little over 4 years ago with me. I noticed when I picked my bow up to pull it back and practice before the season that I had lost some strength in my arm. I down played it to me being in my 40's and not doing any hard manual labor and thought I needed to work out and exercise some. After a period of several months I noticed I did'nt have the grip or pinch I should have between my thumb and index finger. My hands got progressively worse with me first noticing a muscle loss on top of my hands between the thumb and index finger, more noticeable on the right hand. Eventually I developed a wrist drop on my right hand and about 2 yrs later before I had the wrist drop on my left hand. After dealing with the initial symptoms for about 2 yrs, in Sept. of 2005, I went to a general neurologist and had him check me out. He did blood work, MRI, EKG and EMG test. He decided to refer me to a nerve/muscle specialist in Houston, Tx. Went there in Nov. of 2005 and spent 2 days of testing, afterwards he said it appeared I had ALS, which he put "Probable" ALS in his report. I went on extended sick leave in Jan. 2006 due to legs weakening. A little over 4 yrs since experiencing initial symptoms, I can still walk, though not well, and not a long ways, can stand with no problem with my hand on something, just can't stand and balance myself. I have had no problem eating, no breathing problems or no problem talking, thanks be to the God of my salvation. I have muscle tone loss in my body, but at this time weakness in my legs are the biggest problem I have, which naturally the hands give me problems, but I'm still able to feed myself. I don't feel like I have completely lost use of any of my muscles. Maybe what I have said may help someone else or if anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Sorry about being long, I just felt like I needed to tell this. I want to say this in closing, I know that God has been with me through all this, he has gave me a peace of mind that surpasses all understanding. God is the reason why I'm still walking today, though not well, and to him I give all the praise and honor.