Chameleon
Member
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2010
- Messages
- 14
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 04/2010
- Country
- CA
- State
- BC
- City
- Campbell River
Hi everyone...
I've been lurking in the ALS forum since before I was diagnosed in April 2010 to see what the scoop was on ALS. I've got the picture now and don't like it much, but there's no use complaining.
At this point, I'm still walking and talking, so I consider myself fortunate. I've had symptoms for almost 2 years now, starting with weakness in my neck, which has progressed to my limbs. I've had the "industrial diagnosis" from G.F. Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and since May have been seeing a naturopath to get a clearer picture of my situation - body chemistry, food sensitivities, amino acid levels, etc. so that we can devise a more personal approach and do what we can to slow the progress.
We sold our home (with stairs) in the Spring and moved to our island cabin where we'll stay until the weather gets ugly in early November. A manager is running my graphic & web design business and I'm free to work on my health, so my days are taken up doing research and exploring options that might be helpful. I'm not a doctor, so a lot of what I find is over my head. I am following a course of chelation therapy and am taking supplements to strengthen the liver which is often implicated in chronic illness. I find a lot of peace in meditation, positive visualization, painting and art and colour therapy.
I also stay in touch with many family members and lots of friends. Telling them about my diagnosis was such a hard thing to do but over the last few months, we have gotten over our tears, put the fears aside and are seeing each other as often as we can and staying in touch by email and phone. I've been so happy to be in close touch with my parents again. My two grown kids are doing well and life is good - as far as it goes. My husband is stoic as they come, a great support, never lets me get into feeling sorry for myself and brings a great sense of humour. i've never laughed at myself so much!
I'm not looking forward to being less mobile or not being able to talk. I'm sure many of you have been where I am... Thanks in advance for being there as I follow you on this path. I hope, as I'm sure all PALS do - especially in the early stages, that I can figure out some way to escape what's been said to inevitable. I'm trying a few things and if they help I'll be letting you know.
I've been lurking in the ALS forum since before I was diagnosed in April 2010 to see what the scoop was on ALS. I've got the picture now and don't like it much, but there's no use complaining.
At this point, I'm still walking and talking, so I consider myself fortunate. I've had symptoms for almost 2 years now, starting with weakness in my neck, which has progressed to my limbs. I've had the "industrial diagnosis" from G.F. Strong Rehab Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and since May have been seeing a naturopath to get a clearer picture of my situation - body chemistry, food sensitivities, amino acid levels, etc. so that we can devise a more personal approach and do what we can to slow the progress.
We sold our home (with stairs) in the Spring and moved to our island cabin where we'll stay until the weather gets ugly in early November. A manager is running my graphic & web design business and I'm free to work on my health, so my days are taken up doing research and exploring options that might be helpful. I'm not a doctor, so a lot of what I find is over my head. I am following a course of chelation therapy and am taking supplements to strengthen the liver which is often implicated in chronic illness. I find a lot of peace in meditation, positive visualization, painting and art and colour therapy.
I also stay in touch with many family members and lots of friends. Telling them about my diagnosis was such a hard thing to do but over the last few months, we have gotten over our tears, put the fears aside and are seeing each other as often as we can and staying in touch by email and phone. I've been so happy to be in close touch with my parents again. My two grown kids are doing well and life is good - as far as it goes. My husband is stoic as they come, a great support, never lets me get into feeling sorry for myself and brings a great sense of humour. i've never laughed at myself so much!
I'm not looking forward to being less mobile or not being able to talk. I'm sure many of you have been where I am... Thanks in advance for being there as I follow you on this path. I hope, as I'm sure all PALS do - especially in the early stages, that I can figure out some way to escape what's been said to inevitable. I'm trying a few things and if they help I'll be letting you know.
