New member to the forum
Hi, my name is Mike and I'm from Toronto. My 72 year grandmother was rushed to the hospital last December not breathing. Today, she is in a continual pallative care center, where she lives with ALS, as many of you are living with or through as well. Before the incident came to that ambulance called night, my grandmother lost considerable weight, was droopy, and constantly coughing. No doctors could pick up her symptoms, where it wasn't until the Dr. Cashman of Sunnybrook diagnosed my grandmother with ALS two months into her stay, which was at St MIkes Hospital at the time. It was very hard on me the first months due to SARS, and not being able to see her for 1 MONTH AND A HALF, as I was accustomed to visiting her nearly every day after school. The center now is a great place, and very hospitable, but as it is with ALS, you can not be treated for it. ALS has taken hold right now of her externalities like fingers and toes, but has hit her lungs the hardest. Her mind is still sharp however, and writes notes to us if we are unable to understand her due to the trach pipe and the such. This message is only a condensed explanation of experiencing a loved one affected with ALS, but feels good to express some of feelings since ALS is such a misunderstood disease. I intend to become part of the society in the near future, for I now realize what many people go through. It is a disease that is more common than we think, but the most difficult to see in its pre-formative stages. Take care everyone, and I will keep all those who are experiencing ALS in some way in my prayers.
hi I just recently joined this website, my younger brother (39) was diagnosed with ALS this past year. He is deterating so fast, in one year he has no use of any of his limbs, he can move his head and neck only, he is confined to an electric wheelchair all day for his comfort, he is choking constantly on his food, I was his caregiver for the past five months, but he recently moved to his own apartment with a live in caregiver. We have lost touch 
he seems to want to die alone only with few people around him I am very confused and sad and feel very useless. From at one time careing for his needs night and day to now not seeing him at all is very confusing and I feel so sad. I have to respect his choices but sometimes feel angry at the way things are. I am going to see him this week and perhaps for the last time give him a hug and kiss him goodbye. I wish to work for the ALS society to somehow feel included in this very cruel disease. I will contact our local chapter to see how I may be of service. thanks and good luck to all the PALS out there and their families.
