kitbud
New member
- Joined
- May 11, 2016
- Messages
- 6
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 05/2016
- Country
- US
- State
- Maine
- City
- sherman
I've been kinda hiding in the background and reading all that I can from everyone here and have decided it's time to come out of hiding or more likely denial.
I was diagnosed in March of this year after a four day hospitalization that included several MRI's, numerous lab tests and an EMG. I started having difficulty raising my right arm above my shoulders to do my hair and so forth. I figured it was a nerve problem in my neck that I had about two years ago and started seeing the chiropractor with no benefit. About two weeks later I started having the same problem with my left arm. Two weeks after that I fell because my toe caught while walking across the lawn.
You know it's not good news when your at the hospital and the neurologist comes into the room and says to you and your husband, "let's go in the conference room and talk for a little bit," only to find out that when you get to the conference room all of the other doctors who have been doing testing are also there. I can honestly say I had a panic attack for the first time in my life.
Since that time in March I have been to Mass. Generals ALS clinic for a second opinion. Two weeks ago the diagnosis was confirmed after more testing including a second EMG and more blood tests. My arms now are very easily fatigued and even dinner plates feel like they weigh 10 pounds. I know that my leg is getting weaker but I am still able to walk but am wearing an AFO. When I lift either of my arms I can feel the muscles in my neck having to pull and help with lifting my arms.
I have my own business and am the primary wage earner because of my husband's own cardiac problems. My life has been turned upside down! That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I was diagnosed in March of this year after a four day hospitalization that included several MRI's, numerous lab tests and an EMG. I started having difficulty raising my right arm above my shoulders to do my hair and so forth. I figured it was a nerve problem in my neck that I had about two years ago and started seeing the chiropractor with no benefit. About two weeks later I started having the same problem with my left arm. Two weeks after that I fell because my toe caught while walking across the lawn.
You know it's not good news when your at the hospital and the neurologist comes into the room and says to you and your husband, "let's go in the conference room and talk for a little bit," only to find out that when you get to the conference room all of the other doctors who have been doing testing are also there. I can honestly say I had a panic attack for the first time in my life.
Since that time in March I have been to Mass. Generals ALS clinic for a second opinion. Two weeks ago the diagnosis was confirmed after more testing including a second EMG and more blood tests. My arms now are very easily fatigued and even dinner plates feel like they weigh 10 pounds. I know that my leg is getting weaker but I am still able to walk but am wearing an AFO. When I lift either of my arms I can feel the muscles in my neck having to pull and help with lifting my arms.
I have my own business and am the primary wage earner because of my husband's own cardiac problems. My life has been turned upside down! That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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