JohnMc
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2008
- Messages
- 50
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 10/2008
- Country
- US
- State
- AZ
- City
- Phoenix
Hello everyone,
I am trying to get some information on how ALS is diagnosed. As I understand it, ALS cannot be diagnosed in less than 6 months, and often takes longer than this. In these forums, I see people who are experiencing many symptoms of the disease, but who have not been officially diagnosed, yet.
My neurologist, who specializes in ALS, has told me that it is 70% likely that this is what I have. I will meet with the doctor later this week to discuss the results of spinal tap and spinal MRI, but I expect that it will still be many months before a diagnosis can occur.
For the last month or so, my level of fatigue has increased, and it is beginning to affect my work. My concern is that this will continue to get worse, and my job will be at risk.
I have seen the phrases 'possible ALS' and 'probable ALS'. My question is whether these terms have any official meaning. Do doctors 'diagnose' people with 'probable ALS' and if so, is this a condition that offers any ADA protections?
I am very worried about the possibility of losing my job (and my insurance) in the middle of a recession when I am not in the best shape to find another job (I can only imagine how my slurred speech would go over in a job interview).
How have other people dealt with similar situations?
Thanks,
John
I am trying to get some information on how ALS is diagnosed. As I understand it, ALS cannot be diagnosed in less than 6 months, and often takes longer than this. In these forums, I see people who are experiencing many symptoms of the disease, but who have not been officially diagnosed, yet.
My neurologist, who specializes in ALS, has told me that it is 70% likely that this is what I have. I will meet with the doctor later this week to discuss the results of spinal tap and spinal MRI, but I expect that it will still be many months before a diagnosis can occur.
For the last month or so, my level of fatigue has increased, and it is beginning to affect my work. My concern is that this will continue to get worse, and my job will be at risk.
I have seen the phrases 'possible ALS' and 'probable ALS'. My question is whether these terms have any official meaning. Do doctors 'diagnose' people with 'probable ALS' and if so, is this a condition that offers any ADA protections?
I am very worried about the possibility of losing my job (and my insurance) in the middle of a recession when I am not in the best shape to find another job (I can only imagine how my slurred speech would go over in a job interview).
How have other people dealt with similar situations?
Thanks,
John