Bad Balance
I am a 72 year-old female and was diagnosed with PLS in August, 2011 after approximately two years of trying to find out what was causing my problems. My spasticity and general weakness has progressed at a rapid rate during the past year. A year ago, I could walk without assistance most of the time, although I had to be careful because of foot drop and poor balance. I then started using a cane and now have to use a walker full time.
I am interested in your comments about baseline numbers. I have been told I am strong, but the only tests that have been done are gripping hands and pushing with arms and legs as the doctor holds the limb to create resistance. Does your neuro use some sort of machine that puts a number on strength?
I now realize that I may have had some symptoms for years, but the disease did not become problematic until I had a severe bout of flu which may have been H1N1. When PLS did attack, it was as if all the areas of my body where I had ever experienced difficulty suddenly became nearly inoperable. The bulbar muscles have been severely affected, and I am rapidly losing the ability to speak. In approximately 2 1/2 years, I have gone from being a realitively healthy person with very few limitations to a disabled person requiring assistance with every day tasks.
Has anyone had a similar experience with sudden onset?