blueallieboo
New member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2006
- Messages
- 5
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Country
- CA
- State
- Nova Scotia
- City
- Sydney
My name is Alyson and my father has recently been diagnosed - sort of. He told us over supper on Sunday that this is what his doctor expected he had. We, as a family, had an appointment with his neurologist yesterday where we were told that pending an MRI, the doctor is sure that the reasons for my father's weakness is ALS - no other explanation has been found for his symptoms.
This is all new and scary news for my three sisters and I. The oldest, being an RN in LTC facility is taking it the hardest. The next one is researching like crazy and the next is avoiding. Personally, I feel like a deer in headlights and the only thing I can really think of is that I have to take a lot of pictures because my youngest may not remember (she's 6 months old) and my oldest (3), I just don't want her to forget. I'm also preoccupied with finding my father people that he can relate to -- that either have the disease or know someone who does.
The thing that is weighing on us the most is how to tell the grandchildren. The oldest is 16 and we're sure she'll be fine but telling three more, ages 6, 3 and 6 months is going to be difficult. Well, my 6 month old is obviously not something I have to worry about telling. I know to take it slow, let them see when we are upset so they know that it's okay to show emotion. I know not to tell them the end result and to take it one step at a time but what kind of words do you use and what questions should we expect?
I'm lost here and hurt that we have to tell these kids, who adore their Grampie is ill but I just want to know what to expect.
Thanks....sorry this was so long, it felt good to talk.
This is all new and scary news for my three sisters and I. The oldest, being an RN in LTC facility is taking it the hardest. The next one is researching like crazy and the next is avoiding. Personally, I feel like a deer in headlights and the only thing I can really think of is that I have to take a lot of pictures because my youngest may not remember (she's 6 months old) and my oldest (3), I just don't want her to forget. I'm also preoccupied with finding my father people that he can relate to -- that either have the disease or know someone who does.
The thing that is weighing on us the most is how to tell the grandchildren. The oldest is 16 and we're sure she'll be fine but telling three more, ages 6, 3 and 6 months is going to be difficult. Well, my 6 month old is obviously not something I have to worry about telling. I know to take it slow, let them see when we are upset so they know that it's okay to show emotion. I know not to tell them the end result and to take it one step at a time but what kind of words do you use and what questions should we expect?
I'm lost here and hurt that we have to tell these kids, who adore their Grampie is ill but I just want to know what to expect.
Thanks....sorry this was so long, it felt good to talk.