I just wanted to say a couple things about my grandma, who is by far, the greatest woman i know. We have had feeling for a month or 2 that she has als, but we were just given the diagnosis yesterday. this is such a hard concept for me to grasp. My grandma has been a national ballroom champion, a business owner, a jet-setter and a go-getter. A DANCER for gods sake! She's lived a life that has depended on her legs. 6 months ago she was dancing in a show, amazing all her friends at the seniors center, now she's in an electric wheelchair. It scares me how fast this horrible disease is taking over her body. I feel so selfish to even think of how hard this is for me when i know it must be 10 times worse for her. To go from being such an independant person to now needed someone to help you to the bathroom and in and out of bed. She has always been the most amazing woman and my idol. To see her stuck in that chair, it doesnt even seem like who ive grown up with. I would have never pictured this.
I guess im writing here b/c i dont really have any place to vent. My friends dont understand and its hard for me to to talk to my mom. She has been so amazing with my grandma and is so strong for her. But then she comes home and breaks down to me, and i try to be the strong one for her. I just dont think im strong enough to be the strong one. Im in my second year of university and live away from home. Im having a hard time at school so far with this on my mind and i feel awful for not being home enough to spend time with my grandma.
Another thing that is contantly on my mind is - what if i have to go through this all over again with my mom? As i've read through all these postings, no one has mentioned it. In nearly 10% of the cases, als is hereditary. I know there is some test that can determine if you have the specific gene that can pass this along. Has anyone taking that test? What an awful thing to go through. Watching a loved one die of this disease, then waiting for another, or even yourself.
i think i've passed my quota for ranting and raving today lol. its nice to have somewhere to unload and to know that most ppl here are feeling the same things. This is the hardest thing ive ever gone through. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
- Lin
I guess im writing here b/c i dont really have any place to vent. My friends dont understand and its hard for me to to talk to my mom. She has been so amazing with my grandma and is so strong for her. But then she comes home and breaks down to me, and i try to be the strong one for her. I just dont think im strong enough to be the strong one. Im in my second year of university and live away from home. Im having a hard time at school so far with this on my mind and i feel awful for not being home enough to spend time with my grandma.
Another thing that is contantly on my mind is - what if i have to go through this all over again with my mom? As i've read through all these postings, no one has mentioned it. In nearly 10% of the cases, als is hereditary. I know there is some test that can determine if you have the specific gene that can pass this along. Has anyone taking that test? What an awful thing to go through. Watching a loved one die of this disease, then waiting for another, or even yourself.
i think i've passed my quota for ranting and raving today lol. its nice to have somewhere to unload and to know that most ppl here are feeling the same things. This is the hardest thing ive ever gone through. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
- Lin
