suzannj
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2008
- Messages
- 121
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- NY
- City
- Buffalo
Hi Everyone,
I have been wondering a lot about this, and am hoping it's not too uncomfortable a topic, but if you can't ask a tough ALS question here then where can you? :smile:
It's about longevity. The 'average' survival time post-diagnosis is 3-5 years. But, is that only for PALS who do not opt for intervention such as feeding tubes, bi-pap and vents?
Is it at all accurate to say that if a PAL chooses to get a PEG tube, and then perhaps ultimately a ventillator that s/he can live indefinitely? (well, not forever but at least a more 'standard' life span than 3-5 years!)
Also, on a House repeat the other night, the main story was about a PAL. Dr. House didn't belive he had ALS and was administering different meds, etc. At one point he put his hand on the person's leg, and the patient said, "Wait! I felt that!" Which was the moment everyone realized he indeed did not have ALS. So, did they get that part wrong? I thought with ALS that even after you lost function of a body part, it wasn't truly paralyzed (as in no feeling at all) and that you can still feel people's touch, etc. ?
Thanks,
Suzann
I have been wondering a lot about this, and am hoping it's not too uncomfortable a topic, but if you can't ask a tough ALS question here then where can you? :smile:
It's about longevity. The 'average' survival time post-diagnosis is 3-5 years. But, is that only for PALS who do not opt for intervention such as feeding tubes, bi-pap and vents?
Is it at all accurate to say that if a PAL chooses to get a PEG tube, and then perhaps ultimately a ventillator that s/he can live indefinitely? (well, not forever but at least a more 'standard' life span than 3-5 years!)
Also, on a House repeat the other night, the main story was about a PAL. Dr. House didn't belive he had ALS and was administering different meds, etc. At one point he put his hand on the person's leg, and the patient said, "Wait! I felt that!" Which was the moment everyone realized he indeed did not have ALS. So, did they get that part wrong? I thought with ALS that even after you lost function of a body part, it wasn't truly paralyzed (as in no feeling at all) and that you can still feel people's touch, etc. ?
Thanks,
Suzann