Eacz60
Member
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2013
- Messages
- 11
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 02/2013
- Country
- CA
- State
- Ontario
- City
- Campbellville
Hello, I have been reading posts for a few months without officially registering. Well today I decided to register and introduce myself and actively participate. :smile:
I was officially diagnosed with ALS this past February at Sunnybrook in Toronto. I've spotted some fellow Canadians while browsing through posts. Any Ontario folks also at Sunnybrook?
Like many of you, the diagnosis came after many blood tests, multiple MRIs, lumbar puncture, Nerve conduction test and EMG and many tears and anxiety. I first starting seeing a neurologist in March 2012. First symptoms, tripping, stubbing toes, lagging leg began in July 2011. Thought I was just clumsy but by November 2011 I was falling, limping and couldn't get up from a crouching position.
Just to add insult to injury my annual mammogram was suspicious. I had breast cancer in 2002 followed by a mastectomy and chemo. The suspicious lesions were in my good breast. Anyway long story short, I ended up with another mastectomy in April 2012 followed by reconstruction in May. No cancer! I elected for the mastectomy because of my history and surgery was required anyway to remove 3 pre-cancerous lesions. Figured it was the best decision for me. My mother died of breast cancer at the age of 44. I was first diagnosed at 41 and my younger sister was also diagnosed at 41. She also underwent a double mastectomy in January of 2012. As you can imagine, my issues with my weak leg and limping took a backseat until my surgeries were complete.
From June 2012 until now, I've progressed from a cane to a walker and use a wheelchair outside the house . Took a bad fall last October and broke my wrist. Just got AFOs yesterday. All limbs are now effected and fingers are curling. No bulbar symptoms to date.
I struggle with facing my mortality and the impact this is having on my family. I am losing all independence and need help with eating, hygiene, toileting, getting up etc etc. I am overcome with anxiety and having my husband and children watch me deteriorate. I am using an iPad mini (a Mother's Day gift from my kids) and 1 finger to type this and to surf the internet. Laptops are too heavy and can't control mousepad. Just another reminder of how my mobility and motor skills have declined.
Sorry for the novel-length intro. Somehow makes me feel better to document my journey. Hoping to make new friends and help others along the way. Thank you for 'listening' and the support to date as I have silently been reading for months.
Evelyn
I was officially diagnosed with ALS this past February at Sunnybrook in Toronto. I've spotted some fellow Canadians while browsing through posts. Any Ontario folks also at Sunnybrook?
Like many of you, the diagnosis came after many blood tests, multiple MRIs, lumbar puncture, Nerve conduction test and EMG and many tears and anxiety. I first starting seeing a neurologist in March 2012. First symptoms, tripping, stubbing toes, lagging leg began in July 2011. Thought I was just clumsy but by November 2011 I was falling, limping and couldn't get up from a crouching position.
Just to add insult to injury my annual mammogram was suspicious. I had breast cancer in 2002 followed by a mastectomy and chemo. The suspicious lesions were in my good breast. Anyway long story short, I ended up with another mastectomy in April 2012 followed by reconstruction in May. No cancer! I elected for the mastectomy because of my history and surgery was required anyway to remove 3 pre-cancerous lesions. Figured it was the best decision for me. My mother died of breast cancer at the age of 44. I was first diagnosed at 41 and my younger sister was also diagnosed at 41. She also underwent a double mastectomy in January of 2012. As you can imagine, my issues with my weak leg and limping took a backseat until my surgeries were complete.
From June 2012 until now, I've progressed from a cane to a walker and use a wheelchair outside the house . Took a bad fall last October and broke my wrist. Just got AFOs yesterday. All limbs are now effected and fingers are curling. No bulbar symptoms to date.
I struggle with facing my mortality and the impact this is having on my family. I am losing all independence and need help with eating, hygiene, toileting, getting up etc etc. I am overcome with anxiety and having my husband and children watch me deteriorate. I am using an iPad mini (a Mother's Day gift from my kids) and 1 finger to type this and to surf the internet. Laptops are too heavy and can't control mousepad. Just another reminder of how my mobility and motor skills have declined.
Sorry for the novel-length intro. Somehow makes me feel better to document my journey. Hoping to make new friends and help others along the way. Thank you for 'listening' and the support to date as I have silently been reading for months.
Evelyn