Never thought I would be here

Where to start...my mother (late 70's) was diagnosed with spinal stenosis a few years ago, which she has surgury to correct. Her symptoms at the time were foot drop, and she had a fall. At the time she was using a walker. Her condition didn't seem to improve following surgury. Eventually she ended up in a wheel chair. Over the last year she has had a few stays at a rehab hospital....presently she is back at home. She recently had an EMG test, and the results were...well, I'm here. We are in the progress of getting lab work sent to another specialist with the hope that it could be something else. This is all still fresh on my mind...I got this news last night. Let's just say this was not an easy day. She doesn't know the results yet....we (brothers/sister) want to make sure before we break the news....how do you tell somebody they have ALS? I guess I'm not looking for an answer to that question...not much more to say.
Thanks for listening.

Mcapm, let me tell you-- you've found the right place for words of comfort and words of wisdom from people who are like yourself-- never thinking they'd be here.

mcamp, so sorry to hear this. You're right, it is three letters that no one on this planet wants to hear. I hope the docs will come up with something else. Please take some time in hunting around this forum for insight, inspiration, understanding, acknowledgment, validation, laughter (yes even laughter) and stories of hope. Its all here....one stop shopping! I pray for nothing but the best for your mom and your family.

mcamp, I hear you. My dad age 84 was diagnosed a year ago this month.It feels like someone has sucker punched you in the gut when you hear those words! You have come to the right place, the folks on this forum are great. My thoughts are with you and your family as you go down this road, heres hoping that there is another reason for her symptoms

Hello, I am new to these forums. My mom just turned 79 in December and was diagnosed with ALS in October. She had surgery on one of her hands for carpel tunnel , and then began the symptoms with speech problems, swallowing, and they diagnosed her with ARD, and after many other drs appts, I ended up with a second opinion with a Neurologists who gave us the sad news that it was ALS. There was no easy way for her and my Dad who is 82 to accept this news. I feel blessed I have had the pleasure of having my parents on this earth for this long, but its never easy to watch them suffer. I feel for you and fully understand how you feel. Feel free to write to me if you wish to. Hang in there

So very sorry that you are having to deal with this but, you have come to a good place with people will listen and help you through.. Linda

Deb A and mcamp, welcome to our forum. So sorry you both had to find your way here. We all know what you are going through. I know how it felt to have my dad diagnosed with ALS. I would rather it had been cancer. But just try to remember that your loved one is not going to die tomorrow. There will be many challenges ahead, but now at least you have a handle on what to expect. And you never know, life can be fickle, you could get hit by a bus tomorrow who knows! Just let the information soak in, start learning about what you can do, but try to still live life to the fullest that you can. Hang in there both of you! We are all here for you!
Hugs, Blubear

Hi Bluebear, Thanks so much for you thoughtful words. It does help to know that you and others here understand the feelings I have during this time, watching my Mom deal with this awful disease. I feel that people in my life do not fully understand how I truly feel, because i think the only way to know this disease is to see it first hand. Yes, one day at a time is the only way to keep sane. For every good day i have with her, I feel blessed. Thank you again.

Hi Mcamp, How are you doing and have you received any new results regarding your Mom. I know how hard it is to go through that process, and hope that maybe they found something else wrong with your Mom, other than ALS. All you can do is take one day at a time, for now. Take care.

Mcamp - My Mom (79) went on a road trip in Oct 08, got off the car hurting badly from her lower back. In Feb 09 she fell and couldn't understand how or why. By Apr 09 her right foot was inverted. Was diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis and had surgery in June 09. Went through therapy, was doing everything she was supposed to, had another fall, and became terrified of even attempting to walk with a walker. In December she was worse and in a wheelchair. On Feb 9 the neurologist looked over the blood work, did the EMG/NCV, and took me out in the hallway and told me she has ALS. I had to go back in and act like nothing had happened. I couldn't tell her, still haven't. Every day she seems worse. Her voice is going. She has a lot of anxiety and is sometimes inconsolable. She is suffering so much. I know she senses this is bad but the family hasn't received the second opinion/diagnosis yet. I keep hoping, keep praying and wishing that the doc was wrong. I keep telling myself that we've gotta take this a day at a time. I just want my Mom back.

MMuse, welcome to our forum. I am so sorry about your moms diagnosis. I pray the 2nd opinion finds something else besides ALS. You are right to take this one day at a time. Hang in there and PLEASE keep us posted! I will be praying for you!
Hugs, Blu