Confused

My brother was diagnosed with ALS just over a year ago. The first symptom, a drop foot, started in February 2012. Final diagnosis was CIPD with underlying ALS. We had a big scare in July when he contracted pneumonia. We almost lost him then but the ALS/pulmonary specialist pulled him through. She was wonderful! My question is this: since he has come home (with a JEG), he has put on weight, started PT again, and has actually started building muscle! You can feel the strength and muscles in his arms and legs! Is this possible with ALS? I know I'm grasping at straws and heaven knows I don't know enough about this dreadful disease. But I keep thinking maybe?

don't think its new muscle, just adding strength to remaining muscle. don't push past what can easily be done or you can tear down muscle that may not repair. consider using supplement monohydrate creatine

I'm sure you are right about rebuilding muscles that were still there. But he's building muscle in arms and legs that weren't there six months ago. He couldn't walk six feet then and is now walking 50 feet or more. His voice is stronger and he's actually getting a little muscle control in his left arm and hand. Could all that be just from PT?

Just putting on the weight could be helping him. but if you think he is rebuilding muscle, you need to look at the original diagnosis. is he a patient at an ALS clinic? He should go in for an appt. and see what they say. they are the experts --but the answer is no, you can not rebuild muscles that have been lost to ALS. If there was any chance that he did not have ALS--go for it!

good luck