halfin
Senior member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2009
- Messages
- 540
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 08/2009
- Country
- US
- State
- CA
- City
- Santa Barbara
Hello, everyone! I was just diagnosed with ALS last week. I am still trying to get my head around all this. My main symptom at this time is slurred speech, but it's not too bad. Also I have been choking a little more often while eating, I have to be a bit careful; and I often have to cough a little after drinking water.
I wanted to ask about weight loss. I have been doing Weight Watchers for the last 2 1/2 years. I lost 40 pounds and have kept it off with difficulty. It seems strange to imagine having to keep from losing weight rather than struggling to keep from gaining weight.
What causes weight loss in PALS? Is it fear of coughing and choking that makes people stop eating so much, even though they are hungry? Or does your appetite go away, maybe as your muscles start to atrophy? Or maybe just general depression takes away the pleasure of eating?
I really like to eat and I wonder what is ahead for me on this difficult path. Thanks for any information and experience you can offer.
I wanted to ask about weight loss. I have been doing Weight Watchers for the last 2 1/2 years. I lost 40 pounds and have kept it off with difficulty. It seems strange to imagine having to keep from losing weight rather than struggling to keep from gaining weight.
What causes weight loss in PALS? Is it fear of coughing and choking that makes people stop eating so much, even though they are hungry? Or does your appetite go away, maybe as your muscles start to atrophy? Or maybe just general depression takes away the pleasure of eating?
I really like to eat and I wonder what is ahead for me on this difficult path. Thanks for any information and experience you can offer.