 Heather Bridges I was 21 (1997) when I was diagnosed with A L S. It started in my hands, then my arms, it was several years later when my balance was effected. I used a walker for a long time. I've had many falls, brusies, carpet burns on my face & scraps, but no broken bones! 
This is a hard situation to be in, it doesn't just effect me. This type of disease effects everyone you know in different ways. It totally changes your life, financially, emotionally, mentally and more. I have to be feed and bathed, I depend on my husband and other family members for everything. It's depressing, but I try to be as positive as I can. No one is sure why this disease does what it does. Others that have it are effected differently. I went to North Carolina 3 times to see a specialist at their ALS Center, hoping for a different diagnoses, no luck. In April 2000 I had surgery. A baclofen pump was put in my right side. It pumps medicine directly into my spine. I had a bad reaction, it did the opposite of what it was suppose to do. Normally, it would relax my muscles, but it didn't work for me. I've had pneumonia twice, April 2004 and October 22nd 2004 and was in the hospital for 4 days. Later that night in my sleep i got choked and had to go to ER. 
June 2006 I had pneumonia again but caught it early... I did have a nurse for over a year but due to many problems I don't have one anymore. My husband (Bubba) and sister-in-law (Lisa) take care of me full time with help from other family members. I'm totally dependant on them for everything except for using the computer. The affects of ALS are devastating, depressing but I've accepted it and I'm content with my life! 
Links
HOPE FOR PALS ~ Links ~ Help stop ALS
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