My original neurologist who left me to move to Houston back in May always thought that I was losing my balance and mobility due to a drug I was taking that was very important to me. She diagnosed me with parkinsonism. The last time I saw her she was perplexed that I was not getting any better, after I stopped taking the drug in December, instead I kept getting worse. She just thought it was something unknown. But fortunately after she left I got referred to the neurology department at Emory and finally got my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with PLS (primary lateral sclerosis) by a neuromuscular neurologist down there. But then I finally saw my neuromuscular neurologist in Greenville in November and he diagnosed me with ALS.
The doctor in Atlanta does not dispute that.
PLS is less severe and slower progressing. ALS as you all know is scary and sad. Maybe live 2 years after the diagnosis. And I think part of the reason for the diagnosis is I tested positive on the genetics test which is rare. I know my grandfather had some disabilities but it is too late to find out more.
I struggle to walk with a walker. I fall a lot. The fire department is well aware of how to get to our house. Fortunately they are close by. I'm in a wheelchair for appointments.
But I take things day by day. I still have pleasures. Clemson athletics are obviously high up there. You all know about my darlin' daughter. She is my gameday sidekick. She has a caregiver that takes care of me some as well. I need a lot of help. And of course my wife takes care of me too even though she still works . But she is going to retire soon . Also I do physical therapy everyday. (My PT guy who comes to see me every week is a Tiger through and through.)
Fortunately there are clinics and groups out there to provide help for ALS patients.
My wife and I are expecting a grandson, our first grandchild, in February. My goal is to hold him and then hold on long enough to see him smile.
I can answer questions if you have some. Likes and Loves are welcome, not so much the sad faces.
(One day I will lose my voice and my right hand is getting stiff so who knows how long you will have the pleasure of my witty comments and music and stories.☺️)
And thank you Tigers for last night!
The doctor in Atlanta does not dispute that.
PLS is less severe and slower progressing. ALS as you all know is scary and sad. Maybe live 2 years after the diagnosis. And I think part of the reason for the diagnosis is I tested positive on the genetics test which is rare. I know my grandfather had some disabilities but it is too late to find out more.
I struggle to walk with a walker. I fall a lot. The fire department is well aware of how to get to our house. Fortunately they are close by. I'm in a wheelchair for appointments.
But I take things day by day. I still have pleasures. Clemson athletics are obviously high up there. You all know about my darlin' daughter. She is my gameday sidekick. She has a caregiver that takes care of me some as well. I need a lot of help. And of course my wife takes care of me too even though she still works . But she is going to retire soon . Also I do physical therapy everyday. (My PT guy who comes to see me every week is a Tiger through and through.)
Fortunately there are clinics and groups out there to provide help for ALS patients.
My wife and I are expecting a grandson, our first grandchild, in February. My goal is to hold him and then hold on long enough to see him smile.
I can answer questions if you have some. Likes and Loves are welcome, not so much the sad faces.
(One day I will lose my voice and my right hand is getting stiff so who knows how long you will have the pleasure of my witty comments and music and stories.☺️)
And thank you Tigers for last night!
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