ALS motor neuron disease

[pippylongstocking]

Hello , I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and am still coming to terms with the news , but will face it head on . I have difficulty swallowing and speech is slurred and slushy . The dribbling is becoming worse , is there  anything I should be doing to help this ? Also as I already have COPD I have trouble breathing when I accidently aspirate . x

[pippylongstocking]

Is anyone going to answer me or has my question been ignored :-(

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I must admire your spirit, please keep it up.
It is important to remember that some patients with ALS have arrested curse of the disease which means the disease progression stops after some time. These patients are able to carry with their daily activities without support.
These patients have a good prognosis and are generally quite young at the time of diagnosis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALS_Association

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/detail_amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.htm

Hope this helps!

[howe0202]

Thanks for this, She saw the GP last wednesday and he just told me to give her paracetamol and watch her. The stuttering has only started in the last two days.  She is a confident girl and has no problems at school, top grades all way through,  Cant understand it.  I have mada another appointment with the GP but cant see him till wednesday 8th April

[pippylongstocking]

Thank you so much for your reply , I do appreciate it and find it very helpful .
I'm 53 , and was seen today for the first time by my rehab care team doctor who is
going to arrange physio , speech therapy , and occupational therapy , as well as a personal alarm . I will indeed keep up my spirits and will take each day as it comes and grab it by the horns :-D x