Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Member
Joined: 1/27/2008 Posts: 57 Location: San Jose, California
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Just to give you one person's experience. Everyone reacts and progresses different. But, there are common threads and things one can learn and hopefully benefit from other PALS experiences. We certainly have, and because of others willingness to help and share, the ALS journey has been easier to plan and deal with.
She sleeps all night with 1 mg of Lunesta [expensive stuff] except vent and mouth suction needs to be done every 2-4 hours during night (only takes 30 seconds and we are back to sleep). Never sleeps during the day. Watches TV (becoming movie critic :) during the day. ALS has not had any negative effect on the brain. Our family is stronger because she is here to set an example to others, especially childern, NEVER TO GIVE UP!
Ofcourse, no one would want to be this way. But, why not enjoy what can be enjoyed eventhough very limited, is her philosophy. Besides, she likes the idea of being a ginny pig so that others down the line will, hopefully, have found a solution to this terrible disease. So, PALS are the heroes. Who knows, something can always be found sooner. All we can do is try and do our best.
She been on Ursidol [there are threads on this] for over a year and feels that it may have stablized her condition from the time she started taking it. Unfortunatly, there are no studies for this. Clearly from my observations, nothing has gone worse since she started taking it. But, on the other hand, there wasn't much left to be taken as ALS had already taken away the muscles. She can still, barely, move one thumb. Eye movements are excellent, face looks beautiful. Skin and body is excellent. Have not had any complications other than ALS usual problems. Yes, Ursidol is something she wishes she knew about earlier.
We use board to communicate with her eyes. She won't use the eyegaze cus makes eyes tired. I am trying to talk her into it. Maybe others can give some ideas on how to make it easier to use.
She is now considering playing around with Chlorite.
Hope that helps.
Warrior
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