[Danno]

My mom has Lou Gherig’s disease (ALS) and it’s getting pretty advanced, I’m about the only one in the family who can understand her any more. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with a family member who had this terrible disease? If so how long doU think my mom has left?

From what I hear it’s very rare for females to get it and even rarer for elderly people – my mom is 81.

[Peanut61]

I'm sorry to read about your Mom having ALS = that's a tough road. Keep in touch. Best regards, Peanut

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT</font color=blue>

[(JD)]

(((Danno))) I am sad to hear this. I do not have any familial connection but an acquaintance of mine was dx'd with it and then told to wait for his next doctor's appointment 6 months later! Of course, if it had been ALS, he very well could have died prior to treatment. (It wasn't ALS>)

Take each day as it goes Danno. Is she getting any real treatment? Sometimes the elderly aren't aggressively treated...

...I can misspeak like the best of us

[Danno]

There is no treatment for ALS.

[(JD)]

Sorry you are so hopeless. There is treatment for ALS there isn't a cure... but drugs and such can make it easier. Do a google search on ALS and find more info.

...I can misspeak like the best of us

[Danno]

Thanks,

What medications would you suggest?

[heatherm]

Hello Danno

I am so sorry about your Mom. I would have a talk with her doctor for information as well.

I did some searching for you on Lou Gherig's(ALS)..... here are some links for you to do some searching on and hopefully to answer some questions or to have a support group for you as well....
http://www.lougehrigsdisease.net/
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mdausa.org/publications/fa-als.html>http://www.mdausa.org/publications/fa-als.html</A>

Regarding medication.....Although ALS research is proceeding at an unprecedented pace, only one medication has been found to be somewhat effective against the disease and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an ALS treatment. That medication, riluzole (brand name Rilutek), has a modest effect in prolonging survival. Several other medications are now in clinical trials.

You may also want to post in the caregiver section here too.

Please take care of yourself too....this is a hard and difficult time for you. {{{{{{{{{{{{Danno}}}}}}}}}}}


Heather

[Audrey]

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. Hang in there, and keep us posted if you find out anything about a treatment.

[Danno]

I fed her yesterday for the first time, she can't raise a spoon to her mouth any more. She can't use her hands and can hardly get food into her mouth and eats it like a baby now. I can't stand to see her this way,

[(JD)]

sorry to hear that (((Danno))))

...I can misspeak like the best of us