(Lou Gehrigs)
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September 30, 2006
My name is Bryan. I'm 50 years old and have been living with ALS since October of 2005.
I was officially diagnosed with the disease on the 5th of September, 2006.
You might ask why it took so long to diagnose ALS. The disease mimics so many other neurological and muscular diseases that it is hard to pinpoint.
I have been tested for everything from Lime Disease and stroke, to spinal problems and heart disease.
Only after eliminating all other causes can ALS be officially diagnosed.
What causes ALS?
Who knows? The medical community has many theories but nothing that can be pinpointed as a direct cause.
The same can be said for a cure. There is no know cure for ALS although there are things that can be done to slow the progress.
Go to the ALSA and MDS links to research things that might help. It seems different approaches work for different people.
If you have something that has helped you please share it.
I can't start to tell others how to live their lives but I will tell how I plan to deal with this disease.
Number one: I turned my entire future over to someone with a lot more power than I have.
I figure that God made me and God can fix me if I'm broken. I have total trust in my Lord Jesus. If we read the bible we find that the power of prayer is greater than anything else in this world. I pray not just for healing but for God to use me as he sees fit. I also realize that his plans for me might not be the same as what I want.
Number Two: I remind myself every day how lucky I am.
When my voice isn't clear enough for others to understand, I remember all of the times I have been able to speak clearly. I give thanks for that blessing.
When my hand doesn't want to pick up a glass of water, I remember a friend of mine who didn't have an arm for most of his life. I give thanks that I have been whole for most of my life.
Several times in the last few days I have stumbled. I know the ALS is working on my legs but I give thanks to God for the thousands of miles that my legs have carried me in the past.
I could go on and on but I think I have said enough to let you know how I am dealing with ALS.
I refuse to lay down and give up. I refuse to let this disease ruin my life. I will go on in spite of the hurdles and obsticals.
I have been blessed more in my life than most. I have a wonderful wife, fantastic children, family who are willing to do whatever it takes to help, and my trust in God.
If you have ALS and feel like you've run into a wall, join the crowd. Those of us with the disease know how you feel. We are used to modern medicine and miracle drugs fixing most problems. Well, this is a problem that doesn't have a man- made solution yet.
When you feel like you can't go on, have a talk with the man above. I don't have an exclucive contract with him. He is willing to help us all if we will let him.
Send me an email if you need to talk.