The Doctor thinks my Mom has ALS...

[bicentennial_baby]

Neurologist is at the end of her rope, can't figure it out. She already has hydrocephalus, and had a shunt installed last December. She cannot speak really, swallowing issues, facial muscle control loss, weakening hands from time to time. She's going to be scheduled to go to MA General's Neuro Dept next.

My Dad has had MS for 30 years. He's a paraplegic, his whole right side. She's his caretaker. My 24 yo brother lives with them, and he's really stressed , works full-time on top of this. I'm 100 miles away, about to get married and finish my last year of my Bachelor's Degree, hopefully get pregnant. My Sister is about to have a hysterectomy, has 3 kids and a husband in school.

I'm not really sure how to proceed right now. I have no idea how we will afford this, how we will handle this, frankly.

[murielm99]

1. I am so sorry.

You don't seem to have many options.

Is there an ALS support group near them, or a support group for adult care givers? Maybe they will have some suggestions.

[blondie58]

2. what a heartbreaking situation, bicentennial baby

I am so sorry. Your family definitely needs some help. You might consider, along with the excellent suggestion of contacting any ALS foundation of contacting the MS Society.

I do the MS walk every year and I know firsthand how much they help people who are afflicted with this stupid disease.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

And hopefully, the neuro is mistaken. Neurological problems are so tricky and can be deceiving, perhaps it isn't ALS.

Take care- Dawn