Message From Kathy -
I had an ALS Clinic appointment at Virginia Mason in Seattle which I had to cancel due to the weather (it was the week of snow and ice). However, on Monday December 11, 2006 I was seen by Dr. Carter at the Olympia MDA clinic at the Emilie Gamelin building of Providence St Peter Hospital.
He renewed my medications and changed two of them. He changed my Effexor extended release to the same medicine, just not an extended version. He also changed the medicine that was to help with drooling to a different medicine.
He read my six pages of my handwritten statements and questions and then examined me.
When he looked at my left arm he said, “Oh Shit.” He then explained that ALS causes the shoulder to come out of the joint but not enough to hurt.
I asked about my left leg and he confirmed my suspicions. I now show weakness in my left leg. We talked about my falls* and he agreed that they are likely caused by the weakness in my leg, not from being unable to balance due to the weakness from my left arm.
I asked him about my neck and I have weakness there too. So, he has prescribed a soft collar for me.
*Message from Courtney - As some of you already know, Mom has fallen several times and recently took a fall in the parking lot at the mall. She fell face first and got some minor bruises and a cut to her eye. She was taken by medics to the emergency room where she was treated for a mild concussion. She is doing much better, but caused quite a scare for all of us.
It is very important for Mom to keep her independence which we are trying to balance while also ensuring she gets the support she needs. The next ALS Support Group meeting is in January at 6 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center on Pacific Avenue. They are the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to all friends and family of ALS patients – as ALS affects us all, not only the patient. I do hope you can join us. We hope to discuss some strategies to help Mom and Dad out – and then talk to Mom and make sure they work for her.
Also, Mom’s speech is now affected to the point we aren’t able to understand her. However, she is great with a pen and pad though and is still trying to learn her machine that will speak for her. She also text messages on her phone and e-mails and instant messages (when she has power!!).
She remains in great spirits and is really enjoying this holiday season. We thank you for your continued prayers and support.
