My dad has ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease....scared

[jacksonsmom]

We have just found out my dad has ALS, as known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Before this I really no idea what ALS was, I heard of Lou Gehrig's disease, but that was about it.
In the last few days I have found out more about ALS then I ever wanted to know

Every thing I have read isn't very promising. I am so worried/scared what the future holds.

Has anyone on here dealt with a family member or close friend with ALS?
My dad is only 48 yrs old

If nothing else can I please ask for some prayers and good thoughts for him?
He is a very independent man, loves the outdoors/hiking in the woods/etc. To know that one day he may be dependent on others has to be really hurting him right now.

He also is a very quiet/to himself kind of man. I am not sure how to talk to him about this or other things that will have to be talked about in the future.
My mom and him are not together anymore. He did remarried another lady, who is pretty decent. I am his only child, so really his family is his wife and myself. His parents are gone and he is only semi close to his sister, no aunts or uncles...they are all gone

I am just so worried/scared for the future

 

[Pooh67_68]

 

[sammi]

****hugs**** to you and your Dad. I'm so sorry that your family is going through this but I hope it helps to have caring people here on these boards.Here's sending you many many prayers for your Dad's health.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I am so, so sorry. I'll keep your dad in my prayers. I had a co-worker go through it with both her parents - yes, both. It was very hard on her. Make sure you can speak with someone to express your emotions, even if just to vent. I know my co-worker would sometimes just come over to talk things out if just to get it off her chest. Keep us posted on how he is doing.

 

[S. C.]

Prayers said.

 

[mrssmh]

jacksonsmom, I am so sorry to hear this. My dad has been sick for a long time, although not with ALS and I know how difficult it can be. Prayers and hugs to you.

Please remember to take advantage of the support of friends and other family who are there for you. It is so important to take care of yourself, too, even while worrying about your Dad and taking care of your children.

 

[Tink's Pixieduster]

I'm so sorry you and your Dad will be going through this. I don't know anyone who has had ALS, so I'm not much help, but prayers are with you.

 

[Mercy]

Oh, I am so sorry I will certainly pray for your dad, and you as well. What is your dad's first name?

 

[MinnieM3]

How sad for you and your dad. I'm so sorry. I have a friend who went through this and he did very well for a long time. God Bless You and Dad

 

[tevagirl]

I am so sorry. Prayers are being said.

 

[huckster]

First let me give you a a great big (((Hug)))
I am very familair with this horriable thing called ALS .. I lost my mom to ALS when I was 24, I am 47 now , She was diagnosed at 56 and and left us at 59.. She had this a very , very short time .. It all depends where it hits you .. My mom started falling then , she was weak , lost her abilty to talk first.. then walk and eat or move any thing but her eyes. when she went we were glad the suffering was over..God Bless you and your Dad , if you need any support i am here.. feel free to pm me or just talk here.
I will say prayers for you and your Dad, God will be with you all the way..

 

[birdiesunshine]

I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your dad. My dad died at 60 and I watched him deteriorate for 5 yrs. Although it wasn't ALS it was equally as awful, dementia. PM me anytime you want to talk, but I made it through and you will be fine too. Spend as much time with him as you can and make every second count. He may end up to have a mild case and live a very long time. Sending prayers and thoughts your way!!!

 

[kdibattista]

I'm so sorry

 

[HERSEY]

You and your Dad are in my prayers. Try contacting a local hospital to see if they have a support group that may help talking to someone in a similar problem.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Lots of for you and your family. You will be in my thoughts.

 

[hentob]

Oh, I am so sorry I know quite a bit about ALS. I have Benign Fasciculations (muscles shake uncontrollably-although it is not a serious condition, just annoying), which led me to research ALS. I am confident there will be a break through soon. Really, I am. There has to be. There just has to be.

Please check out focusonals.com--It is a website set up by a woman named Debbie Tope. She has been living (key word LIVING!) with ALS for quite a bit of time. Yes, she is paralyzed and needs a Bi-Pap to breathe, but she is so upbeat and positive. She has many, many links that will help you.

Please PM me if you want to talk. I became a bit obsessed with this monster of a disease and my heart breaks for anyone afflicted with it

 

[Blondy876]

 

[lyeag]

I will keep you in my prayers. I am so sorry.

 

[hentob]

Here is a direct link to Debbie Tope's site:::


http://www.focusonals.com/index.htm

 

[lulugirl]

I'm very sorry, I know how painful it is to have an ill parent.