The Diagnosis

The diagnosis took several months Primarily because no one wants to make that medical decision. As I mentioned in "The Beginning " I went to a neurologist in Santa Barbara, Dr. Delio. He gave me an EMG, Electromyography. The doctor inserts an electrode into the muscle tissue, in various places. Since it was my left leg giving me a problem he started there. He measures the activity of the muscle. That was very unnerving! :) The test area that was affected was tolerable. As he moved the electrode to healthier body parts it was like a hot electric poker pulsating through my body. Not the most enjoyable moment. Thankfully it was over as soon as it started. The EMG may be unpleasant but very useful information. We were able to see which areas were affected , from severe to moderate to not at all.  Other tests were MRI and blood work, to rule out any other diseases, even Lymes. These results were sent to an LA doctor for a second opinion. Of course I got another, more thorough EMG(Oh yay!).
Useful information the doctors gave us:
1. "You have ALS".
 2.Use a walking stick instead of a cane, it distributes your weight better, is better for your back and looks cooler.
3.Gather an "inner circle" of friends and family to broadcast the news and updates. That way you won't be bombarded with questions from everyone you know.
4. Don't do research on the internet, you will hear worst case scenarios. (we did anyway ).
5. The information about Riluzole.
6. The recommendation to join the ALS clinic at UCLA or UCSF.
3/06 UCLA did a questionaire to review my condition, no probing. A breathing test , which told us my lung capacity, which was excellent.The great thing about UCLA is their resources. You meet with doctor first and then you meet with OT, PT, Speech and Respiratory.It takes all morning but they monitor your progression every 3 months and tell you what to anticiate and how to adapt, equipment you will need , vendors, etc. They are invaluable.