-
Lisa replied to the topic When Should They Keep Their Mouth Closed? in the forum Living With ALS 1 week, 6 days ago
I tend to extend a lot of grace to MOST people with their questions/comments and do not get offended easily, especially with close family and friends, IF we are having a face to face conversation. Let’s face it, it can cause some major discomfort for some when they are staring at a person with a terminal illness and we’ve all pt our foot in our…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Carbon fiber vs plastic AFO in the forum Mobility Aides, Assistive Technology and Medical Equipment 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Hi Sandra! I had Thuasne carbon fiber AFO, and if you’re still pretty active I think you would really like it. It is incredibly light, only weighing a few ounces, and when you walk it spring loads which adds little “launch” to your step that simulates a more normal stride that you had before the foot drop. Mine also helped stabilize my ankle so…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic What do you think of this new form of Radicava? in the forum Research Topics 2 months, 3 weeks ago
I have been doing the infusion at home for about 18 months, I can’t wait for the oral form!! I have no idea if the medication is doing anything for me but I don’t seem to have any side effects and most of the cost is covered by my insurance so I figure why not do it. I currently administer the infusion to myself but have a nurse visit just to a…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Did You Have to Change Careers, or Even Retire, After Being Diagnosed with ALS in the forum Living With ALS 3 months ago
Dagmar,
I initially took a leave of absence when I was diagnosed in 2020 with the thought of going back to work. I was a nurse case manager over the phone and I worked from home. While on leave, my husband and I made the decision that we would be financially OK if I took the option of Long Term Disability that my company offered. I was so fo…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Long Journey in the forum Diagnosis Information and General Questions 3 months, 4 weeks ago
Mike, I will second what Trevor has said. Keep looking. Do not settle for seeing a neurologist that has admitted to never seeing an ALS patient. I really question a neurologist who says that, because while rare, ALS is not THAT rare!
You must be your own advocate right now and do some research in finding a qualified doctor. The ALS Ass…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Drug prices have increased faster than inflation in the forum Diagnosis Information and General Questions 5 months ago
I take a generic Riluzole and fortunately have “only” a $75-100 monthly copay.
I also get Radicava infusions at home, which are not covered by my primary insurance which is Medicare, but my secondary insurance through my husband’s employer covers at 100% after my $1500 annual deductible.
I do realize how fortunate I am to have such great…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic ALS and falls in the forum Mobility Aides, Assistive Technology and Medical Equipment 6 months ago
Gunnar, the carbon fiber AFOs weigh literally ounces! Even someone as sensitive to weight as an ALS patient can barely notice the addition.
-
Lisa replied to the topic ALS and falls in the forum Mobility Aides, Assistive Technology and Medical Equipment 6 months ago
Kathy, my ALS started to affect my balance before anything else. My PT suggested trying a walking stick/trekking pole instead of a cane to start. It helped tremendously with my balance and I liked that it wasn’t a “cane”! I just ordered a set from Amazon. Also, be sure your neurologist has evaluated you for foot drop, that is usually what…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Applying for disability and medicare in the forum Living With ALS 7 months, 1 week ago
Sorry That I am just getting back to you Sonsu. I think Dustin probably answered your questions, but I’ll throw in my 2 cents. Just as Dustin said, if your husbands LTD policy pays states that they pay 60%, The carrier will pay the full 60% until his SS is approved. At that point, he will receive whatever his SS payment is, then the LTD will m…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Applying for disability and medicare in the forum Living With ALS 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Sonsa, I had the option of Long Term Disability through my employer as well and took it. The insurance carrier for my LTD plan actually hires a company to assist their disability members with applying for SS Disability, maybe your husbands LTD insurance carrier will do the same. When I say assist, they walked me through the whole process, even…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Modifying your Home in the forum Living With ALS 9 months, 2 weeks ago
My husband and I just completed a large remodel of our home that now allows me to have single level living. The ALS Association was a tremendous resource prior to the renovation. The local chapter was able to send an occupational therapist for a home visit, free of charge, in order to advise us before we started. (I was also approved for a $…[Read more]
-
Lisa replied to the topic Have you changed your diet since being diagnosed with ALS? in the forum Living With ALS 10 months, 1 week ago
I have been very “lucky” up to this point that I do not have any bulbar symptoms and my swallowing has not been affected….yet. I have not suffered any weight loss and have in fact gained weight since my diagnosis just over a year ago. So I eat whatever I want…whenever I want. It’s my way of sticking it to this dreadful disease before it c…[Read more]
-
Lisa's profile was updated 10 months, 1 week ago
-
Lisa replied to the topic Emergency Notification Device in the forum Mobility Aides, Assistive Technology and Medical Equipment 11 months ago
I have the same as Susan….the newer Apple Watches have fall detection. I have the one that has to stay within bluetooth range of my cell phone. There is a more expensive model that is basically it’s own cell phone. It’s given my husband peace of mind since I can still walk short distances and am home alone throughout the day.
-
Lisa became a registered member 1 year, 9 months ago
-
Hello Lisa,
Welcome to the forum! I am one of the forum moderators, as well as a person who is also living with ALS: I was diagnosed in 2010.
If there is anything specific you would like to see discussed on the forum, feel free to post a new topic in any of our forums or jump in on an existing topic. You can also search for past topics or…[Read more]
-
Hello Lisa, and welcome to the ALS forum. I’m Amanda, one of the co-moderators of the forum. We are happy you have joined our online community. You will find that the ALS forum is made up of people with different associations with ALS. My family has an extensive history of ALS and we know that we have a genetic mutation in the SOD1 gene. I lost m…[Read more]
-