-
richard fredericks replied to the topic Do you experience muscle twitching? in the forum Living With ALS 3 years ago
Holy cow, this post has traction!
My ALS was very pronounced on my left side. The right side was high functioning. Hyper-reflexia was more pronounced on the left side. And fasiculations were limited to that side as well. Life was good. I only had a 1/2 case of ALS.
I still remember the night of twitches in my right leg. That was an un…[Read more]
-
richard fredericks replied to the topic Finding the funny – – even in ALS?? in the forum Living With ALS 3 years ago
At some point, all men have the, “oh my God, I’m becoming just like my father” experience. Dad was an only child and the product of the male-centric 40s and 50s. He brimmed with confidence and thrived on the attention that he catalyzed. Asking for things was simply a cultural reflex, as natural as breathing. I was frequently the askee. It drove…[Read more]
-
richard fredericks posted a new activity comment 3 years, 1 month ago
Hey Peter, hate to say this but… it depends. I started with hand weakness four years ago. I am still talking, feeding myself, standing up to take a leak, and having a pretty good time. I am not walking (in a power chair), left hand is pretty useless, little core strength, and a hard time rolling around in bed.
On the other hand, many people…[Read more]
-
richard fredericks replied to the topic Exercise and ALS (Continued) in the forum Living With ALS 3 years, 1 month ago
These stories are inspiring. They are also a bit intimidating in their scope and vigor. I feel like a bit of a piker in the relative smallness of my efforts. Yet, I find some common threads including perseverance, realization, and a bit of fun.
For me, it has been a long process. Looking back, there are discrete phases and a purpose for eac…[Read more]
-
richard fredericks replied to the topic Powered devices in the forum Mobility Aides, Assistive Technology and Medical Equipment 3 years, 1 month ago
I got my power chair through Medicare. They collaborated with OT folks at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The OT used my current status to predict future degradation. This was very critical to the process. Otherwise, my chair would’ve fallen short of full functionality. I spent $2000 out-of-pocket for the elevate function. It is u…[Read more]
-
richard fredericks replied to the topic Are you a pALS who still works? in the forum Living With ALS 3 years, 1 month ago
I am still working. My commute is easy, from bedroom to an office alcove. Fortunately, my work as a leadership coach can take place on teleconference as effectively as in person. And with voice-recognition software I can provide follow-up notations. I will be challenged as my voice starts to give way. I will take wise counsel from this group on…[Read more]
-
richard fredericks changed their profile picture 3 years, 1 month ago
-
richard fredericks became a registered member 3 years, 1 month ago
-
Hello Richard,
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. If you have any questions, concerns or…[Read more]
-
Hello Richard, and welcome to the ALS forum. I’m Amanda, one of the co-moderators. Thank you for joining the ALS forum. Please take a look at the topics and ongoing discussions. You are invited to join in, comment, ask questions to our members and/or post discussion topics. If there is a topic you would like us to post, just reach out and let us k…[Read more]
-
Thanks Richard, much appreciated. I am intending to stay positive and do whatever I can, volunteer for trials etc etc.