They think it's ALS (Lou Gehrig's)...

[suki]

So, we went to the Univ of Arkansas Med Sciences on Tuesday to get the results of hubby's MRI... we didn't really get them, they kind of danced around it. They said there is some narrowing but it's probably residual from his prior bone spur which was removed. They have scheduled an appt with neurosurgery to review, but don't think there is anything that indicates surgery.

My sister-in-law is in her 2nd year of residency at UAMS and I discussed it with her at length. Hubby has given her access to his medical records.

It seems they think it's ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) but because it's a fatal disease they won't tell us that until they've ruled out everything else.

She told me to brace myself for the worse.

[Michelle]

Oh no...I am so sorry. I will keep him in my prayers

Please keep us posted. I am hoping they are wrong and that it's not that serious.

[Russ]

Suki, we will include your family in our prayers.

[Darlene]

Suki, I'm sorry this is happening and will be hoping it's not what you/they think. All my best to you and yours. Big hug too.

[magnolia]

Suki, I'm sorry to hear this. Sending big hugs your way.

[sunshine]

Suki - my dh has ALS, PM if you want to talk. BTW - it's not the automatic death sentence you hear about. There are a lot of variables that make the life expectancy longer.

[suki]

Thanks, sunshine. I realize that the life expectancy can be anywhere from 3 - 20 years. But, it's not the 40 + years we were hoping for... and the progressive decline in his condition during that time.

Right now, I'm just reading and trying to wrap my mind around it all.

I had a feeling this was where we were... I just hoped I was very, very wrong. Hubby hasn't really considered that or talked to his sister about it much. So, I guess I'm bracing myself to be strong for if/when he gets that news.

And, I'm trying to learn what resources are available. This is a very expensive disease and it seems my state is very low on resources for assistance.

Anyway, I don't really know what I think, what I'll do... I'm just reading.

Thanks, everyone, for your support.

[Shoshana]

Hi Suki: I'm so sorry that the news is potentially awful, and I hope that you soon find a silver lining as these storm clouds move in. Sounds like you're on the right path so far -- staying calm, and learning...

[sunshine]

If you get the diagnosis, get in touch with the MDA. They have lots of resources to help

[PrairieRose]

I really, really hope they rule this out. I know you're bound to be terribly upset by the possibility, as anyone would be. Sending up prayers and good thoughts for you all.

[suki]

Sunshine, correct me if I'm wrong here... but the way it was explained to me is since there's not one definitive test for ALS, they rule everything else out and it's the diagnosis of last resort. We're running out of things to rule out.

[Moor]

suki,
sending good thoughts, vibes, prayers, and everything else i can think of to you right now!
i really pray that this is not the case. but you are doing what you need to do, just in case. learn all that you can. most importantly, be there.
here if you need to talk, pm me.

[Bethany]

PLease keep us posted and we all are wishing you the best. You are not alone. I am keeping you and your family in my toughts.

[itsahumanzoo]

Sending big hugs your way.

[cab54]

I'm so sorry. Hope that isn't it, but it sounds a though having a diagnosis will give you an answer and a place to begin. Hope they arrive at something soon, and it sounds like Sunshine is a good source of info.