ALS Clinic

Good news and bad news today at clinic. The good news is my speech and swallowing are just fine. My oxygen was only 2% less than last time, which they don't consider an issue because it can vary from day to day. Before I give the bad news though, I should probably clarify for those who don't see me often that I've been walking with a limp for a while now, walking distances is very tiring, and I have been stumbling. In addition, I've fallen twice in the past week and a half. The falling is bad because 1. It hurts and 2. I can't get myself up afterwards (thanks to John and Flo from work for picking me up one time and the stranger at the movie theater another time :-). Well, they watched me walk today and my right foot is dragging, which is what is causing me to trip. So, in order to keep me up and from falling I have to get a brace for my right foot and start using a cane. I had the choice of that combo or using a walker, which I refused. In addition, we got the signed form in order to get a handicap plate/decal for the car. We were told that I also need to get a scooter thingy for long distances (mall, airport, etc), rails for the shower, and possibly bed rails. The MDA and ALS Association offer loaners for much of the equipment once a patient is officially diagnosed with ALS, so as of today my doctor was registering me with both organizations as an ALS patient. After the appointment we went to order my leg brace, which costs $600 out of pocket. Insurance only covers 70% and that's after a $600 deductible is met. Well, coincidently my brace was $600 and my deductible is $600. So, if it looks like I'll need additional braces before year end we're going to push for it this year, because the deductible will start fresh again next year. My brace should be in tomorrow; Bob really wants me to have it before I go to DE next week because he's really worried about my falling. After the brace place we went to DMV and got the handicap decal, which hangs from the mirror so I can take it from car to car and bring it with me if I travel, etc. We'll probably order the plate for my car as well, but we'll do that this summer when my tags expire. Well, that's all for now!