Guest guest Posted October 1, 2000 Report Share Posted October 1, 2000 To all our new PLS "owners", I extend a very warm welcome. I live in Connecticut and have had PLS at least 15 years, but only diagnosed as such about 4 years ago. My first symptom was right foot drop when I became fatigued or overheated. That would come and go, but eventually did not go. I went to many neurologists, some in pretty impressive locations, who did not have a clue. About 4 years ago, I started using a cane and now have been using a walker or Swedish walker for the past 2 years. I gave up working in 1995, at the age of 52. I was having increasing difficulty getting around and was especially affected by the too warm temperatures in my work area. I am a Registered Dietitian and have worked with many types of patients in a large hospital in Hartford. For the last half of my 30 year career at the hospital, I worked in the dialysis unit. Like so many others, I have had to forgo many things that I enjoyed previously. Thank goodness I was not one who said that I'd travel when I retired, because it wouldn't have happened. I have lots of good memories of the many trips I took, here and abroad. My ballroom dancing ended, as well as my daily long walks. My right hand is affected enough that I am no longer able to do the needlework I loved, nor play the piano. My days are always busy, partly because it takes me so long to do everything. I have physical therapy once a week and go to a heated pool 3 times a week for 2 hours each. That helps me with strengthening and stretching to prevent contractures. I try to keep current in my field, and do stuff like teaching a class or so at a college, acting as a resource person fielding nutrition queries for our local library and the National Kidney Foundation, and speaking to various support groups (MS, Alzheimer's caregivers), senior citizens, area nurses' organizations, etc. Likewise, so do I offer my services to members of our PLS Friends. You may all feel free to ask questions of me, or make requests for printed instructional materials, etc.---whatever. I've only had a computer for about 2-3 months. I am relatively new to the on-line group, also. The members of the group have been a great source of information and support and I'm confident you'll find the same to be true. Again, welcome to you all. Dolores Carron d.carron@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.