Disclaimer/Note;

Disclaimer; Let this (page/site), serve for all those who have ALS/MND, or to someone you know, might have this disease... This blog, site, forum, etc...is created to be a stepping stone of views, opinions, reference and information. In no way, shape or form is any and all contents used or to be used as a diagnose, medical summary or treatment for ALS/MND. Always consult a medical professional, hospital or medical approved website for factual gain, guidance and instruction.

My conditions 04/08/09

" My conditions ", is a weekly sometimes bi-weekly update of my conditions, views and anything I might have learned....

Today is Wednesday 4/8/09; I'm feeling very drained, could be the weather, allergies, etc... hate to think of it as my progression with disease. My pointing finger is becoming curled, hard to straighten out, the pinkie finger drawn farther away, can't move closer to other finger. Muscle and Nerves twitching and pulsating more intense some days. I was told with illnesses, colds, etc... these can escalate the symptoms too. I'm using the chair lift more, very tired climbing stairs. I fell, lost balance a few times over the last couple of weeks to a month. Showering is getting creative, hard to clean body when arms won't lift, fingers won't hold and you can't apply pressure when needed. All simple tasks are becoming labored. Couple of good points, I got an electric tooth brush today, boy does that help! Where I can't hold or coordinated the soap, my wife introduced to me liquid soap, on a face cloth, (touche' for women). Yesterday I met with a representative for ALS/MDA (RI Chapter), she guided me through communication devices...I learned a lot, it also calmed a few fears and uncertainties I had. With now my fingers, hands and arms are getting sore and becoming more difficult to coordinate, the technology, support was impressive and assuring for my future with this disease. I'm signing off now, getting tired. Please come back for further updates and pass it on !

How it all began....

Well it starts off this way, We all have had trials, mis-haps, ups and downs of growing up (child hood). I've always been athletic, conscious of my health and well being. It all amounted to pretty much, your normal every day life and surroundings. But sometimes, strange and un-expected things happen to us along the way. Some are funny, sad, happy and unimaginable. It called a "wake up call", a terminal illness. ALS/MND, no known cause and no cure! When I'm done talking about "The Thief", I'll give you various links to my website, periodical diary, and of my journey with this disease. It is created to make known to everyone who reads my story, it could happen to anyone! I never knew about it until I was diagnosed with it. My story was also created, to pass on information to people like myself who are suffering or soon to be. I'm not great in presenting things in an orderly fashion. So when it comes to telling my story, bear with me if I bounce around. My story carry's on as so, when I was told I had this disease, I was shocked to say the least. More fearful for my wife and all my children, especially my youngest child (seven year old daughter). Fearful in a way, "who's going to watch out for them", protect them, teach them, keep them strong, love them. Occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, lost memories. I've cried a little, but most have been quiet emotions. Oh, believe me! anger, sadness, afraid, numbness, denial, shock, self conviction are all felt with this disease. I'm sure the tears will flow as it progresses. In "My Diary", I'll sum up my feelings, symptoms up to this point, then it will follow with a weekly report, "My Conditions". If you have any questions or need to contact me go to; jwantonizio@aol.com. May God be with me and my family and God forbid it it happens to you.

ALS/MND...the story and a unchartered journey!

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), other know as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a muscle and nerve disease. It strikes any point in your life. Sometimes symptoms come over time, others progress quickly. Some people it affects top half of your body, others the bottom. The top consists of hands, arms, speech, swallowing. The bottom consists of legs, your ability to stand, walk, balance. It's a real nasty disease that there is no cure or reason for. It's said it can affect men and women, (mostly men) in there mid life ages, give or take. Very few cases are inherited, each person is reflected differently of how it progresses. In most cases it is fatal, with a 2 to 4 year time frame. There are cases where people have lived past the four years, but few have gone past ten years. If you want to learn more about ALS and support go to;
http://www.alsa.org/ or continue with me on my journey with ALS/MND.