welcome

[Guest guest]

Hello and Welcome to the new members of the PLS-Friends. I joined about 2

years ago, when I got a PC for the first time in my life. The PLS site

opened up a whole new world for me. I've had PLS symptoms since at least

1986, and was 43 years old at the time. My first symptoms were weakness,

easy fatigability, and right foot drop. In all these years, I have

progressed from walking unassisted, to a cane and now a walker for limited

distances. Longer distances are better for me to be in a chair. I have

become limited to the kind of places I can go, so I expect to be getting a

scooter very soon. My right hand is also affected. Most of the time I eat

with my left hand, but I still write and keyboard fairly well with my right

hand. All symptoms are more pronounced when I'm tired or overheated.

I am one of the crew who has pain. My low back hurts, the inner and outer

sides of both knees are painful when I stand a lot, and the soles of my feet

burn like the dickens especially when I stand. I also have experienced

contractures (frozen shoulder) and right elbow.

I am a firm believer in the benefits of PT. Presently, I am treated twice a

week. My therapist is a specialist in neuro PT. She does manual therapy on

my legs, back, and arm to maintain flexibility, prevent contractures, and

control pain. Usually, I go to a heated pool three times a week, for 2 hour

sessions, to do stretching and strengthening exercises. I feel that PT has

kept me out of a w/c. " Use it or lose it " seems like good advice.

Unfortunately, PLS has not been my only affliction. I suffer from

fibromyalgia and in recent years I have had 3 small strokes and breast

cancer. All these take their toll on one's stamina and so they have for me.

I've had more challenges than I care to think about.

My career as a Registered Dietitian ended in May 1995. I do continue to

dabble at it and have continued to do some speaking engagements for various

groups such as senior citizens, breast cancer support groups, the MS

society, etc. If I can help, I do it.

So, again, welcome. You'll find, as I did, that the experience of our

members in many areas of our disease is very helpful in meeting daily

challenges. Happily, the group is generous in sharing information and

lending its support. " PLS-Friends " is, without a doubt, a very appropriate

name. I, too, welcome any questions you may have.

Dolores Carron (in CT)