Here is a look back at our journey so far....
How did this start? - October 2008
Last October Jim allowed Ruthie to run into the street in front of an approaching car. He did not react - luckily our neighbor, Anita, did react and came to me. Jim made an appointment with our family Dr. and received antidepressants.
December 2008
Mom noticed changes in Jim's coordination and motivation. We pretty much blew it off to the "depression" and an accident he had while putting up Christmas lights.
Feb. 2009 -
Aunt Sue made a comment at Mikayla's birthday party that Jim had lost weight. He had lost 15 pounds between the end of October and early February. Who looses weight over the holidays? Jim continued to complain of being more tired and pain in his side. His medications were changed from antidepressents to ADD meds.
June 2009-
Jim again sees our family doctor still complaining of fatigue and now memory loss. Over the next four weeks the change in his voice and "mumbling" of his words become more evident. Concern grows over his loss of memory. Is it more than just disintrest or laziness? He gets and appointment for a head and abdomen CT. Both are negative. He is also referred to a neurologist for evaluation of memory loss.
July 2, 2009
1st Neurology visit. Immediately the doctor says there is something serious wrong. He can hear it in the way he talks. He does poorly on his evaluation. We are left with a diagnosis of dementia and "whatever this is is serious and rare." Jim is given a list of upcoming testing.
August 14, 2009
2nd Neurologist visit. After almost 6 weeks of testing Jim still has the neurologist & the neurology team unsure. He has symptoms of ALS, however, no muscle atrophy. He is given the diagnosis of "ALS Syndrome" or "Motor neuron disease with Frontal-temporal dementia."
It is decided there is little that can be done and we leave with a follow-up appointment for December 4.
August 23, 2009
After some internet searching I find the ALSA website. I create "Team Shaggy" and register the Metz Family for the walk. Mom agrees to walk with us. Our team of 5 hopes to raise $500.
Early September 2009
After making contact with the ALSA office - there are more questions about Jim's treatment and testing. Through referral of the ALSA Jim gets an appointment for the ALS Clinic on October 8.
September 19, 2009
I have noticed many changes in Jim over the summer. He is more distant. He is VERY unaware of his own diagnosis and prognosis. He has tremors, spasms and choking spells that come more frequent. He has spasms in his legs at night. He feels none of this - but they are strong enough to wake me. He experiences a spasm in his wrist and is getting cramp-like sensations in his calfs. Today - I notice the change in his walk and his gait.
September 20, 2009
The Cleveland ALS walk. Our team of 5 has grown to 21. We have exceeded what I thought was a "big" goal to begin with. The change in Jim's walk and gait is apparent. He is stiff like an old man in need of a walker. Slower than he should be at 36. His arms are stiff as he holds them at his sides.
September 25, 2009
Jim shows the first emotion he has ever shown toward his illness. While talking to a former co-worker he tears up. Breaks my heart. There is some comfort in his not grasping the future.
The journey continues....
