He May Be Weak, But He's Still Strong

Monday, 19 September 2005

Last week, at my dad's doctor's appointment, his neurologist gave him the latest test results because he thought my dad might have a slipped disc. The MRI tests show that he does have a slipped disc in a couple of places, but my dad is still convinced that his conditions are worsening due to ALS. He gets weaker every week, and is now having more difficulty lifting the newspaper or moving his hand over the lift the paper.

We've gotten more equipment over the past couple of weeks, including the Hoyer Lift and the Easy Pivot. These will help with transferring him from the wheelchair to the bed and from one chair to another without the person having to do the manual lifting work herself. But, they're such bulky devices that are currently sitting in the driveway because their house is so small.

Tonight, we sat down to have a family meeting to discuss scheduling, since it is getting more important that someone is with my dad at all times (although he admits that he can't move anywhere by himself, so what's gonna happen?). Basic needs that we take for granted, like writing a letter and balancing your checkbook, picking your torso up after you bend down to get something, reaching for the phone or remote control, or scratching an itch on the small of your back, are all things that my dad needs help with.

My dad has a good disposition though. Everyone always comments on how positive he is. We still joke with each other, and try to keep our sense of humor about things, even though deep down we all wish this never happened.

Yet, it's all how you approach life and living from now on. It's during times like these when one comes to realize what's important in life, what your priorities are, and how important relationships are. And, although it's hard most times when I see him struggling to scoop food on his plate or trying unsuccessfully to lift his hand on his leg, my dad still tries his best to listen to other people's problems, give his two cents, and, most importantly, to laugh.