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I noticed that a few people have asked what is wrong with my wife and I haven't mentioned it yet in general. My wife has ALS, here is a write up about what ALS is from the ALS Canada (www.als.ca) web site.

"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or motor neuron disease) is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.
ALS is not contagious. There is no cure for ALS and few treatment options for the majority of people living with the disease. Approximately 80 per cent of people with ALS die within two to five years of being diagnosed."

My wife started by having troubles keeping her balance on windy days and some difficulty walking. Originally we thought there was a problem with her right knee as she had issues in the past. Towards the end of July 2015 it got to the point that she noticed that it was difficult to lift her foot to climb stairs. After multiple tests and examinations by a few different doctors, we found out in the first week of August 2015 that she had the early stages of ALS. Within 2 years she has gone from being fully independent to not being able to hold a fork to lift food to her mouth. She cannot raise her hands high enough to comb her own hair. At this point, walking across a room is a struggle for her and she can't lift her foot at all to walk.
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So sorry to hear this. Must be hard for both of you
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly Hardest thing I have ever had to deal with.
Life is so cruel. I wish things were different for you @gmatthewb
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly Thank you
@gmatthewb do you still manage to make a little time for yourself
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly When my wife is having a nap or watching TV, I have time that I can relax until she need something. I do have to stay at home as much as possible though unless she comes with me. The helpers that come to our home to take care of her are not physically able to move her without my help.
@gmatthewb how old are you
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly I am 46, my wife is 44
You are very young to deal with illness and caring for your wife you sound a lovely caring husband who loves his wife very much. I hope you're rewarded in some way in your future @gmatthewb
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly Thank you, I have little hope though. Right now, I am focusing on making sure my wife is as happy and as comfortable as she can be. With how things are going, things are going to be a lot harder by the end of the year.
Yes I can imagine it's going to get very very hard. Remember there are people who will care for you too when you need it @gmatthewb
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly Sad thing is, that there isn't though. There are a couple people on here who have offered. But I have nobody in real life. No friends or family. My wife's family has offered, but they have things hard enough as it is.
@gmatthewb your life will change over the next few years unfortunately very much out of your control, but you are still young and deserve a life too
Your lovely wife I'm sure wants you to carry on living your dreams and to still be happy again eventually
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly I don't feel that young. My wife does want me to be happy, but she cannot help me be happy. She knows how bad my depression is and understands. She feels helpless knowing she can't do anything for me, so I have been hiding my true feelings from her for a while now and putting on the happy/silly face to make her laugh often.
@gmatthewb sounds like you're doing great in front of your wife and I agree with you in hiding your sadness from her.
With all due respect to your beautiful wife, you will still have a chance to be happy again and must make sure you are
You count too
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly Not with a self esteem as low as mine, I don't feel I count for much at all.
@gmatthewb of course you do
Look how amazing your wife knows you are
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly Others may think I count, I don't though.
What's made you feel like this @gmatthewb
gmatthewb · 51-55, M
@Frillydolly A number of things through my life. I know a lot of people say they have a hard life. I'm not going to complain about my life. I have just had a lot of negative and very little positive and even less support.
Karmalives · 51-55, M
@gmatthewb same