ALS

[Guest]

my father has recently been diagnosed as having multiple system atrophy.He has had problems particularly with his balance and pains in his neck for at least 3 years. I understand that this condition is terminal.He is 76 years old and presently is finding walking difficult as his legs are numb to above the knee. Please could you give me a prognosis with approximate time scales.

[Guest]

I am sorry your father is sick. The prognosis is very variable, as for some individuals, other medical problems (heart disease, diabetes, high blood presure etc) may be the reason for increased morbidity and mortality. If an individual develops significant difficulties swallowing or moving the limbs, problems such as aspiration pneumonia, or a blood clot forming can lead to serious consequences. Some individuals will live many years with the MSA type disorders. Your neurologist might best be able to provide detailed information for your family.
[quote] my father has recently been diagnosed as having multiple system atrophy. He has had problems particularly with his balance and pains in his neck for at least 3 years... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thanks for replying to my letter. There has been a further development in that my father had a bad fall yesterday which resulted in him breaking his femur just below the ball joint. He has had an operation today to do a partial hip joint replacement i.e. the ball part of the joint, the socket has been left intact. I am very concerned about his chances of ever being able to walk again as his balance was already very poor and he has no sensation in his legs from above the knee joint downwards.I realise that recovery from a hip replacement is a prolonged procedure and i'm not sure if he will have the stength to cope with it.I would welcome any thoughts on the subject.Thank-you.
[quote] I am sorry your father is sick. The prognosis is very variable, as for some individuals, other medical problems (heart disease, diabetes, high blood presure etc) may be the reason for increased morbidity and mortality... [/quote]

[Guest]

The rehabilitation process can be difficult, even when all otehr things are in-tune. In addition, it is not uncommon for older persons, especially with underlying neurological disorders to exhibit confusion after surgey and recovery from a broken hip. He may benefit from a stay at a rehab facility. Good luck.
[quote] Thanks for replying to my letter. There has been a further development in that my father had a bad fall yesterday which resulted in him breaking his femur just below the ball joint... [/quote]

[Guest]

My friend is an insulin dependent diabetic. He has neuropathy inwhich a vein was recently removed from the andle area of his right foot. Two weeks ago, he stated that he is dying but that he doesn't want to discuse it. He has confirmed that he is not dying as the result of an STD. I found pills at his home from a test program and he said that it is for myopathy. he takes medication for high-blood pressure and cholestrol. Years ago he took "social" drugs until his body collapsed from its usage. His dad died of diabetic complications too. He is now at the point of vomiting occassionally after eating. I am worried about him. I think that if he just changes his eating habits (he eats only three "big" meals a day--dinner is usually very late at night) Help me to understand.
[quote] The rehabilitation process can be difficult, even when all otehr things are in-tune. In addition, it is not uncommon for older persons, especially with underlying neurological disorders to exhibit confusion after surgey and recovery from a broken hip... [/quote]

[Guest]

Please answer me soon.
[quote] My friend is an insulin dependent diabetic. He has neuropathy inwhich a vein was recently removed from the andle area of his right foot... [/quote]

[Guest]

Hi,
Sorry to heard that your dad has MSA, is he better now? My mun has recently been diagnose as MSA - (Multi System Atrophy), the doctor say it's a rare illness and there's no medicine for it as it's a neurodegenerative process. Did the doctor prescibe any medicine for your dad?

Can anyone here reading the forum provide me more info on the treatment or prevention on this neuro disorder?



[quote] Thanks for replying to my letter. There has been a further development in that my father had a bad fall yesterday which resulted in him breaking his femur just below the ball joint... [/quote]