ALS Bytes

As Cindy and Maura clang away in the kitchen, organizing and cooking a meal for a close friend who recently had surgery, I’ve been hammering away at the dasher keyboard, attempting to clean up this site a bit…hoping someone notices. In addition to a cleaner look, I’ve added a link submission form, and began the tedious process of adding link category descriptions. Still on the fence about the links page appearance and formatting, but without being a css expert, my hands are kind of tied by the Link Library WordPress plug-in. As always, link suggestions and other constructive input is really appreciated.

Had a really bad night-time cough for about the last two weeks of January. Not too bothersome during the day, but couldn’t get a word in without coughing through the night. Seemed like it took forever to get through and get over it. I’m sure my weakened diaphragm didn’t help matters much. Gotta give Cindy credit for keeping my vaporizer going, heat-packs, Vicks etc. Just can’t say it enough, I’m an extremely blessed man to have her, and I just couldn’t be happier!

Had a PFT (pulmonary function test) done at the VA here this past week. Should’ve had it two weeks prior, but I would’ve had to cough through it, so had to reschedule. Met with the pulmonologist after waiting about two hours. I blew 41% volume, and overall 49%. This is the time when PALS begin to consider setting up the trach/vent procedure, rather than having it done unexpectedly after respiratory emergency. Bottom line is that I’m not at all confident in having it done by the VA, and the private pulmo at Duke is booked until June. Waiting to see if Dr. B can come up with something at the ALS clinic Tuesday.