I'm a retired, disability since Aug. 2006. My problems were first in my speech. It sounded slurred and as though I was speaking through my nose. My balance was next, I would drag my toe of my booth or shoe and would stumble. This started in 2000 and I began seeing a doctor. I was working in Augusta, Ga. and started seeing the doctors in Augusta Medical Center. I starting going to the VA which is in the same area. I live in Loganville, Ga. and transferred my Primary Care to Athens VA but I still see the neuro in Augusta the new facility in Athens is strictly Primary Care. I use a walker and wheel-chair. My balance is bad and will fall when not holding.My wife is a big help. She keeps my medicine straight and is my driver. My wife helps me with getting dressed. She prepares my food and uses a blender to help with not getting choked. I drink through a straw to help with not strangling myself.I beat Polio when I was ( 9 years old and I hope to beat this ALS. My legs have cramped and spasticity mostly of the night when in bed. They have hurt since Jan. 1968, when I came back from Vietnam. I believe the Agent-Orange was why I've got ALS. I was approved for a wheel-chair by the VA, and received it. I've had a appointment at the ALS Clinic in August, Ga. 1st week of June 09, and the Neurologist said he would work with my Neurologist at the VA. Scheduled to have lungs checked 24 Mar.2010. VA has been good to me with service's and I'm thankful for thier service.I'm using the Bi-Pap machine of the night and it's hard to get use to. I have a cough assist machine to use during the day as needed.