im a 44 year old father,husband,son,brother + friend who has recently got the shock of his life being diagnosed with A.L.S.but bring it on a.l.s..im in good shape,on a good diet[not to lose weight,but to maintain my current fitness + wellbeing].motivated and have a big support group[as in family + friends]but do realise what is in front of me + my family.at present my symptems seem minimal compared to most on P.L.M. but i know sooner or later i will be where you are.I own a car parts business in auckland,new zealand.with my father + mother +2x brothers + sister.LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE.

christmas 2011 me and my family!

chiz on my right,ems on my far left + my honey beside me on my left

i was diagnosed in october 2011 but the symptoms started in the early to the middle of 2009 wihen my speech started to slurr which i thought was having 1 or 2 to many beers[i wish].since 2009 the progress of the disease has been slow.i have stiffness in my right leg and struggle walking properly down stairs but im fine walking up stairs and fine on the flat.i easily do a 30min walk or a 30 min bike ride at the gym.over the last year i have felt a little more fatigued but still not to bad but it has started i know that.my speech hasnt got any worse than what it was a year ago.i have slight weakness in the rh hand but not very noticable.

since diagnoses i have changed my diet to gluten free and no beer only red wine occasionally and pumping vitamins down my throat my walking has definately improved,im at the moment walking with less stiffness but if ive been sitting for a length of time it takes a wee while to warm up again.

exercise to keep mobile even if it is for a minimal time is i think my key.but i know i will slowly decline but all that means is it will get harder to exercise but it has to be done.when i become weak it will get harder but it still must be done.i will fight this bugger until he gives up.

i know this is going to get ugly

my wife kim and i made a deal years ago,she goes 1st and im there to nurse her no matter what.

hopefully shes around in 40 years +

Dec 2011 1st christmas with diagnosed als and feeling really good.Looking forward to many more.

my email i  ... wacotton@yahoo.co.nz

05/2012....I can definitely feel the body changing but mainly the areas where i was first dx.right arm + right leg and slightly slurred speach.but overall cruising along fine.If your head is in the right space your o.k.