What to Do When You Are Diagnosed With ALS?
The Lou
Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, is a disease that slowly destroys your entire motor
neurons making it hard to perform normal activities like eating, walking,
talking, and breathing. Hence, it is very normal for you to be overwhelmed
after you get to learn that you are suffering from ALS. You might go clueless
about what to expect next and it can be difficult for you to understand your
situation.
Do not lose
hope, as there are many coping devices in this world that can offer you a great
help. Check some of these tips to try leading a normal life by keeping aside
the horrors of ALS.
Be Thoughtful of Yourself
As mentioned
earlier, it is quite common and normal for you to experience shock and fear
after hearing the news that you are suffering from ALS. The spinothalamic tract
in your body gets affected due to ALS
pathway which is still not fully understood by doctors, and your
emotional swing and isolation are not going to be of any help, rather it might
worsen your case. Allow your mind to let go of all the grief, anger, condemn,
and denial. This will take time but at least from a psychological point of
view, you will turn gentle towards yourself and this dreadful condition.
Talk to Your Close People
An ALS state
can turn worse if you keep denying your situation and blaming yourself although
there is no fault of yours. There are many death cases due to ALS and it is not
in your hands. Therefore, it is important to reach out to your friends and
family and talk to them regarding this disease of yours. Communicating with
your close ones will get you a lot of empathy and ease your coping mechanism.
You can ask them to take you outside with them and prepare meals together if
you wish.
Know More about ALS
ALS has the
tendency to make people feel helpless and they can do nothing about it.
However, with the help of the Internet, you can learn more about ALS and share
your knowledge on social media to raise awareness for this cause. Gain as much
knowledge as you can about the disease; discover the drugs and medical
supplements that have the ability to reduce the progression of ALS, and all the
present studies going on.
Alter Your Current Lifestyle
Make changes in
your life and work. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and do whatever you can for
staying healthy. Provide yourself with rich food supplements, improve your
diet, quit smoking, join your nearby yoga classes, visualize positive outcomes from
your job, and get plenty of sleep. Physical and mental fitness is of utmost
importance while suffering from ALS.
Conclusion
With ALS, the
main medicine you need is a support network of the people you know. Empower
yourself with knowledge about ALS so that you do not have to remain clueless
and helpless about your situation. A positive attitude and productive behavior
can offer you a lot of help in leading your life normally.