Where Do I/We Go From Here?

To say the least, ALS is a challenging disease. We will be here to guide you in treatment and in supportive care and directing you in the right direction as far as resources. You will also need the support of family, friends and others who will aid you as needed on a day-to-day basis.

We will coordinate your care in our Multidisciplinary Clinic.

Although ALS is generally a progressive disease, the progression is usually somewhat predictable and linear and abrupt changes do not take place overnight. You have to take one day at a time and take time to look ahead and plan for the future, but remain hopeful.

Everyone reacts differently to having ALS and coping skills also vary significantly. It takes time to adapt to changes, and patients and their family members may be the best at finding solutions for common problems that arise.

Symptomatic management is very important and we will help guide such treatment.

There will be significant challenges to your caregiver and your interaction with the caregiver are extremely important in coping with ALS. Caregiver support will also be critical.

Spirituality and religiousness are potentially important factors that can have a very positive impact on coping with the diagnosis of ALS as well as your outlook and quality of life.

It is important that you, your caregiver, and other family members seek out counseling if needed. For example, counseling could be from a friend, social worker, clergy, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Coping with ALS