But right now, what's most important is that we enjoy the time we do have together. ALS has taught me never to take my life for granted and never to let the little things get me down. Every morning when we wake up together, I do my best to take the new day just as it comes. Visit Lifetime's health channel Get tips on how to talk to your doctor. Additionally, her eyesight is getting worse.
Patients first lose their ability to direct and coordinate their muscles.
As the disease advances, the diaphragm and the swallowing muscles no longer function. Once symptoms first show, patients live for about three years. Doctors usually prescribe ways to manage the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Information on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way intended to be a substitute for medical consultation. Lifetime Online encourages Internet users to be careful when using medical information.