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My first symptom was a weak left hand. I had trouble turning a key, shuffling cards, playing guitar chords. That was late summer, 2016.
I was diagnosed that October. 32 years old, life expectancy 3-4 more.
I was diagnosed that October. 32 years old, life expectancy 3-4 more.
Over the next three years, ALS paralyzed the rest of my body.
My right hand started losing strength in mid-2017.
And last week, I reached a new milestone. I can no longer operate the joystick on my wheelchair. I'm stuck in place, until someone moves me.
My right hand started losing strength in mid-2017.
And last week, I reached a new milestone. I can no longer operate the joystick on my wheelchair. I'm stuck in place, until someone moves me.
It has been an unrelenting and unforgiving decline.
Tomorrow, though, a technician is going to come over to install Independence Drive on my wheelchair.
This new technology, developed by Evergreen Circuits under the guidance of @SteveGleason and @every90mins, should allow me to drive my chair with my eyes!
This new technology, developed by Evergreen Circuits under the guidance of @SteveGleason and @every90mins, should allow me to drive my chair with my eyes!
Medicine for treating ALS has basically not improved since Lou Gehrig got sick 80 years ago.
But tech developments have made living with the disease a very different experience (for those lucky enough to afford them).
Power wheelchairs. Ventilators. Eyegaze communication.
But tech developments have made living with the disease a very different experience (for those lucky enough to afford them).
Power wheelchairs. Ventilators. Eyegaze communication.
Pretty incredible stuff. Makes life tolerable. And sometimes even a little fun too.
I'll let you know how the installation goes tomorrow.
(This thread brought to you by @TobiiDynavox).
(This thread brought to you by @TobiiDynavox).
