Brother just disclosed his ALS diagnosis.
My “baby” brother (age 45) just disclosed his diagnosis yesterday evening. He is/was an incredibly healthy, young, and active physician. He has been using a cane for walking/balance assistance for the past few weeks but told us all he just had a bad fall and slipped a disk in his back. I also learned he can no longer shower and must use a shower seat. I don’t believe he is still working as a hospitalist. He didn’t volunteer any information regarding his work status and I didn’t ask, but he seems to be at our mother’s house pretty frequently than his work schedule would typically accommodate.
I am absolutely devastated. I am completely heartbroken. I am terrified and can’t help but to feel like I am already grieving him. I know there is no certain answer and people can progress at different rates, but can you all please help give me an idea of how much time we may realistically have left with him? I don’t want to take another minute with him for granted.
Knowing my brother, I am almost certain that when he loses the ability to “wipe his own ass”, he is going to see himself out. He just has too much dignity to live like that. He has no wife or children, so he won’t feel obligated to go on for the sake of others. He is a physician and has the knowledge and resources to do so. And as much as I never want to let him go, I would fully support him in this.
Thank you all so much for anyone kind enough to respond. ALS can fuck all the way off!!!