This post includes an article that Jim wrote for a disability newsletter put out by the CRC/Reformed churches called Breaking Barriers. It was published last month and I thought you might like to read what he wrote.
ALS Brings Traumatic Change
In rural Ontario my wife Annette and I raised three beautiful children, who as adults have provided us with seven grandchildren.
In spring 2014, after 21 years of working for the local municipal council, my voice was failing me. At that time I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a speech impediment, and in December2014 I went to London Health Science Hospital in London ON for series of tests. The diagnosis was changed to Bulbar ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), a dramatic and traumatic turnaround. I was given 2 to 5 years to live.
I am getting weaker and have lost a lot of weight. Since October I receive nourishment by feeding liquid through a feeding tube. It takes a lot to maintain weight. I cannot talk or swallow. I have a speaking machine, a cough assist, and suction equipment.
There was a five-kilometer walk last summer to raise money for ALS. I completed it, but this year I will have to use a wheelchair to complete it because my strength has diminished.
On Christmas night I had pneumonia and was in the hospital for 8 days while receiving strong antibiotics. I was very weak getting out of the hospital and it took many days to gain my strength back. My arms are much weaker and balance is a challenge. Falling is a source of pain.
I continue to serve as chairman of Drayton Reformed Church’s Disability Committee. Our groupof four has been active for several years in making our church comfortable and safe for all. We are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and following its mandate.
We have lots of support from our family, my life group known as The 5 Guys , our church, and our community. We are blessed.
I do not know what the future holds but I will trust in God, who knows the future, to call me home.
A further update - we are battling his feeding regimen. A new formula is being tried and we are not sure how effective it is. It seems to have spiked his blood sugars and led to some unpleasant side effects. So we are monitoring his blood sugar levels and trying to get them back to normal. It's too bad this disease doesn't come with a text book that tells you what to do - everyone's condition is so different. Also 10 days ago on Easter weekend he experienced a fall in the garage and ended up needed staples in his head. Everything went well with that, for which we are extremely thankful. What once would have been a calamity is now just a blip in the continuum of life!
We continue to feel blessed with your prayer support, your comments and your visits. Thank you.
