We left Monday AM for Salt Lake. My daughter (Laurie) and her husband (Jake) came form Washington (8 hours away) to take Pop and I to the big city of Salt Lake. Our appointment was on Tues. Oct. 2, 2007 at 2 in the afternoon. They came on Saturday so they could spend the week-end with us. I love to have the children come and we enjoyed it, we spent Sunday dinner and afternoon with another daughter who lives about 12 miles from here.
May I say the wind was blowing Sunday afternoon. My daughter Valerie is building a house on a hill. It has a million dollar view but the downside is wind. You could close your eyes and imagine you was in one of George McDonald's castles, as the wind would make it's haunting howl in the chimney. We had a fun time with them.
Then came Monday. Salt Lake is 5 1/2 hours from here. Arriving at Salt Lake we first found the Research Center, so we could find it on Tuesday. We got motel rooms and went for dinner. They give hospital discounts in Salt Lake, ( they must know after you pay the doctor bill there's no money left and they don't want you to sleep under the bridges, therefore they offer you a discount.
On Tuesday morning we went shopping. We found wonderful stores, in which were wonderful things, but with the appointment we didn't have much time to shop. For which our husbands were quite grateful, I'm sure.
2 PM Tuesday: We entered the research center, registered, and waited. Soon, too soon, we were called. I was first put on a scales (One word of warning: Don't weigh in Salt Lake City) I found I had gained 10# overnight, but I lost it all when we came home the next day. 
We waited in a room and soon the doctor entered. I don't know why it is, we were warned about neurologist, they were a cold, curt and unfriendly sort, but for some reason we must have found the best doctors in the US. They were very personable, asked questions and let us ask question till we could think of no more. They was glad I had my daughter with me and welcomed her in the room with us.
After asking some questions the doctor left the room. He says he makes his diagnosis first, then he reads the reports of the other doctors and compares his findings with theirs. Smart doctor I say.
One thing he did to see if I still had any smarts, was to make me say as many animals as I could in 60 seconds. I passed. 
How many can you name? His diagnosis was with a ? But he is pretty certain I have the Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) It is progressing, and he says I will eventually loose my speech entirely and I also will get weaker, therefore I should get a wheelchair in order to keep up in a family outing and to be able to shop all day if I like. Did I say, he was a very good doctor. In a nutshell I guess what it amounts to is my brain is slow in sending signals to my arms and legs. my speech and whatever else it should. I say not a wonder, it's tired of no one listening to it. I never could get anyone to listen. when I was a girl my mother wouldn't listen to me, so I got married and my husband never listened to me, then I had children and they never listened to me, Is it any wonder my arms and legs don't listen to me. 
Like I've said before, I'll leave it to God and He makes no mistakes. I'm glad it isn't cancer. I'm glad it isn't heart trouble, I'm glad it isn't Parkinson's, I'm glad it isn't Lou Gerigg's, (? sp) I'm glad about a lot of things. Then why do I cry?
So it is PLS.....PRAISE the LORD in SONG!!! GOD IS GOOD !!!
Comments (11)
Crying is part of the disease. It says so on the internet. Think nothing of it.
Aw,I'm sorry to hear this. I'm sure you have lots of mixed feelings.....as long as you don't know you wonder and wonder and then once you find out it seems final,you have a good attitude tho as in being thankful it isn't something much worse.
Blessings to you
Yes, you need to cry even if you think you shouldn't or there is nothing to cry about.
I pray for peace in God's wisdom for you. They say that knowing is half the battle, I don't know if that is true, you will have to let me know. I am glad that you had a nice time with your family, and I pray that you continue to do so. Your body may not allow the words to come from your mouth, but your heart is coming through loud and clear. God Bless YOU! I am blessed just hearing how you are walking with the Lord in this. I will try to remember to sing extra loud just for you....
We praise God with our hearts, as we cry with our hearts. Both things sound about right for you right now. I'm delighted to see you haven't disguarded your sense of humor. Thanks for the update.
Prayers, ~Pam
Love you--I think a few tears are in order--can I come push your wheelchair for a day of shopping??=)
Even with the limitations this disorder places on you, you will still be the same sweet, loving, gramma that you are known to be. You are right, God does not make mistakes ... so now the road you travel will have a different turn ... but you still can go the distance ... even if you're in a wheel chair. Love & hugs to you sweetie.
I think that every doctor's scale I've ever weighed on adds an extra 10 pounds.
You are such a dear lady. You have gifts that will never be silenced. Your positive attitude is inspiring, but you are real, too, as is shown by your crying. I know God is with you. I sense it in what you write. I wish I could hug you right now.
Oh dear Gramma S. Even in times of sad news, you are still so inspiring. You give God the glory in good times and bad ... and you have not lost your precious sense of humor. You are in good company, as no one listens to me either. We are praying for you and wish you comfort and peace.
I would love to see you, and I would just cry right with you. I keep getting this strong urge to go out there. One of these time I just might get me a ticket and come. You have a very special place in my heart Dorcas
Oh, I am so sorry.. I just want you to know I care... It's okay to cry.
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