Doctors’ Appointments

Today was Tina’s appointment with multiple doctors.  In January, she was able to walk into the appointment.  By April, she walked with assistance.  She was wheeled into the appointment in June.  This time it was a virtual meeting with the multiple doctors from Providence Care in Kingston.

Virtually, she talked to Dr. Ritssma, Dr. Melanson and Dr. Fitzpatrick.

They were all surprised with the rapid advancement of the ALS. The last time she saw the doctors, she was able to move her legs and stand a short time.  The only movement she has now are 2 fingers on each hand and her ankles. She currently wears special boots to keep her ankles from turning in.  She also has a harder time swallowing especially after talking too much.  Her oxygen level is down to 92 from 98.

Dr Melanson wants to push for Tina to get into Providence Care.  They are equipped there to provide Tina with the best quality of life at this time. 

Dr Fitzpatrick said that Tina’s lung function is down to 37%.  He also recommends that Tina should be in the Providence care unit in Kingston.

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In August, I added a news story about Bjore Salming, a retired NHL player that played for the leafs.  At that time he was announcing that he had been diagnosed with ALS. In that article he was quoted saying, “I do not know how the days ahead will be, but I understand that there will be challenges greater than anything I have ever faced.”

Yesterday, there was an update that said that he has now lost his voice, his family is exhausted and he is depressed.  He lives in Sweden but came to Canada to see a doctor and was prescribed medication.   The drug was sent through the mail to Sweden but customs wouldn’t approve the package because it is not an approved drug in that country and it was sent back to Canada.

If your are interested in reading the whole article, click on this link:  Bjore Salming journey with ALS

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We are very thankful that Tina STEELE has her voice.  For the most part, she had taken what has been given her and rolled with it.  She has kept her smile and shares it with many.

We are STEELE hanging  in there….