August Update: Atlanta ALS sufferer Garry Phebus has made national headlines. In a YouTube video, he makes a case for ending his life early so that his organs may be put to good use while still healthy.

Phebus was diagnosed with ALS in 2008, which he calls “a death sentence, positively, no questions asked.”

“I am not suicidal,” he says. “I just know that it is a matter of time before I die and wish to do a good thing for those people who have a good life expectancy.”

Physicians were quick to assert that one in ten ALS sufferers can live for decades (for example, Dr. Stephen Hawking), though the vast majority of the approximately 5,600 Americans diagnosed this year can expect only two to five years.

Additionally, few if any doctors would risk State censure for assisted suicide — which is how the operation that Phebus proposes would almost certainly be viewed.

Phebus’ daughter, Kerry Wilkinson, expresses some reservations for the time being but asserts that when her father “gets to the point where he’s lost his pride or become humiliated in how he’s having to suffer and the indignities … we’re not going to have an issue with that.”

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ALS is a neurological disease in which certain nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain slowly die. These nerves control the body’s muscles, which are gradually affected by the disease.

My pitch for ALS is to basically create awareness. Though some people live with ALS for several years, many succumb to slow paralysis and death – all the more reason why awareness with the hope of prevention is hoped for.

One out of ten ALS cases are hereditary-based. Up until the age of 70, slightly more men get ALS than women do, but this trend tends to equalize after the age of 70.

ALS Causes

Unfortunately, doctors haven’t yet determined the specific causes of ALS, though they have notice a hereditary link as already mentioned. What is known as well is that ALS is not contagious, and cannot be spread from one person to another.

Symptoms

One of the first ALS signs is weakness in one hand, one leg, the tongue or the face. This weakness slowly spreads to other parts of the body, as motor neurons die and stop sending signals to the muscles. Subsequently, the muscles get weaker and atrophy. ALS sufferers may notice muscle twitching, problems with speaking, swallowing, walking, breathing, and eating, and difficulty using hands and fingers. Mental acumen is not impacted.

ALS Diagnosis

There are several test that are often used to diagnose ALS, including an electromyogram (EMG), nerve conduction studies to test nerve function, muscle biopsy, blood tests, CT scan of the brain, and MRI of the brain. As well, you doctor may recommend a neurologist.

ALS Treatment

As the disease progresses, physical, speech and occupational therapy can help you stay strong, making the most of the abilities that remain. As well, several medicines exist that can help relieve your symptoms and keep you comfortable.

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