MS, ALS, Lupus

Misdiagnosis is too abstract of a word for the human shock and range of emotions that impact people and families hearing MS (multiple sclerosis), ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lupus and then that they may actually have one not the other.

Explaining that symptoms ‘mimic’ other illnesses seems more like the bed side manners of a carnival barker.

Does our health care system push billing codes ahead of science? Or is it more about wanting and wanting to give quick answers to the unknown.

Whatever the reason people and families must live with symptoms. Diagnosis is the elephant in the room that some can choose not to see, but one person must always see.

Not only does neurological science need to do a better job but family and friends need to bring meaning to life regardless of the label of a loved one’s “bad break”.

During July 4th celebrations this year, take a moment to reflect on the 70th anniversary of this most powerful and poignant moment:

"For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. ...

... I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."

-- Lou Gehrig, July 4, 1939

Major League Baseball has teamed with four major non-profit organizations. "4♦ALS Awareness," will culminate with Gehrig's words being read at all Major League ballparks this coming July 4, during the seventh-inning stretch.

Lou Gehrig's speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4msaZTJrTA

Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
musings: Patrick Ponders ...