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Living with ALS |
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By Celia Yolanda Laguna |
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My name if Celia Laguna and I am 69 years old. I was born in San Antonio, Texas, and was married to Lionel Laguna, Sr., for 47 years. After a long struggle with cancer, Lionel passed away at the age of 70. During our time together we established two successful businesses. I had a restaurant named Maya Tortilleria and Lionel's, Laguna's Service Station was right next door. We served our Southside community for 30 years. We had seven children: Leticia, Lionel, Jr., Adrian, Patricia, Gisela, David, and Rueben. I had symptoms of ALS five years before my illness was diagnosed. I began to fall frequently and the strength in both of my hands was failing. After several visits of neurologists, at the age of 65, it was confirmed that I had ALS. After receiving the diagnosis, I began to think about the decisions and preparations my family would need to make in regarding the physical limitations I would have. My illness progressed at a rapid pace and we soon required the aid of various medical machines to make the day-to-day care easier. These included the use of a bi-pap machine, a suctioning machine, a motorized wheelchair, and recently, a Dynavox communication machine. As the disease progressed, it became more difficult for my loved ones to understand my speech. In the beginning I was a bit hesitant to utilize the Dynavox, but through necessity I soon realized that I could form sentences with a joystick, that I control with my head, and express myself with pre-entered phrases with one click. I am especially grateful to my children for being with me and giving me constant supervision. All seven of my children take turns caring for me. We are a loving family, and those who live out of town, come in for the weekend. They have also helped me obtain the equipment necessary for my care. I would like to encourage those who are diagnosed with ALS or families with a loved one who has ALS to inquire about these aids that are available through The ALS Association or a local clinic. |
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