Angelia’s ALS Fund
Donation protected
God has blessed me with a wonderful life, filled with family and friends. For my whole life, I have lived in the beautiful piney woods of Louisiana where I went to college and was employed at the VA hospital for nearly two decades. In addition to working hard, I enjoy camping and spending time with my loving husband Jamie and two adult children, Cody and Linsey.
Early in 2018, I was having some unexplained symptoms, such as left-side weakness, muscle spasms, occasional slurred speech, and frequent falls. After undergoing numerous tests, I was referred to a neurologist at Houston Methodist Hospital who initially diagnosed me with Parkinson’s (which mimics symptoms of ALS) and was sent for further testing. On November 29, 2018, I was officially diagnosed with ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Although we were relieved to finally have an answer, the news was absolutely devastating. ALS is an incurable disease that causes the muscles to shrink, ultimately resulting in total paralysis.
After the diagnosis, I was referred to Ochsner’s ALS Clinic in New Orleans for a long-term home care plan. The doctors have determined that I’ve had ALS for approximately a year and a half or longer. I am now receiving ongoing treatment at home, and I see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and nurses throughout the week. For now, I am scheduled to return to the Ochsner’s ALS Clinic every three months unless my symptoms get worse.
Currently, I have slurred speech, difficulty breathing, uncontrollable muscle twitching, aching muscles, and trouble swallowing. I can still walk short distances with the assistance of a walker, but I am in the process of trying to purchase a motorized wheelchair to help me get around better and spend more time outdoors.
At this moment, there is no cure for ALS, but treatment and medication can greatly alleviate my symptoms. Although I am getting the best care possible through my family and friends, doctors, Houston Methodist, and Oschsner’s, I am grateful for any additional support that will help me fight this debilitating disease.
Sincerely,
Angelia Nugent
Early in 2018, I was having some unexplained symptoms, such as left-side weakness, muscle spasms, occasional slurred speech, and frequent falls. After undergoing numerous tests, I was referred to a neurologist at Houston Methodist Hospital who initially diagnosed me with Parkinson’s (which mimics symptoms of ALS) and was sent for further testing. On November 29, 2018, I was officially diagnosed with ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Although we were relieved to finally have an answer, the news was absolutely devastating. ALS is an incurable disease that causes the muscles to shrink, ultimately resulting in total paralysis.
After the diagnosis, I was referred to Ochsner’s ALS Clinic in New Orleans for a long-term home care plan. The doctors have determined that I’ve had ALS for approximately a year and a half or longer. I am now receiving ongoing treatment at home, and I see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and nurses throughout the week. For now, I am scheduled to return to the Ochsner’s ALS Clinic every three months unless my symptoms get worse.
Currently, I have slurred speech, difficulty breathing, uncontrollable muscle twitching, aching muscles, and trouble swallowing. I can still walk short distances with the assistance of a walker, but I am in the process of trying to purchase a motorized wheelchair to help me get around better and spend more time outdoors.
At this moment, there is no cure for ALS, but treatment and medication can greatly alleviate my symptoms. Although I am getting the best care possible through my family and friends, doctors, Houston Methodist, and Oschsner’s, I am grateful for any additional support that will help me fight this debilitating disease.
Sincerely,
Angelia Nugent
Organizer
Angelia Nugent
Organizer
Pineville, LA
