[piytar]

I have a very good friend with ALS. His is expressing slowly. It is a truly horrible illness. BTW, the “no abnormal pain” comment is cr@p. As the nerves die, the muscles attrophy. As this progresses, the muscles can go into spastic twitching and cramping. It hurts a lot.

He has had the illness for several years. Even the simplest things in life are a real struggle for him. But he keeps on going, working, playing, living. It’s the bravest and most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever seen. Many of his “friends” have disappeared — they can’t deal with it. I can’t hate them for that, although I do think less of them for it. Maybe that’s not fair, but I can’t help it.

[metesky]

Had the same thing happen with my closest cousin. He kept up to the very end. All his friends were our old HS buddies, but they couldn't face up to it, so I made trips down on weekends.

I can’t hate them for that, although I do think less of them for it. Maybe that’s not fair, but I can’t help it.

Exactly how I feel. These were men who had been together for over 40 years. On the bright side, I have renewed a few old friendships with the couple of guys who did see it through to the end.

[KeepUSfree]

Don't be too upset with his friends. My neighbor Ed came over and apologized about 6 months after Rachel died because he "just couldn't handle it" and NEVER once came over to visit. It just freaked him out to see such a vibrant person ravaged by such a horrible condition. I knew that was the reason - a long time before he apologized.

We all have our weaknesses. I can't clean up vomit - can't do it. I puke every time I've tried. I don't call my friends or family - although I love them all and think about them often. At the same time, it doesn't bother me to deal with gaping wounds and compound fractures

And, watching someone's (awesome) body die while their mind stays sharp is brutal.

So, don't even think less of them. They were just unable to cope in that area.