Euthanasia is one of the most controversial issues I follow and because of the majority of the videos I've seen on YouTube about assisted dying had ALS , I decided to learn more about it. Instead of just learning the medical aspects about it most likely written by physicians or scientists, I wanted to know about the human aspect of the disease written by those living with it. Making the decision to live even when given a "death sentence" is not taken lightly. Most look into physician assisted suicide, euthanasia or suicide often setting limits on what they will tolerate after the diagnosis. The majority don't follow through with ending their lives due to family, religious , financial or moral reasons. Sometimes the stopping point , set earlier in the diagnosis, is often ignored. Just reading the medical aspects of ALS would make most people consider suicide. There's been very little research compared to many other diseases and the prognosis is grim. The devastating symptoms of this cruel disease and lack of awareness can push a person over the edge.
Reading about real people living with this horrific disease gives newly diagnosed patients hope because they choose to live. They don't sit around waiting to die, they try to live the rest of their lives to the fullest. They adapt and adjust to each loss with reservation but continue to enjoy life. I think that's why I chose to follow certain people with ALS because they inspired me and continue to do so. Even in their last months quickly disappearing they are making memories with those they will soon leave behind.
As the disease progresses they will eventually have more bad days than good as the unenviable approaches. I've come to care for virtual strangers, and worry when there blogs fall silent. Sadly one of the bloggers I've followed periodically left this life for hopefully a better world in June. He died as a result of ALS and not by his own hand.
Another of the bloggers I follow has gone MIA from online. 17 days and no updates. I'm so worried and hope she is well.
