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Thank you for checking out our website/blog. By journaling and updating this website we will attempt to keep friends and family up to date on what is going on inside our lives. Living with a terminal illness (ALS) and demonstrating how God is working in our lives to bring Him glory during this trial. We appreciate your gracious prayers and support during this season of our lives! We Love You All So Much!




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Friday, February 12, 2010

Communication, more than just talking ... an insight to ALS patients from a wife who cares






Someone asked me the other day about how to read Eric's responses to some particular visits and their questions were very valid. As you know, I can read Eric better than anyone. Lately, I tend to play offense and defense for Eric in these areas. He does not talk as much as it does take more effort physically. His smile or nod is often his response or it can be that he is processing his response. He takes longer to reply as well as even trying to articulate what he wants to say takes more time. I have had to learn this as I await his reply. I am usually in a hurry wanting a yes or no answer (this is mostly when I am helping him with a need). But when he has something to say, I stop what I am doing and look at his face as I wait for him to talk to me.

Here's the tough part, most people are social creatures and talking is such a huge part of how we communicate. When we don't get a response, we instantly start to process what is wrong, what are they thinking, are they upset with me? This makes most people uncomfortable so they either talk more or leave the situation. Many people can't understand Eric as well and this takes great effort or interpretation (usually by me). When there is a lot of noise or commotion going on around, this is even harder, of course. This is why we have tended to have less people over and done more one on one visits. Things like watching big sporting events are an exception because these can be events to enjoy together, but even that tends to be a bit much for Eric to to take in. Eric had a lot of fun having everyone over for Super bowl, but couldn't do that all the time like he used to. They say that when you loose one sense, your others are heightened, like when you can't see, you can hear sharper. Eric hasn't necessarily lost a specific sense as much as abilities, but his hearing is sharp as a tack. He hears the mail truck from a mile away and always amazes me on what he can hear that I don't. This can be good, but also bad as he can sit in a room with a lot of things going on like conversations, kids playing or screaming, phones ringing, washing machine going, dog barking and he is on complete overload. We tend to tune in to one thing and block out the others, but Eric is not able to do that. I try to be cautious with this when people are here to keep things more low key and quiet. Those of you who have known Eric, know that he used to be able to do everthing at once and the more people the better, the more going on the better and the louder the music, the better, etc. It's really hard to see Eric this way as it is so different than the way it used to be, but I understand it and want to make things easier for him. It is really part of the disease as the more people I have met or talked to have felt the same way and can relate. This is why I thought I should post this to help you understand the disease and how it affects people. I also want people who do visit to feel comfortable as they understand what Eric is going through better.
To understand what Eric is saying or feeling, you need to look right at him and focus on what he is saying, reading his lips and expressions and be patient for his response (we tend to want to finish other's sentences with what we think they will say and that can be helpful or frustrating). Sometimes he is fine and doesn't have anything to say and sometimes he doesn't say what he wants because there is no pause for his response. Over a year ago, we met a family in Monroe at an ALS skate benefit and the husband had ALS and his speech was affected. His wife and daughter were often finishing his sentences for him which he would nod approval of. When I was talking to him on my own, I felt this draw to look at his face and listen attentively to what he was saying and I was surprised how well I could understand him and respond to him in a kind way. I felt so strongly that he just wanted to be heard and that most people probably brushed him off quickly or looked to his spouse for translation. I was prepared back then for what may come with Eric and what he might feel like when he loses the ability to communicate.
The people who have been around the most are the ones he tends to share more with and they become more comfortable with the changes going on with Eric too.
Sometimes it's OK to come over and just be here with Eric, whether watching a movie, rubbing his aching elbows, back or feet, praying with him, reading a book to him or just giving him a hug or squeezing his hand. We don't always have to talk to show love which is strange for most people, because we are social by nature (me especially) I love to talk!
If you are reading this and feel like, I have never come over to visit, please don't feel like you need to now, know that your prayers, emails and cards are a great way to show your love and support. We are blessed and have wonderful friends and family surrounding us.
Lastly, with the way Eric's chair is driven now, he has a device around his neck that steers his chair. Some people are afraid to hug him as this is in the way. Eric still appreciates hugs as we all need touch. You can ask him if it's OK to hug him and he will let you know if it's safe to give him a squeeze. My mom hugged him once with his chair on and they almost both went for a ride :).
I hope this helps not just to understand what Eric is feeling, but also help you unserstand others with ALS or similar disabilities.
Love,
Lori

11 comments:

Friberg Clan said...

Eric, Lori, Zac and Maddie...I love the pictures, I love your heart and I love that you are willing to help us better understand all of this. Please know that you are in our prayers! God bless~Demetria Friberg

Karen said...

Dear Fox Fam,
Thank you so much for helping us to understand and for allowing us to be just a small part of the huge circle of love here. You are always in prayer and are a precious gift to all who know you. Happy belated birthday, Zach! Miss you. Karen Weaver

michele said...

Thank you for this important explanation. I will carry it with me.

Anonymous said...

nice post. I would love to follow you on twitter.

Unknown said...

Hey Mr. Fox, at least thats how I knew you. It's Logan Maysick and Austin Clark from your small group at KCC. Not sure if you totally remember us. However, if you do we would really appreciate an email and to get in touch with you. Id really appreciate an email from you at lmaysick@gmail.com Thank you Mr. Fox.

Logan and Austin

Unknown said...

You and your precious family are always in my prayers.

motherof2 said...

just checking on on you guys...how are you? thinking of you today!

Ps. 3:3 Thou Oh Lord are a shield for me, my Glory and the lifter up of mine head.

Update soon.

Much love,
Margorie

Hua said...

Hey Lori,

This is such a great post. You and such an inspiration and I wish for nothing but the best for you and your family.

I found your blog while searching for unique and helpful content on general medicine. I think you could benefit from sharing your personal story to an audience of people seeking information on general medicine. Wellsphere's HealthBlogger Network (HBN) is comprised of over 3,000 of the web's best health writers, including doctors, patient experts and people pursuing healthy living.

For more information about joining, please visit http://www.wellsphere.com/health-blogger or email me at hua [at] wellsphere [dot] com.

Best,
Hua
Director of Blogger Networks

anne said...

Hi guys!
Thinking of you and praying for you on this sunny, but cold MN Saturday! You are in our thoughts so often. I pray for you to feel God's overwhelming love and peace today. Enjoy each other today, as you always do!
Love,
Anne, Steve & Ryan

Kristin said...

Lori and family, I just got finished reading your blog, what an amazing women you are Lori, you are an inspiration to lots of other women who are not only taking care of loved one in need, but also your children, trying to keep things as normal for them as you can. You can feel all the love you have for your family just pouring from your blog. May God be with you and your family through all of this, and I will pray, and pray for your family for strength and courage in the days to come.

Kerry Siereveld said...

Just wanted to leave a little note and let you know I was still thinking and praying for you guys!

Family is FOREVER

Family is FOREVER