Sad News
I have some bad news to share
A few months ago, a friend asked if I had been sick because my voice sounded weaker. I hadn’t. I said it was probably due to underuse, as I had been working from home and not talking for most of the day. In the gym, I began to notice issues with my right elbow. It was weak in the bent position.
I didn’t connect the two ideas until about a month ago. One morning, the arm was more numb, and my voice was weaker. I had begun voice lessons to correct what I thought was underuse. I consulted with a doctor online who advised me to go to the emergency room, as it could have been a stroke.
It wasn’t a stroke, MS, or a tumor. After several doctor visits, numerous blood tests, and other tests, I was diagnosed with ALS.
I will be archiving the CriticalMAS blog. I’m not sure what format that will be. There are a few options. I will post here when I have that completed. At this time, I don’t know what else I’ll use this Substack for. We will find out.
Thank you for being part of my online life. For those who use Facebook, I accept all friend requests from real profiles. www.facebook.com/michaelallensmith/
I'm quite speechless as I'm sure you are too. How do I send all that emotion through the keyboard so you know I (and we) support you. It feels so shallow to just type it out here. MAS, face it head on and immerse yourself in support and early treatments.
This hits hard MAS. Although we have never met I feel like I know you from your blog and following all of your thoughts and experiments over the years. The internet will not be the same without your blog. It is up to you what you do next but I would hope to follow your thoughts and news here and on face book.