Andres Albaladejo's sudden diagnosis of ALS after a minor twitch reveals the devastating impact of the disease.
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At just 39 years old, Andres Albaladejo thought a minor twitch in his left arm was merely a symptom of a pinched nerve. Little did he know, this seemingly innocuous sign marked the beginning of a life-altering journey into the world of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a relentless disease that attacks the nervous system, leaving its victims grappling with the loss of basic functions like movement and speech.
The first signs of trouble
In April 2023, what began as a twitch in Albaladejo’s arm escalated into severe weakness and a troubling inability to grip. His wife, Carmen, recalls the moment she first noticed the twitch and how perplexed they both were.
‘It was bizarre,’ she said, recalling her confusion as to whether he could feel it or if he was unintentionally causing it. These initial symptoms, often brushed aside by many as stress-related, turned out to be the first signal of a dire diagnosis.
Seeking answers
Initially, the couple visited a chiropractor, where an x-ray revealed some nerve compression, providing a brief sigh of relief. However, as Andres’s condition continued to decline, they found themselves referred to a neurologist. Carmen remembers the turning point in their journey: ‘The doctors suggested a disc replacement surgery, but first, they conducted a series of electromyography tests.’ These tests revealed a troubling pattern—his twitching was spreading, raising red flags for the medical team.
The crushing diagnosis
Eventually, Albaladejo was sent to an ALS clinic, where the heartbreaking news was delivered: he had ALS and a prognosis of just two to five years to live. ‘I felt like my life was being taken from me piece by piece,’ he recalled. The father of an 11-year-old daughter, Sophia, expressed his anger and sadness at the thought of not being there for her as she grows up. The emotional toll of the diagnosis is palpable, as he fights to maintain his role as a father and a source of strength for his family.
Facing the reality
The family is now grappling with the harsh realities of living with ALS. They have raised over $26,000 for potential stem cell treatment, but the costs and the uncertainty surrounding effective therapies weigh heavily on them. ‘We are getting our affairs in order,’ Carmen shared. ‘With no promising treatments we can afford, we are trying to stay strong and make the best out of our situation.’
Raising awareness
Andres’s story is not just a personal battle; it’s a call to action for awareness of ALS, especially among younger generations. The symptoms can often be dismissed, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The Albaladejos hope that by sharing their journey, they can shine a light on the early signs of ALS, such as muscle twitches, cramps, and weakness, which can all indicate something more serious.
The struggles of the ALS community
Currently, around 5,000 adults in the UK are living with motor neurone disease, and the lifetime risk of developing ALS is estimated at one in 300. Sadly, many face a grim prognosis, often living only a few years post-diagnosis. There are no cures, but treatments exist to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
The unknown future
As Andres, Carmen, and Sophia continue to create memories together, they face an uncertain future. With the disease rapidly progressing, every moment becomes precious. ‘I just hope that throughout all of this, my daughter still sees me as her hero,’ Andres said, embodying the spirit of determination in the face of adversity. Their story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of early diagnosis and understanding of conditions like ALS.
