A Take on a Life Worth Knowing - Seth Poling

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. It's a debilitating condition that can deprive a person of their physical abilities and, in some cases, their mental capacities. For many people with ALS, the disease's progression can feel like a loss of control over their bodies and lives. It's not uncommon for individuals with ALS to experience changes in their personality or behavior, such as becoming more irritable, impulsive, or aggressive. Frontotemporal degeneration or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders that causes progressive damage to the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain associated with personality, behavior, and language. Loss of function in this part of the brain can lead to impulsive behavior and speech difficulties. Usually, FTD does not affect the parts of the nervous system that co...

As a person with ALS, medical marijuana has been a game-changer. It has provided relief for various symptoms that I experience daily. Medical marijuana has been essential in helping me manage my pain, anxiety, excessive secretions, insomnia, and loss of appetite. One of the most significant benefits of medical marijuana is its ability to relieve anxiety. Living with a terminal illness can be incredibly stressful and can often lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Medical marijuana is effective in reducing anxiety levels and promoting relaxation, which has been essential in helping me cope with my illness. In addition to anxiety relief, medical marijuana has been essential in managing my pain levels. The pain I experience can be unbearable, and prescription drugs often have unfavorable side effects. Medical marijuana has been a safe and effective alternative to traditional pain medications. It has provided me with much-needed relief. Another benefit of medical marijuana is its ab...

As someone living with ALS for nearly nine years, I know the challenges of living with this disease are all too real. From the progressive weakening of your muscles to the loss of independence and control over your body, it's a difficult journey. The most commonly asked question I receive is if I would recommend a tracheostomy to someone living with ALS. But, my desire to spend more time with my family and loved ones is stronger than ever and obfuscates my sentiment. ALS is a journey few are willing to prolong since only 10% of people living with ALS will proceed with a tracheostomy. I'm the type of person who doesn't give up easily and is willing to try anything once, and the idea of a tracheostomy to extend my life is something that I knew I would consider from day one of my ALS journey. So, the thought of living with a tracheostomy was daunting. It's not just about extending my life. It's also about the quality of life I'll have. The thought of my dependence...

Meet Benny Mac, the UPS man, he's got a story to tell Lost a finger on the random, but it didn't break his spell He's got a positive attitude, and never brings him down. He'll still get your package to you, with or without that crown Ben, Ben, he's the man. Missing a finger, but still doing all he can He's got the skills, he's got the drive He'll get your package to you, rain or shine. He's not your average delivery man, he's got a unique style He may be missing a finger, but he's got a heart of a mile He's got a smile on his face, and a spring in his step He'll get your package to you, with a smile and a rep. Ben, Ben, he's the man Missing a finger, but still doing all he can He's got the skills, he's got the drive He'll get your package to you, rain or shine. Don't underestimate Ben, he's got more than meets the eye He's got a determination that'll make you wanna cry He's got a positive attitud...

Do you ever feel like you have a split personality? One moment you are content with life, and the next minute you are completely discombobulated, and the world's imploding. The same for the story of one, Dr. Henry Jekyll, nicknamed in some copies of the story as Harry Jekyll, and his alternative personality, Mr. Edward Hyde, is the central character of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in the story, he is a good friend of the main protagonist Gabriel John Utterson, Dr. Jekyll is a kind, respected English doctor who has repressed evil urges inside of him, he attempts to hide this; but develops a type of serum that Jekyll believes will effectively compartmentalize his dark side, but he transforms into Edward Hyde, the physical and mental manifestation of his evil personality, but this process happens more regularly until Jekyll cannot control when the transformations (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) I can relate to Mr. Jekyll because I have ...

  Erika, My Love , My Everything  Erika, my love, my shining star,  You light up my life, from near and far. With your bright eyes and your gentle smile,  You make my heart race, all the while. Your laugh, like music, fills my ears,  And chases away all my fears. With you, I feel complete and whole, Together, we'll weather any storm,  we'll take on any role. Through the highs and lows, you're by my side,  With you, my love, I'll forever abide. With every day, my love for you will grow,  Erika, my love, my heart, I'll never let go. You are my everything, my reason to live,  With you, my love, my heart will forever give. Forever and always, my love for you will stay,  Erika, my love, with you, forever I'll stay. Seth      

What does my ALS support system mean to me? My ALS journey has been difficult, but I am grateful for the incredible support system by my side every step of the way. The love and support of my family and friends, both in real life and on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, have been invaluable in helping me to stay strong and keep fighting.   When I first received my diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed and alone. But my loved ones were there for me, offering encouragement and a listening ear when I needed it most. They helped me to see that I was not in this fight alone and that there were people who cared deeply about me and wanted to help me in any way they could. While on social media, I found a community of people going through similar struggles. They shared their stories, offered advice, and provided a sense of camaraderie that I found incredibly uplifting. I connected with people from all over the world who understood what I was going through, and it helped me to feel ...