I needed this today. I have watched your videos and gained so much from your cheerful and yet honest reaction to ALS. I was diagnosed two weeks ago after struggling she find the reason my hand was atrophying. No doctor was able to determine the cause even though I had MRIs and other test. Finally, a neurologist did the nerve conduction and the test and there it was today I went to ALS clinic at Vanderbilt. Although I had been calm and I thought prepared, I saw about 40 other patients with ALS there. There were many who were in wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, andHaving watched about 50 RU-vid videos from people who have ALS, I felt like I had a good understanding. But when I met with many doctors and others who treat ALS it was very close to home for me. I don’t wanna leave this world just yet. I have a strong faith in Jesus Christ and his promises But leaving my family, and this world that we live in is tough to comprehend.
I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It takes immense courage to share your journey, and I’m glad my videos have been a source of support for you. Remember, you’re not alone in this fight, and there are many resources and communities out there to help you.
The doctors misdiagnosed my Mom as having a stoke for over a year. She finally went to a specialist when she was diagnosed with ALS. A real shame. Live your best life while you can
Let's GO find some JOY everyone!!! Lifting you up in my daily prayers, Darin. Grief is a really tough thing, especially when it's just 1 loss after another piling up. It always makes my day when I see your smile, enthusiasm & you add a little bit of funny sarcasm in the mix. The world is a brighter, better place bc you're in it, Darin. Have a blessed wknd 🌞 🐕
I totally understand the fatigue. For years with my lupus, I continue to work. I was the infection control nurse at my hospital and I had to round the floors daily. I used to say I felt like someone was sitting on my shoulders and my feet were in cement, buckets, when I would have to walk around the hospital. The fatigue was overwhelming. My muscles did not want to work. I would be drenched and sweat. Luckily, I had a very understanding boss and she would say as long as I got my work done, I could take a break in the middle of the day go home take a nap and come back. I did that for weeks months, I was diagnosed in 2001 and couldn’t stop working until 2011. 10 years of hell my lupus is better since I don’t work but I rarely if ever feel “normal”. I became isolated because it was just better physically to stay home. After a while people stop inviting you to do things when you always so no. So yes keep trying to do things if you can. ❤
Sending a hug. ❤ Except for the Lupus (have another chronic illness) I can completely relate. Trying to figure out how to stay ‘well’/stable, connected and sane. The isolation, becoming disabled & forgotten is a tough one.
Mr. Darin… You are our FAVORITE teacher! 💙 You are an inspiration to watch. You give other’s a lot of HOPE! Keep on keeping on & continue to share the LOVE! Big big hugs 🤗 Mr. D. Go find some JOY 🙏🫶
The only way to live is day by day, as we never know what tomorrow will bring. Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us, Darin. Prayers up! 🙏🏻 #GoFindSomeJoy ❤
You are one of my joys. My husband found out in June he has stage 4 non-smoking lung cancer. I find it hard to cope. Finding Joy is even more difficult. You are one the best!
Darin, thanks for sharing, I know just how you feel and it is hard to explain. I’m further along than you. 2 and a half years. I’m still finding love in my life. I’m sending love to you too.
Thank you for all your videos. It’s strangely comforting to hear your thoughts and what you feel throughout the journey. My dad just got diagnosed with ALS last month. As a daughter who’s been accompanying him meeting multiple doctors, it was hard to process, i cried for weeks but i saw how he tries to always stay positive so i’m here just trying my best being his support and drive him out a few times a week for some fresh air. Let’s go find our joy!
Go find joy ❤️ I’m following your journey not from a ALS point of view but dealing with aggressive MS. I relate to many of the things you say and I just want to thank you for making your videos and making me feel less alone.
I feel for you. I hate that you’re going through this. I’m in the middle of tests here and tests there and ALS is on the table. Even being in this place in-between is isolating; I can only imagine how you’re feeling. HOWEVER, you are doing great by sharing your thoughts and emotions. Keep on reaching out and a whole different world of “joys” will suddenly appear. 🙏🏼
You are such a sweet soul, Darin. I am a recent subscriber and I am praying for you. I am a Christian so I believe we just go to a better life after this and I also have a disabling illness. It is hard to think of leaving loved ones but I don’t fear death. I hope you can get connected to a group as you are such a people person. Go find your joy, Darin! Love from Canada ❤️🇨🇦🙏
Darin your attitude is amazing!! I agree find some joy! When things feel dark or heavy I find if you lie outside on the grass and star gaze at nite, it makes you feel grounded. And really shows the beauty around us. Continued prayers/lite always. ❤️🙏🙏🇨🇦
Go find some joy!!!!!☀️🙏☀️🙏☀️🙏 That was so funny when you said who wants to sit on the bottom row a the movies!! You really have a great sense of humor!! Praying for a miracle for you!!! Have an awesome weekend!!!!!🙏☀️🙏☀️🙏
Go find some joy! I don’t know what it is about you, but you are so incredibly likable and relatable, and I feel like I am so blessed to “know” you. It’s an honor.
I just started following your channel. I’m sorry for your ALS diagnosis.😞 I’m glad to hear that you do have a functional dr as well as your standard MD. I am a true believer in the body’s ability to heal itself. Ten years ago, my husband’s Dr as well as his urologist told him he most likely had the early stages of prostate cancer as his PSA levels were really rising. They were pushing for a biopsy but after researching, my husband declined due to the possibility of seeding. Instead, he went on a regimen of over 25 different supplements as well as Essiac tea and juicing. After three months, he went back to his urologist and was retested. His PSA levels dropped all the way back down to normal! The dr was in shock. Said he’d never seen such a dramatic decrease in a patient in such a short period of time. He didn’t care to hear what my husband had done to achieve this, he only said, “continue doing what you’re doing”. Fast forward to today - he continues to do great! We both see a Chiro weekly (I have slight scoliosis with terrible back and hip pain at times plus neuropathy in my feet). I just wanted to pass on to you a protocol my chiropractor put me on to help with my sleep which is 5-HTP and L- tyrosine. I’ve been taking this for a week or so now and have noticed an improvement in my sleep which in turn has helped my mental well being and energy levels. Maybe you can try adding these to your supplement regimen - you never know, it may help your overall well being! I will continue following your channel and wish only the best for you! God bless!🙏
Go find some joy! Life is a gift, not to be wasted. Thanks for giving joy on your platforms. I've enjoyed all the knowledge and entertainment your platforms have shared over the years. Continued prayers for you and the family. ❤
I’m incredibly grateful for your support and prayers! It's heartwarming to know that my content has made a positive impact in your life. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Darin - look at that beautiful weather God is granting you - and all that green in your yard! That, my friend, is JOY! I recommend getting a fancy power chair, of a less fancy version with wife power - and going into the beautiful world of nature! Love your smile and your attitude.
I hope you can get a power chair and go to Disney with your daughter..enjoy the weather and the food ..watch a parade. I know you can't ride the rides but you can still have some fun
I've been Hearing your story from the moment you got diagnosed.d when I'm having a bad day! You have such a good outlook on what's going on with you, you're a true inspiration! My love and prayers go out to you and your family, man they love you truly. I've had some bad days at work and I'll see your videos and it makes me try find some joy in my life....keep up the fight
I’m truly grateful for your support and encouragement. Your love and prayers mean the world to me. Let’s keep spreading positivity and inspiration together!
It really touches home with me about the grief and isolation. I have to go to a neuromuscular center to determine progressive muscle weakness with other symptoms. But the this whole time I have been quietly adjusting my life due to fatigue and things being hard to do. It makes good sense and wise counsel to make a concerted effort to go out and live. That’s what i intend to do. Thank you.
I found some joy when I saw you come on Darin. I thought of you earlier as there is a short on Instagram of a 19 or 20 year old with ALS and she is in her car singing I’m gonna praise!!!! As loud as she can. Made me think and wonder how you were. I put you on my prayer sheet and I pray for others in groups so I can get to everyone. I was calling you Derek and I knew that’s not his name. A few hours later you come on. That was my joy. Also watching my 4 1/2 year old granddaughter play her first soccer game. Stay healthy mentally. When you have a day that is better get yourself out. Get a tea or latte or milkshake and watch people. Look for your next update. Take care.
How is it I can love someone that I have never met? I pray for you, Darin, every night without fail. You are such an inspiration to me. While my chronic pain condition is not terminal, sometimes I almost wish it was. So I am grateful you are not suffering from terrible pain. God still performs miracles,and I'm praying for one for you. Let's go find some joy!
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers! It’s heartwarming to know I can inspire you, even from afar. I truly appreciate your support and positivity during tough times.
My dad was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. (PSP). He also thought he had Lynne’s disease. He also described the fatigue just like you do .
Go find some Joy! Darin, it made my day to see an update from you! My most joyful place is the outdoors. I'm headed there just to exist and enjoy my surroundings today, Thinking of you & your family!
Go find some Joy! Loving you from Florida. Keep moving anyway that you can.....one second at a time, one breath at a time...close your eyes and smile... now open them and grin big.
I found your channel because I am having ACDF surgery. I went 3 days ago and they had trouble intubating me. So we are going to try again next week. However, my ENTIRE body is SO sore. I feel like I was in a car wreck or something. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement. I’m really feeling down and I need to find a way out of that. Go find some joy! I’m so sorry for all you have been through. I pray you find some relief and joy as well.
Go find some joy. I agree that a life changing illness brings grief. Pray every day and connect someone to people every day. Your yard is so peaceful looking. Thinking of positive thoughts and sending them your way.
I'm overjoyed and grateful to see God's blessings manifest in my family's life. We're happy once again, and I can now provide for my loved ones even in retirement, thanks to a remarkable weekly income of $67,000. It's a game-changer after facing many challenges.
Massive! Been trying to trade on my own for a while now, but it isn't going well. few months ago I lost about $128,500 in the trade. Can you please at least advise me on what to do?
Giving her my initial savings of $21,000 to invest in a brokerage account was a turning point in my life. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience and the best decision I ever made!
Investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth and securing financial stability especially in this hard time. but it’s important to understand that it’s not without its challenges. The investment landscape is inherently volatile, with periods of both gains and losses. This variability is a natural part of investing and requires a clear strategy and patience to navigate effectively.
Go find some joy! In 2010 my husband was initially diagnosed w ALS. Many Drs and tests later he was found to have an unusual presentation of MS. He also has Addisons, and he had a cerebellar stroke in 2015. Is this the life we imagined in our 50's? Absolutely not! But my husband has the most positive outlook of anyone I've ever met. I'm a work in progress.
Its exactly like grieving for a life you have lost. We have to stay connected your right. Keep the fsith . We will have a cure soon,im sure. Go find some joy.
Gut Dysbiosis: Imbalance in gut microbiota in ALS patients might contribute to disease progression through mechanisms like increased inflammation and altered immune responses.
Bless you Darin I'm waiting for my diagnosis. ☹ So far i have all the same experiences and symptoms as you. I have experienced things for about 10yrs. I have C4/5 damage and L5 s/1. I was told I have Lytic lesions as well. BUT They tell me I have Radiculopathy! Haha!... for 10 yrs?? Then why no offer of medication or physio??? I was told its my meds. What!???? ... so what did I do - I threw it all away and do not take a thing! Since 18 months now. I have fasciculations, terrible muscle cramps at night, bad sleep, dreams, nightmares. I don't talk about it to my children because well I have but no one understands really. No-one believes me. I am a hypocondriac remember? I went for a mental test for Altzheimers and Parkinsons. I passed. my mind is not affected. I knew I was not affected I know my mind is all there . I'm ok in that region you know. I can't do my housework much anymore, the house is a mess, my body is heavy, weak, tired, fatigued. I feel embarrassed about the house. My daughter arrived from California for 5 days with my granddaughter, I live in Sussex England/ I tried. I tried so hard to clean the house before she arrived. I threw everything I didn't want people to see in my office/spare bedroom and someone tried to open the door - I had a party, her brothers arrived you see and their children. To see her. My left hand is getting worse, my left big toe is the start of it all. Fasciculations up the left side. I get cramps in my right lower calf now, I've been watching ALS videos of people like you for 2 years now. It really helps me. You do a good job. I kind of know or think I know. I think I knew then. My doctor said in no particular words I was a hypocondriac. But I went for EMG/NC studies, was told I have start of Axonal peripheral nerve neuropathy. But I think I have all the opathies , myleopathy too. I walk like Quazimodo now. Still waiting to be diagnosed. After 10 years. I am going to ask for a Lumbar Puncture next and nerve biopsy. I think They wait until last thing to tell us, when only a few years left. They don't think we should know too soon. Anyway, Darin, your videos are comforting and informative. Please carry on the excellent work for as long as you feel you can. I will be here watching and appreciate hearing you, what you have to say, and appreciate you asking us {the public} how we are too which is so kind Go find some joy! From Carol-Joy, Eastbourne, Sussex, England.
You're a precious precious soul!! Go find some joy today young man! Are you into herbs/plants for medicine? I know you don't have alot of energy to prepare stuff but if someone could make you some stinging nettle leaf tea with bhumi amla, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, with fresh lemon from a lemon - could help you feel better especially if you're dealing with fatigue, low mood, and need those medicinal properties they offer. Some of these herbs/plants like garlic as an antibiotic are more powerful than manufactured lab meds. I'm sure you know all this already! I'm praying for you. Keep your spirits up and keep turning to God.
Go find some Joy! Wearing one of your Joy Ambassador bracelets to work everyday to remind me to pray for you and find joy. You are still heading to school every day through your bracelet!! 🙏🏻🙌🏼☺️
Thank you for sharing your journey with the Joy Ambassador bracelet! It's amazing how something so simple can remind us to find joy and stay connected.
