ALS Case Study: Exploring Chronic Illness Management Strategies

This case study delves into the complexities of managing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), focusing on Mr. Smithson's experiences with uncertainty and powerlessness. It critically examines the potential dangers and opportunities presented by his uncertainty regarding the disease's progression a...Read More

Running head: CHRONIC ILLNESS MANAGEMENT
CHRONIC ILLNESS MANAGEMENT
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note

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1. Mr. Smithson's uncertainty is off course a danger. Neuro-degenerative diseases are
unpredictable and us a cause of fear and anxiety among patient due the erratic nature of the
symptomatology and the ambiguity of the symptoms (Kramer-Kile & Osuji, 2014). Mr.
Smithson’s uncertainty is a danger because of the inability of the patient to control their
illness. Although Mr. Smithson has gone through the internet databases to pick up the
rationale for gold treatment, but it has to be kept in mind that gold treatment has not been
approved by the FDA and there are very few credible resources supporting the usefulness of
the gold treatment. Although gold nanoparticles can show some promising effect in treating
Multiple sclerosis and improving the motor function, but the topic is still under research. Use
of gold treatment without approval from the doctor may include allergic reaction, metallic
tastes and small sores can occur in the mouth. Loose bowel movement, nausea can occur.
2. Two resources on gold treatment
Very few websites contain information about gold treatment in treating Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis. In Amyotropic lateral sclerosis the nerve cells are attacked, that is responsible for
controlling the movement of the voluntary muscles. In ALS, the upper and the motor neurons
degenerate and stop sending message to the nuclei of the brain. Muscle weakness and
stiffness causes weakening of the muscles, fasciculation and atrophy. Cayce have researched

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on the vibrational energy of gold. According to him, a glandular disturbances generally
creates a hormone deficiency in the blood stream that prevented liver from assimilating gold
from the diet. Recent researchers have found that gold Nano crystals can help in re-
myelination of the nerve cells and restore the motor functions. The following information has
been obtained from a website, but the facts are not based on scientific researches hence the
findings might not be reliable. This information has been extracted from the website
http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/arthritis/gold-treatment.html. The
credibility of this information cannot be assured.
A paper by Paviolo & Stoddart, (2017), has stated that Gold nanoparticles have been
found to be providing a number of physical and chemical properties that works as a light-
activated Nano scale neuronal interface. The unique optical property of the gold
nanoparticles such as the optical response, low toxicity, physical and chemical toxicity and a
wide range of surface functionalization that helps them to interact with the target cells.
Although this source is authentic and golden Nano-particles are showing a promising future
in case of treating Multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis but no such evidences have been
found regarding its usefulness in Lateral sclerosis.
3. Three factors contributing to Mr. Smithson’s powerlessness
 Amyotropic lateral sclerosis is a rare and incurable diseases which may be one cause of
his powerlessness and hopelessness (Kramer-Kile & Osuji, 2014). Seeing oneself in pain
being dependent on somebody for even the smallest activity can be painful for the patient
at times and can cause sense of powerlessness in the patient (Sheridan et al., 2013).
 Another factor that is contributing to Mr. Smithson’s powerlessness is lack of knowledge.
Very few credible sources are available in the website regarding the effectiveness of gold

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treatment. Hence lack of proper information for the treatment might be a reason for the
powerlessness. Knowledge regarding the chronic illness is important for the management
of the disease and control. Unfamiliar surroundings, including the insecurities or recurrent
chronic disease may impact on learning (Finger, 1987).
 Another factor that is contributing to the Mr. Smithson is his lack of job. Mr. Smithson
had been balancing his work life and personal life successfully. Sudden deterioration of
his condition has compelled him to leave his work. Retirement from job can often lead to
powerlessness among the elderly patients (Sheridan et al., 2013).
4. Three strategies to support Mr. Smithson’s family
 Mr. Smithson had been suffering from a degenerative disease, which has not only
affected his physical health but had also affected his mental wellbeing. He is mentally
alert and know that his disease is incurable. Hence the sole focus of the nurse practitioner
would be to provide psychological and spiritual support to the patient, such as
empowering the patient to take care of her own well-being. (Kramer-Kile & Osuji, 2014).
 Caring for someone with multiple sclerosis can cause stress and burnout in the caregiver
and hence counseling sessions can be arranged for the family members (Siegert &
Abernethy, 2015). For disseminating the workload, professional respite care can be hired
to give temporary care.
 The family can be helped to set up the home environment suitable for a disabling person,
such as environmental modifications such as provision of alarms, electronically operated
beds, suitable lights, intercoms, provision of the mobility aids (Coote et al., 2015). The
nurse professional can educate the family regarding the community support for the people
who are severely disabled by Amyotropic lateral sclerosis.

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References
Coote, S., Hogan, N., & Franklin, S. (2013). Falls in people with multiple sclerosis who use a
walking aid: prevalence, factors, and effect of strength and balance interventions.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94(4), 616-621.
Finger, S. (1987). The family support group in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Neurologic clinics, 5(1), 83-100.
Kramer-Kile, M., & Osuji, J. C. (Eds.). (2014). Chronic Illness in Canada: Impact and
Intervention. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Orthopedics and sports medicine, (2017). Gold treatment .Access date: 24.7.2018.R etrieved
from: http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=patient-care/articles/arthritis/gold-
treatment.html.
Paviolo, C., & Stoddart, P. R. (2017). Gold Nanoparticles for Modulating Neuronal Behavior.
Nanomaterials, 7(4), 92. http://doi.org/10.3390/nano7040092
Sheridan, N. F., Kenealy, T. W., Kidd, J. D., Schmidt‐Busby, J. I., Hand, J. E., Raphael, D. L., ...
& Rea, H. H. (2015). Patients’ engagement in primary care: powerlessness and
compounding jeopardy. A qualitative study. Health Expectations, 18(1), 32-43.
Siegert, R. J., & Abernethy, D. A. (2015). Depression in multiple sclerosis: a review. Journal of
Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 76(4), 469-475.