Latest news with #AndresAlbaladejo
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Father, 39, hit by devastating motor neurone disease after suffering barely there symptom - now he has two years to live
When Andres Albaladejo was hit by a sudden twitch in his left arm at just 39, he blamed it on a pinched nerve. But the actual cause was an incurable, life-wrecking—and ultimately deadly—condition that gradually robs sufferers of their ability to move, talk and even eat. Just eight months after his first warning shot, the now 41-year-old from Tampa in Florida, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — the most common form of motor neurone disease. ALS claimed the life of Sandra Bullock's partner Bryan Randall in 2023 and the acclaimed scientist Stephen Hawking famously suffered from it. Now, the former school resource officer has told of the early signs he suffered before his diagnosis, in an effort to raise awareness of the condition in young people. Involuntary muscle twitching is one of the most common signs of ALS but can often be linked to stress and caffeine use. The twitches can be subtle, strong enough to feel but unlikely to cause jerking or big, noticeable movements, and most commonly affect the eyelids, arms, hands, fingers, legs, and feet. Recalling Mr Albaladejo's heartbreaking diagnosis, his wife Carmen, who first noticed the twitch in April 2023, said: 'It was bizarre. I asked if he could feel it, if he was doing anything to make it twitch, but he said no. 'We thought it was a pinched nerve, but over time, he started experiencing arm weakness, and he wasn't able to grip with his left arm.' In June 2023, he went to the chiropractor, and an x-ray showed he had some nerve compression, which came as a relief to the couple. But after his arm weakness failed to subside even after treatment, he was referred to a neurologist. Mrs Albaladejo said: 'At the time, the doctors said they were going to schedule him for a disc replacement surgery for the disc that was compressing his nerve. 'But before they went ahead and did that, they did three Electromyography's (EMGs) with the neurologist becoming more concerned each time as the twitching was traveling to his chest.' An EMG is a medical test that measures the electrical activity in muscles. Mr Albaladejo was then transferred to an ALS clinic, where he was diagnosed with the condition and giving a shocking prognosis of just two to five years. He said: 'I was heartbroken when I heard the news, like my life was being taken from me piece by piece - I still have so much of me to give. 'I'm angry that I won't be here to see my little girl grow into the smart, kind, and beautiful woman I know she will be. I think that hurts the most. 'Instead, she has to watch me fall apart in front of her eyes. 'I just hope that throughout all of this, my daughter still sees me as her hero, as I face this disease with determination and strength.' Mrs Albaladejo added: 'From having a pinched nerve to being diagnosed with a terminal disease eight months later—we were in shock and denial. 'It was devastating, you can never imagine it happening to you or a loved one. 'In eight months, our lives completely changed. We thought it was nerve compression, and now Andres has a terminal illness with a prognosis of two to five years. 'It is a lot to hear in one appointment.' Mr Albaladejo is currently taking an ALS medication to slow the progression of the disease. His friends and family also raised $26,235 for him to get stem cell therapy in the Cayman Islands. However, the effects have now worn off, Mrs Albaladejo noted and said they couldn't afford another round of treatment. She added: 'We are facing the disease head-on and dealing with it every day. 'At this point, we are getting our affairs in order, as we cannot see any promising treatments we can afford. 'We are trying to stay strong and make the best out of our situation.' The young father is spending whatever time he has left making as many memories as possible with his wife and 11-year-old daughter Sophia. Around 5,000 adults in the UK have MND and there is a one in 300 risk of developing the condition over the course of a person's life. Life expectancy for about half of those with the condition is between just two and five years from the onset of symptoms. But these can worsen rapidly. Some people may live for up to 10 years, and, in rarer circumstances, even longer. Along with twitches, cramps and muscle weakness are among the early signs of the condition, along with slurred speech and weight loss. There is no cure but doctors can provide treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's life. The exact cause is largely unknown, but current research points towards a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and possibly lifestyle factors—and it often hits seemingly fit and healthy people. Last year, Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow, 41, died after a four-and-a-half-year battle with the condition.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Man Sees Doctor Over 'Silly Little Symptom' on Arm—Then Comes Diagnosis
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman has revealed how what seemed like a "silly little symptom" turned out to be the earliest sign of a degenerative condition that would derail her husband's life. Prior to April 2023, Andres Albaladejo served as a school resource officer and did many handyman jobs in his spare time. He was constantly busy and helping others. So, when he noticed an unusual twitching in his left arm, he didn't think much of it as it seemed so minor. His wife of more than 13 years, Carmen Iris Albaladejo, told Newsweek that they thought it could just be a pinched nerve or a pulled muscle. They considered seeing a chiropractor, and "at worst" he might need surgery. "Looking back now, we realize how far from the truth that was. What we thought might be the worst-case scenario was only the beginning of something far more serious," Carmen, 39, of Tampa, Florida said. Andres Albaladejo and his wife Carmen Albaladejo with their daughter. Andres Albaladejo and his wife Carmen Albaladejo with their daughter. @calbaladej0 / TikTok The spasms in his left arm lasted for around a month, and shortly after, Andres, now 41, began noticing weakness in the same arm; he started to lose his grip when holding items, but there wasn't any pain. He was also experiencing high blood pressure, leading Carmen to fear that he was suffering a stroke. Andres went through several tests and scans in the months that followed, including MRIs and electromyography tests to measure electrical activity in the nerves and muscles. As those scans didn't reveal anything out of the ordinary, doctors ordered a blood test for neurofilament light chain levels, which are often elevated in cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Those results came back showing high markers, leading to growing suspicions of ALS. Andres was subsequently referred to the ALS Center at the University of South Florida where further scans and strength testing confirmed those fears. "To me, the diagnosis felt like it came through a process of elimination," said Carmen. "One by one, they ruled out other conditions, and as more tests came back negative and no other explanations were offered, the reality of the diagnosis began to settle in. But even then, we struggled to accept it." The couple were in denial for a long time and struggled to cope with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. ALS, also known as motor neuron disease and Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative condition which affects how nerve cells communicate with muscles. Over time, it leads to muscle weakness and can eventually cause atrophy. The early symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, stiff muscles, speech challenges, trouble swallowing, and drooling. This can make everyday tasks increasingly difficult, and even walking or breathing become challenging. ALS is considered a rare condition, with around 5,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, there is no known cure at present. Dr. Mary Ann Picone, Medical Director at Holy Name Medical Center's MS Center, explained to Newsweek that diagnosing ALS can take a while because the early signs "could mimic myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis or Lyme disease." Initial symptoms, such as muscle weakness or stumbling, can be misunderstood as clumsiness at first. "The disease is fatal, but life expectancy can vary from individual to individual. Most patient's life expectancy is about 2–5 years but about 10 percent of people can live over 10 years," Picone said. Patients who are diagnosed at an early age may also have a longer life expectancy, Picone notes. Andres was just 39 years old when he received his diagnosis in October 2023, a day which Carmen says changed their lives forever. "Hearing the diagnosis was devastating, we were in complete shock. Sitting in that doctor's office, the weight of it all hit us at once. We broke down in tears. It was one of the hardest moments of our lives, filled with fear, sorrow, and so many unanswered questions," Carmen told Newsweek. Andres Albaladejo pictured in hospital during his appointments following his ALS diagnosis. Andres Albaladejo pictured in hospital during his appointments following his ALS diagnosis. @calbaladej0 / TikTok Andres's condition has worsened significantly and he's now completely wheelchair bound. He's lost almost all use of his hands, the majority of his leg function and his speech is beginning to fade. Carmen has become his full-time carer to help him eat, bathe and go to the bathroom. It's been heartbreaking to see her high school sweetheart deteriorate so rapidly and lose the life he once had. "To see someone go from being completely independent to nearly fully dependent in under two years is truly heartbreaking," Carmen said. "He still has so much to give, so much love, wisdom, humor, and strength. And watching him come to terms with this reality is one of the hardest parts." Being a caregiver is a challenge that Carmen never imagined she'd take on, but she's determined to show strength and support for her husband. Her in-laws have also relocated to Florida to help, which she's incredibly grateful for. Throughout this journey, the couple's 11-year-old daughter has also shown great resilience and compassion. She will do anything to be close to her dad, and she's embracing this new reality. In May, Carmen started documenting her husband's journey on social media (@calbaladej0 on TikTok) as she felt it was important to raise awareness for the brave fighters who battle the condition. A video showing how the twitch in his arm turned out to be a lifechanging condition has gone viral with over 3.1 million views and 61,000 likes at the time of writing. ALS can be isolating, but Carmen wants her husband and other ALS warriors to know they're not alone. "My husband is heartbroken. He feels the weight of his life being taken from him piece by piece, long before he was ready to let go," Carmen said. She continued: "There is a strength within me that I never knew existed, one that has revealed itself through the pain and countless challenges we've had to face. I've been tested in ways I could never have imagined, and yet, I continue to rise each day with love." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Man, 41, given just two years to live after mistaking ‘bizarre' symptom for a trapped nerve
WHEN Andres Albaladejo noticed a "bizarre" symptom in his left arm he didn't think it was anything sinister. Little did the 41-year-old know it was the first sign of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and he would have just two to three years to live. 4 4 Andres and his wife, Carmen Albaladejo, 39, noticed a twitch in his left arm in April 2023 but didn't think it was anything sinister. A visit to the chiropractor confirmed Andres had a trapped nerve, but the weakness in his left arm continued, so Andres went to a neurologist. The neurologist performed three EMGs - a medical test that measures the electrical activity in muscles - and referred Andres to an ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - clinic in October 2023. The clinic said Andres had ALS - a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord - and told him and his family he had two to three years to live. In September 2024, Andres underwent stem cell therapy - to slow down or reverse the progression of the disease - which worked, but the effects have now worn off. Carmen is now concentrating on making as many memories as possible with Andres and their 11-year-old daughter, Sophia. Andres, a former school resource officer, from Tampa, Florida, US, said: "I was heartbroken when I heard the news, like my life was being taken from me piece by piece - I still have so much of me to give. "I'm angry that I won't be here to see my little girl grow into the smart, kind, and beautiful woman I know she will be. I think that hurts the most. "Instead, she has to watch me fall apart in front of her eyes. "I just hope that throughout all of this, my daughter still sees me as her hero, as I face this disease with determination and strength." Eric Dane's Brave Battle: ALS Diagnosis and a Triumphant Return to Work Carmen noticed Andres' left arm was twitching in April 2023, but they both thought it was a pinched nerve. Soon after, Andres started experiencing weakness in his left arm, which he thought was strange. His wife, Carmen, a senior accountant, said: "I noticed the twitching in his left arm and asked what was going on. IT WAS BIZARRE. "I asked if he could feel it, if he was doing anything to make it twitch, but he said no. "We thought it was a pinched nerve, but over time, he started experiencing arm weakness, and he wasn't able to grip with his left arm." Two to five years to live In June 2023, Andres went to the chiropractor, and an X-ray showed he did have some nerve compression, which came as a relief to the couple. After treatments with the chiropractor, the arm weakness did not go away, and Andres was sent to a neurologist. Carmen said: "At the time, the doctors said they were going to schedule him for a disc replacement surgery for the disc that was compressing his nerve. "But before they went ahead and did that, they did three EMGs with the neurologist becoming more concerned each time as the twitching was travelling to his chest." Andres was then transferred to an ALS clinic, where, after a strength test, he was diagnosed with ALS - the same condition Stephen Hawking had - and given a prognosis of two to five years. Carmen and Andres were shocked and confused by the diagnosis, so they asked for a second opinion, which confirmed the ALS diagnosis. From having a pinched nerve to being diagnosed with a terminal disease eight months later - we were in shock and denial Andres Albaladejo Carmen said: "From having a pinched nerve to being diagnosed with a terminal disease eight months later - we were in shock and denial. "It was devastating, you can never imagine it happening to you or a loved one. "In eight months, our lives completely changed. We thought it was nerve compression, and now Andres has a terminal illness with a prognosis of two to five years. "It is a lot to hear in one appointment." Andres is currently taking an ALS medication to slow the progression of the disease. In September 2024, friends, family and strangers clubbed together to raise $26,235 (around £19,323) for stem cell therapy in the Cayman Islands in a bid to attempt to slow down or reverse the progression of the disease. 4 4 Currently, there are no FDA-approved stem cell therapies for ALS available in the US, but there are several trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of using stem cells to potentially slow or halt the progression. Carmen said the treatment worked, but the effects have now worn off, and they can't afford another round of treatment. She said: "We are facing the disease head-on and dealing with it every day. "At this point, we are getting our affairs in order, as we can not see any promising treatments we can afford. "We are trying to stay strong and make the best out of our situation." Carmen recently bought a book for their daughter, Sofia, to sit with Andres and fill out so she can have memories of her dad. Carmen said: "It is called 'about my father' a book that she will put together. "She will get to ask him questions about his childhood, and get to know him from a different perspective. "It allows her to have something that she could treasure forever." What is ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal type of motor neuron disease. It causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Early symptoms may include: Muscles weakness and twitching - this can be in the arms, legs, or even the tongue, causing difficulty with fine motor skills, such as gripping objects, or difficulty with speech. Muscle cramps - These can be painful and may affect various muscles, including those in the hands and feet. Fasciculations - These are muscle twitches that can be persistent and may interfere with sleep. Tripping and falling - Loss of motor control in the legs and feet can lead to difficulties with balance and coordination. Dropping things - Hand weakness can make it difficult to hold and manipulate objects. Slurred speech - Difficulty speaking and swallowing can occur due to weakness in the muscles controlling speech and swallowing. Difficulty swallowing - This can make eating and drinking challenging. The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While about 10 per cent of ALS cases are familial (meaning they have a family history), the majority are sporadic, occurring without a known family history. If you suspect you have ALS, the first step is to see your GP.
