Upon returning to work I discovered that it was becoming more difficult to get in and out of a vehicle, then one day I had difficulty moving my leg from the accelerator to the brake.

I was formally diagnosed on January 11th, 2023. It was a relief to have a diagnosis, however the journey was just starting. Faith in God and the woman I love most caring for me have made the journey bearable thus far.

My name is Michael R Broadhacker. My loving wife, of 38 yrs, and I have 2 sons, both which are amazing young men. As a 58 yr. old Marine Corps veteran with 27 years in the IBEW as a construction electrician, a volunteer fire fighter and EMT, as well as enjoying outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, IDPA and equestrian activities, I was used to physical activity. I began noticing that my right leg was becoming difficult to manipulate when working off a ladder. Then my right leg began to drag while I was on a walk/run and I could not mount a horse from the ground. Thus began the journey to the diagnosis, this began in June of 2021, MRI’s, CT’s, X-rays, spinal injections, EMG’s, specialists.

During this time Covid was ending and we were returning to work. I had taken a job as a maintenance planner at a nuclear power station, and we had been working remotely. Upon returning to work I discovered that it was becoming more difficult to get in and out of a vehicle, then one day I had difficulty moving my leg from the accelerator to the brake. This ended my driving, my wife began to drive me to work. Then I began experiencing loss of balance and falls while at work. They became so frequent that the company requested that I return to remote work status for my safety, and liability.

Eventually in September 2022 the neurologist referred me to a specialist at Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University Neurology. On January 11th, 2023, I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), lower limb onset.

“What’s behind door number 2, Bob?”. This was the first question I asked. My wife and I had discussed the possibility of this; however, we had always shied away from the conversation, not ready to accept it. NOW we were out of options.

Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University ALS clinic suggested contacting the VA, The ALS Association, and IAMALS. I applied for VA benefits and discovered that ALS is a presumptive diagnosis that ALS is covered 100% as a service-connected disease, due to the higher rate of diagnosis in service members. Since this I have become associated with the NEALS team at Richard A Roudebush hospital in Indianapolis. To be honest, I had heard many complaints about the VA healthcare system, and when I started into it I experienced many complaints. However, I believe these complaints were associated with the fact that I had not been affiliated with VA NEALS care team and the CBOC’s were not prepared to deal with private practice providers. Since becoming associated with VA NEALS care team and HBPC services treatment and care appointments have become second nature. The VA has been very responsive with providing durable medical equipment and embrace the use of therapy as treatment to maintain quality of life.

I have since retired from the IBEW as well as the nuclear power station, we have sold our horses, built a new house and moved from our old 2 story farmhouse. Through our faith in God and the love that we have for one another we have continued to advance forward and grasp every little bit of happiness that we can.

I want to share what I have learned with others and help them navigate through the challenges that they face as they enter and start their journey, as well as educate medical professionals about the importance of early diagnosis. Many times, the diagnosis is delayed to the point where it is harmful to the patient.