Breathing machines

Today we had an appointment with the respiratory technician at the ALS Clinic, to test-drive a machine that can do the breathing for Wendy while she is sleeping. For several weeks now as I lie awake listening to her breathing, it's become clear to me that it is an effort for her to breathe. I was sceptical before the machine was demonstrated but the respiratory technician, Joan Nordgren, soon convinced both of us that it would be a good idea. Our late neighbour and friend Ken Scott, who died of ALS a little over a year ago, had one of these for the last few months of his life, and both he and his wife spoke of how beneficial it was. It takes over from the weakening muscles of the diaphragm and rib cage, so they can rest a bit while she sleeps. I was expecting it to be noisy but it's quite silent - a lot less noisy than her laboured breathing has been lately, because her own built-in breathing machine, her respiratory muscles, aren't working well, so every breath she takes is an effort. While she sleeps, this machine will take over so her muscles can get some rest. We both decided early on in the course of this illness (Wendy decided first, and with greater determination than I) that we would not have any life prolonging interventions like a stomach tube to feed her after her ability to swallow has been lost. But this is different: the breathing machine, like the various other devices she uses, simply makes her remaining life easier. So I'm all for it, and so is she.