Living with ALS: Inspiring Patient Story of Hope, Ayurveda, and Technology

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Rammy is a 42‑year‑old Business Studies teacher from Mauritius whose life took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Instead of retreating, he chose to transform his journey into stories that educate, uplift, and inspire.

Through his blog, Rammy blends science, and lived experience to make ALS more understandable and less isolating. From explaining why some patients drink thickened coffee, to sharing how eye‑tracking technology gives him independence, his writing is equal parts practical and profoundly human.

What makes Rammy’s voice unique is his openness to both cutting‑edge research and holistic traditions like Ayurveda, showing how East and West can meet in the search for comfort and dignity. His reflections remind us that while ALS weakens muscles, it cannot diminish curiosity, resilience, or joy.

We’re honored to feature his words here, stories that prove life with ALS is not just about decline, but about adaptation, community, and finding hope in unexpected corners.

Hello, I’m Rammy

I’m Rammy, 42 years old, a Business Studies teacher from Mauritius. I live with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

If you’ve never heard of ALS, don’t worry, you’re not alone. When I was first diagnosed, I had to Google it too.

ALS is a progressive neurological disease. It affects the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. In simple words, my brain keeps sending signals, but my body slowly stops listening.

My first clue? My hand slipped off the chalkboard mid-lesson. My students laughed and said, “Sir, are you trying to rap?” That was my first laugh in what would later become a life-changing diagnosis.

What Exactly is ALS? (Explained Simply)

The Basics: ALS damages motor neurons, the messengers between the brain and muscles.
The Result: Gradual muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing.
The Twist: The mind usually stays sharp. We remain fully aware, even as our body slows down.

Here’s something new and surprising:

Scientists recently discovered that gut bacteria may influence how fast ALS progresses. Certain microbes in the intestine might either worsen or slow down the disease. Imagine—your stomach bugs deciding how your nerves behave!

Food, Swallowing, and the Secret of Thickened Coffee

One of the biggest challenges ALS patients faces is swallowing. I miss biting into crunchy food. But here’s a quirky fact: many of us use thickened liquids, yes, even coffee! It sounds odd, but thickening agents make drinks safer to swallow, reducing the risk of choking.

And here’s something you probably didn’t know:

Cold carbonated water can sometimes help trigger swallowing reflexes. Doctors are studying why fizzy drinks stimulate nerves differently. Imagine, soda as therapy!

Sharing: Gadgets That Give Me Independence

The gadget I treasure most isn’t my phone, it’s the eye-tracking device my siblings so thoughtfully gifted me. It’s not yet common in Mauritius and still considered a niche technology. With just my gaze, I can type, send WhatsApp messages, and even play Sudoku.

Other cool tools I use:

Voice banking: I recorded my voice early, so later, when speech weakens, technology can “speak” in my own voice.
Smart home assistants: Lights, fans, and TVs now obey my voice (finally, I feel like a king).

Fun fact:

Stephen Hawking, the world’s most famous ALS patient, used a cheek muscle to operate his speech device. Today’s tech is even more advanced, I can literally “blink” my way into conversations.

The Global Picture of ALS

ALS affects about 2 in every 100,000 people worldwide.
In Mauritius, awareness is still low, and many cases go undiagnosed.
The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 3–5 years, but some live much longer.

Here’s a hopeful twist:

A small group of ALS patients, called “slow progressors,” live for decades. Scientists are studying their genes to unlock secrets that could help others.

My Tryst with Ayurveda

Alongside conventional treatment, I also turned to Ayurveda. I am consulting a good specialist who practices in a hospital run by the Ministry of Health.

This is not as a cure because ALS has no cure yet but as a way to manage symptoms and feel more balanced.

Abhyanga (oil massage): Gentle herbal oil massage helps reduce stiffness and improves circulation.
Ashwagandha: My Ayurvedic doctor suggested this adaptogen for calming nerves and reducing fatigue.
Diet tweaks: Warm, easy-to-digest foods, turmeric milk, and avoiding very dry or cold foods.

Does it cure ALS?…

No. But does it make me feel more comfortable, more “me”? Absolutely. And that matters.

Interestingly, modern research is beginning to explore how Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi may have neuroprotective effects. The East and West might just meet in the future of ALS care.

How I Turned My Struggles into Stories

Instead of retreating, I began writing this blog titled “Chalk Dust and Wheelchairs.” My posts are heartfelt, and surprisingly cheerful.

One of my most-read entries is called “How to Eat Ice Cream When Your Hands Don’t Cooperate.” Spoiler: it involves a lot of napkins and a very patient wife.

Blogging gives me purpose. And purpose, according to psychologists, is one of the strongest predictors of resilience in incurable diseases.

New Research That Gives Hope

Here are some lesser-known, cutting-edge updates about ALS:

Gene therapy: Scientists are experimenting with silencing faulty genes like SOD1, which cause some forms of ALS.
Electric fields: A device called TTFields (Tumor Treating Fields, adapted for ALS) is being tested to slow neuron damage.
Nanotechnology: Researchers are exploring nanoparticles that can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver drugs directly to motor neurons.

These aren’t cures yet, but they show how science is racing against time.

Lessons from My Journey

Technology is my biggest friend: From eye-tracking to voice banking, gadgets restore dignity.
Curiosity keeps my hope alive: I follow every new ALS trial, not with desperation, but with fascination.
Community does matter: My students now visit me weekly, reading aloud and sharing jokes.
Holistic care helps: Ayurveda doesn’t cure me, but it makes my days gentler.

Why My Story Matters

Stories like mine remind us that incurable doesn’t mean unlivable.

Yes, ALS is a tough disease. But it also reveals the strength of the human spirit, the creativity of science, and the power of humor.

If you searched for “ALS patient story” or “living with an incurable disease,” remember this: life with ALS is not just about decline. It’s about adaptation and finding joy in unexpected corners.