Eric Dane reveals first symptom that led to ALS diagnosis
Share this @internewscast.com

Eric Dane, who shared his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April, has disclosed the initial symptom he noticed about 18 months ago.

“I began to feel some weakness in my right hand, but I didn’t pay much attention to it then,” the 52-year-old actor told Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America” on Monday.

“I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse.”

Dane mentioned that he consulted multiple hand specialists and then visited two neurologists. After nine months of medical consultations, he eventually got his “sobering” diagnosis.

Since then, Dane’s right arm — his dominant — has “completely stopped working.”

“And then your left arm is fine?” Sawyer, 79, asked.

“No, it’s going,” the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum replied, adding that he feels he has “a few more months” left of use of his left.

He’s also “worried” about his legs going next.

A few months ago, the father of two — a former competitive swimmer and water polo star — was on a boat trip with one of his teenage daughters, whom he shares with his on-again wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

When he jumped into the ocean, he quickly realized he “couldn’t swim or generate enough power to get [himself] back to the boat.” It was then that he had to accept, “I’m not safe in the water anymore.”

As his daughter “drag[ged]” him back to the boat, Dane was “breaking down in tears.”

“I was just heartbroken” he lamented.

Asked how “angry” the illness makes him, the “Euphoria” star responded sternly, “Very.”

He elaborated, “I’m angry because my father was taken from me when I was young, and now there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young.”

(Dane’s dad died by suicide when the actor was 7.)

As he continues “fighting” the disease, which is largely “out of [his] control,” Dane plans to “spend time with [his] family and work a little bit — if [he] can.”

He made sure to note that he doesn’t believe this is “the end” of his story.

ALS, according to the ALS Association, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the eventual demise of motor neurons.

When the motor neurons die, the brain stops being able to initiate and control muscle movement, which can lead to the inability to speak, eat, move and breathe. There is no known cure.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ted Bundy’s cousin recalls the chilling moment that exposed the monster within

Ted Bundy’s Cousin Shares Haunting Moment Revealing His Dark Side

In the waning months of 1975, Edna Martin found herself in a…
Genealogy company exec slams Pima sheriff's 'devastating' move to ship Nancy Guthrie evidence to Florida lab

Genealogy Firm Executive Criticizes Pima Sheriff’s Decision to Transfer Nancy Guthrie Evidence to Florida Lab

TUCSON, Ariz. — A prominent forensic geology firm has criticized the Pima…
Pride flag raised again at Stonewall National Monument in New York City after removal by Trump administration

Pride Flag Reinstated at Stonewall National Monument in NYC Following Previous Removal by Trump Administration

In a symbolic act of defiance and solidarity, New York City leaders…
Arizona family sues hospital, says staff ‘Ubered’ sick son to sidewalk where he died

Arizona Family Files Lawsuit After Hospital Allegedly Sends Sick Son Home in Uber, Resulting in Tragic Death

An Arizona family is seeking justice and pushing for reforms after their…
'The Secret Agent' star Wagner Moura is making Oscars history: 'Beautiful moment for Brazilian culture'

Wagner Moura of ‘The Secret Agent’ Breaks New Ground at the Oscars: A Milestone for Brazilian Culture

LOS ANGELES — Wagner Moura has carved a niche in Oscars history,…
California middle school assistant principal nabbed in child sex sting

Shocking Reveal: California Middle School Assistant Principal Arrested in Undercover Child Predation Operation

The San José Police Department revealed that a task force successfully apprehended…
Ernest Hemingway’s true love Nobel act

Unveiling the Heart: Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize Love Story

On October 28, 1954, Ernest Hemingway received the news that he was…
Brian Flores’ discrimination lawsuit against NFL can proceed in open court, SDNY rules

Federal Court Clears Path for Brian Flores’ Discrimination Case Against NFL to Be Heard Publicly

A federal court in the Southern District of New York has determined…
Jaden Smith abruptly storms out of interview after being asked about Kanye West

Jaden Smith’s Dramatic Exit: What Really Happened During the Kanye West Interview Question?

Jaden Smith made a hasty exit from an interview when the topic…
Chicago ICE protest today: Aurora, Lakeview students join Chicago-area school walkouts to protest immigration enforcement

Chicago Students Unite: Aurora and Lakeview Walkouts Challenge ICE Policies in Mass Protest

Chicago and suburban students joined a nationwide protest against Immigration and Customs…
SWAT operation in Tucson neighborhood connected to Nancy Guthrie, sheriff's office says

SWAT Team Engages in Tucson Neighborhood Operation Linked to Nancy Guthrie, Confirms Sheriff’s Office

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that their recent operation is…
Beloved figure skating coach, former Team USA medalist gunned down in Starbucks drive-thru: reports

Tragic Loss: Former Team USA Figure Skating Coach Fatally Shot at Starbucks Drive-Thru

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a…