im so sorry cammyjo that you are going through this my father was diagnosed 10 years ago and it started similar to yours his in his feet rather then his hands and im sorry to say that yes unfortunately it does spread my father is now bed ridden for the most part can only walk short distances and it has taken the use of his hands now it takes him up to an hour to use the bathroom and he is no longer the man i grew up with but as you also feel he has felt alone and afraid and angry and its safe to say that if not for his family he would be a bitter man we have all shown him comfort and love through this redefining change in his life but he is now 62 years old and he is rapidly worsening but always in high spirits he says it does no good to make him self suffer over something he simply cannot control and that he lives for the good moments rather than waiting for the pain to stop because it never will. its a hard and painful road to travel and it is not pleasant but take grace that you have many people and friends here that know how you feel and that are here for you I am glad to be here myself because to be a partial caregiver even is a very hard thing and it saddens me to watch this happen to my hero but the important thing is that he is here and that why im here because i now understand what this condition is taking from me and i wish to bring compassion and support to any who need it i am here for you