question: My father has rickettsia conorii , Mycoplasma pneumonia, chlamydia pneumonia and is showing typical ALS symptoms. He is undergoing tests etc. at teh moment. He is struggling to walk and talk, and lift his head when he stands. He has lost a lot of weight and muscle. I think I know the answer, but is the nerve damage permanent, and how long usually (estimate) do ALS patients survive once they are unable to walk?