Co-morbidities - how common?

[Loulou22]

Hi everyone,
ALS diagnosed Oct 2022.
After a recent MRI I have now been referred to a vascular specialist as it looks like I also have some sort of autoimmune/vascular disease.
And this point, it’s just water off a duck’s back, but I just wondered how common it is to not only be diagnosed with MND, but another illness, too!
I also wondered if there was a crossover perhaps of some symptoms, if treatment for another issue improved anyone’s situation, at least for a short time?

Thanks everyone

 

[Nikki J]

Comorbidities certainly happen. As the average age of PALS is 50 plus it is really likely to have another disease or other diseases

If your second disease is treatable and giving you symptoms that contribute to your disability then certainly you could improve a little.

Is there any possibility it isn’t a comorbidity but an alternative diagnosis? Wishing you the best. Do keep us posted

 

[julianuccikelly]

I am still getting thyroid checked (family history) and treating asthma (unrelated to als breathing decline). It's tough to compartmentalize aspects of my physical condition into als-related and non-als related. But it's good that you're having a co-morbidity checked and treated, if possible. I'm wishing the best for your treatment of it @Loulou22 -- are there therapies for the autoimmune issue?

 

[Hal]

I’ve often been curious of both my family history and conditions I had prior to my diagnosis. My mother passed after year’s suffering from Lupus and my sister has been living with MS for 45 years. Additionally, I have spinal issues from sports injuries that happened many years ago and currently all my muscles effected from my ALS line up with the nerves that have significant impingements from those damaged discs. However, my Drs say there’s no connection. I guess it’s all part of the rollercoaster we’re on.

 

[KimT]

It was discovered that I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. My local neurologist noticed some physical characteristics on exam and sent me back to Mayo where genetic testing and more tests were run.

I also have Hashimoto's and autoimmune diseases run in my family.

I believe in treating what's treatable or, at the very least, geting an explanation for unusual symptoms

 

[Loulou22]

Thank you everyone. I still do not have any answers, just more tests, which I am completely over!
I’m still only relatively young at 42, so the idea of yet another disease is intriguing and just seemed a little too ‘unfair.’