Thanks for posting, trfogey. I suppose that I'm wondering whether the lump + the lack of oral motor coordination could suggest bulbar onset. I know that it's a bit ridiculous to go from presenting with limb onset to bulbar.
However, the accounts of Patricia1 and Twinsmommie hit a bit too close to home. Subtle bulbar symptoms, initially disregarding by neurologists (at least in the case of Twins), that eventually proved out. Also, to clarify, when I refer to lack of oral motor coordination, I do also hesitate, sometimes, before saying words that begin with hard consonants, like 'd'.
I understand that it's probably unreasonable to ask for guidance on an internet forum regarding 'subtle symptoms'.
I've never had an emg of the bulbar area (except for the genioglossus) and wonder whether I should push for this. As you can tell from my history, I'm starting to feel as though I've irrationally hogged precious resources that might have been better spent on someone else... Do you think that my continuing symptoms justify obtaining a bulbar emg despite the amount of reassurance that I've received from various neurologists?