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Anxeity

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Hello Everyone.

First off, I spelled "Anxiety" wrong, and didn't realize it until after my profile was created. But you get the picture. I just turned 30 years old last week (Sad to see my twenties go, but excited about the new experiences my thirties will bring). I have read all information on this site, multiple times, and have decided to get some input. My symptoms started two months ago with body wide twitches. I know twitching is normal, but for the purpose of asking my question I'm going to list it. From there, I started having slight speech and swallowing difficulties. Nobody has noticed my speech, so I guess it isn't that bad. The swallowing issue's seem to come and go day to day. One minute food and water gets down fine, the next minute I choke slightly. The fact that I have become aware of my swallowing makes it that much more difficult to swallow. In the morning, I wake up with extreme dry throat. Don't know if this anything, just thought I'd put it out there. I can feel twitching inside my mouth on the on the roof where the soft palate is. I can also feel it on my tongue. These twitches aren't consistent, but alarming none the less. The places where I am twitching are: Face, nose, chin, lips, tongue, inside mouth, arms, legs, stomach.. So, like I said, everywhere. I do have an anxiety problem, particular when it comes to my health. I have an appointment with a Neurologist tomorrow. Until then, could you let me know what your expert opinions are? I can still move my tongue normally and everything, but I thought maybe my throat muscles were getting weak or something. I'm thinking Bulbar onset, but I hope it's just gas or something :) (Just trying to have a little humor while I sweat). Is it possible in early onset bulbar, to sometimes choke on food and water, and go a few days without choking? I choked a few days ago, and slightly choked today.

I appreciate the help. I know you guys are busy.
 
Forgot to add. I have numbness in the mouth, and also tightness/Pressure in the cheek bones area...
 
Anxiety,
Yep, that's what "body-wide twitches" generally signify. Perceived swallowing difficulties are often another part of the anxiety picture. Nothing you have said describes ALS. Hopefully your neuro will assure of you this. After that, please get your anxiety treated, or treated better, because as you point out you have much life left to live, not waste on illusory symptoms.
 
I certainly hope so... What can I expect for my neuroneuro visit? Do they only do EMG test if they think you need it?
 
Hi! I'm sorry that you are having any issues at all. But, your symptoms aren't ALS symptoms. I personally don't know what the neurologist will all do. I'm suspecting that he won't even do a EKG on you. But, if he does I think he's looking for another type of nerve condition but he's not checking for ALS. i suspect that what is going on with you is strictly anxiety. It can cause all kinds of issues. I have chest pain with mine. I would follow up with your regular physician after seeing the neuro. He possibly might suggest a ENT (Ear, nose, and throat specialist). But, please don't panic. I don't think you have anything at all that resembles a fatal disease. I would log off here for now so you don't worry yourself for nothing. Best of luck. So sorry you are dealing with anxiety. It is the pits. Kim
 
Thank you both for your expert opinion. I am definitely nervous, but I believe I'm doing the right thing. My appointment is at 4:45 pm, so after I get off, I'll know something.
 
So, I went to the neurologist today. The entire time I waited, I was having a hard time swallowing saliva. When she finally came in, I explained symptoms. She looked at my tongue and throat and said everything looked fine. She said my tongue was not quivering. She said I look very healthy. I explained that I wasn't aware that ALS had a "look." She told me that people with ALS tend to be more skinny because of the muscle loss. She said I looked Muscular. I thought she'd at least refer me to an ENT. What are your thoughts?
 
We aren't doctors so we can't really tell you what is going on. This particular thread is for people who have questions as to rather we think they might have ALS symptoms or not. None of us believe that you do and neither did the neurologist that you saw. She knows what she is doing or I guarantee you she wouldn't be in her profession for long. Please take anymore health questions you have elsewhere now. This forum is to support people with ALS and those who support them. So, you don't really belong with us at this point. I do wish you well though. I would ask your primary physician to give you a referral to a psychiatrist for a evaluation or at least to see a counselor. Start there first. Please quit thinking you have a fatal disease at this point. Get the anxiety in check. That is truly your problem. I'm not a nurse or doctor but work at a hospital. I see everyday what stress and anxiety can do to a person.
 
I wasn't aware that ALS had a "look."...What are your thoughts?

I think that, in a way, she was yanking your chain, just telling you that you looked "muscular" as an excuse to turn off further questions. After all, she doesn't have the time, and the patient doesn't have the education, to discuss the hundreds of factors that go through her head to arrive at her conclusion.

My wife was a doctor for twenty years. I was amazed at how many things she could tell about a person's body, brain, and genetics in just two seconds of casual observation, before you even begin to explain your symptoms.

A neurologist is the one kid in school who made straight A's through school and college while excelling at extracurriculars all their life, with no effort. They might not have even been challenged by medical school. It makes no sense to try to second guess their abilities.

Plus, literally, I think there are outward signs of "something is not right with this lad's neuromuscular system." True weakness is easily tested.
 
Skipper.

I don't mean to offended. I was just making sure she did her job correctly. I thought my exam would be more intensive, is all.
Atsugi. you may be correct. She may have been trying to deflect my million questions. She proscribe be medication for anxiety, and Magnesium pills.... She said that my speech was fine to her. Can she see muscle issue's just by looking at my throat and tongue? Thought those area's had to be tested or something.
 
Some very smart people have replied to you here, saying your concerns don't have anything to do with ALS. You were examined by a neurologist, who pronounced you "healthy."

Go back to your GP and explore in a different direction. Suggest anxiety.

Since it's not ALS, we can't help you here. Good luck.
 
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