What's my next step?

[Krst214]

I have been lingering and hanging around this forum for nearly two months, it has been hands down the most informative, comforting and helpful place I have encountered in my journey of "oh my God, do I have ALS?!" I am finally posting because I can't seem to shake this fear and anxiety, no matter what I do. I'm hoping maybe you guys can send me on my way feeling better, or point me in the direction of where I should go. Perhaps even typing it out will be therapeutic for me.

I will keep it short as possible, but my initial visit to the neurologist in late December 2016 was for a ringing in my ears and pressure, foggy feeling for weeks. Was thinking brain tumor, MS,etc. He scheduled a follow up and recommended MRI but sent me on my way. On new years eve I noticed my left hand felt clumsy, maybe a little weak, but I couldn't tell. Had just read in depth, two days prior, the story of Pete Frates. Ensue full on panic for at minimum 2 weeks. I couldn't eat, sleep, work or function. Thankfully, this has passed. My neurologist never suspected ALS but scheduled EMG to calm me. Unfortunately I had to wait a few weeks, and in the interim, my brother passed unexpectedly. To say I have been stressed would be complete understatement. The motor portion of the test was only 3 or 4 muscles, one being the the thenar? Near the thumb. No evidence of any abnormalities and I've been discharged from neurology all together.

Fast forward to now, I'm still feeling clumsy, and noticing alot of stiffness in both fingers and toes. I have no clinical weakness that has been found, but definitely feel "weaker". I have full range of motion of my left hand, but my motions are a slower in comparison to my right, which is my dominant hand. I'm hoping that the EMG was done thoroughly enough but my panicked brain won't let me believe it.

In your opinion, should I try to see a specialist? Thank you all again for taking the time to read this. You all truly are special people and your time and effort is very much appreciated!

 

[codyclan]

I am sorry to hear about your brother. This is obviously a very stressful time for you and your family. My deepest sympathy to you.

With regard to ALS, your neuro examined you, performed an expensive test to 'calm you' and cleared you of ALS. We are strangers on the Internet who can't examine you. You certainly don't describe ALS symptoms and your neuro told you that. If you don't trust your doc, find one you do trust, but also deal with your anxiety. Stress does a number on one's body.

Best wishes to you, but this does not seem to be the place for you.
And again, condolences on your brother.
Tracy

 

[Krst214]

Tracy,

Thanks you so much for taking the time to respond, and your condolences. I have read enough of the many posts on this site to know that seeing a neurologist and getting proper testing was the most important thing. And I did do those things, but my neurologist was not overly concerned about my anxiety so I'm thinking I may have to go through my PCP for that one. Fear has consumed many of my thoughts the past few months, and it's places like this that exist and offer support and guidance. I'm hoping my symptoms are not ALS.

Thank you again!