Krst214
New member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2017
- Messages
- 2
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- Us
- State
- NH
- City
- Manchester
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!
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!