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I agree. All those symptoms can’t be due to severe spinal stenosis but on the other hand why would the doctor order another test if he didn’t think it was a possibility?
 
He might still think it a non-zero probability. As you can imagine, it is mandatory to exhaustively rule out other causes, esp. treatable ones, before settling on ALS. That said, "non-zero" as he might see it is likely very small, I am sorry to say.
 
I started with Bulbar symptoms and went directly to a neurologist who ordered an MRI with contrast which showed nothing, then received an EMG which made the definitive diagnosis for ALS.
 
That sounds like you found out pretty fast which unfortunately isn’t what we are experiencing. Were you exhibiting upper body symptoms?
 
Guess we will just have to wait and see. All this speculation means nothing. I’m just thankful that he isn’t exhibiting any symptoms above the waist as of yet
 
Karen thank you so much for all your input. It seems like you had to wait for a pretty long time for your diagnosis as well. Hopefully this time around we will get some answers but I have a feeling they may try and treat his stenosis before giving him a diagnosis which is worrisome to me
 
Even our rapid diagnosis was not without complications. Brian did indeed have an injury to a nerve at the front of his left leg which could have and most commonly would have explained his drop foot. However, the fall that caused that injury was likely caused by weakness from ALS.

In addition, the cramps we - and the Doctors first assumed were caused by very heavy work building decks for a friend were in fact ALS symptoms rearing their head.

I’m sorry your dad is dealing with Stenosis regardless of if he has ALS or not. It’s a painful and weakening condition all by itself. My mom is dealing with it right now and may need surgery.
 
From diagnosis to confirmation took 12 weeks. I went in for a shoulder injury and left with a probable ALS or MMN diagnosis before I had symptoms. SHOCK! The shoulder injury had nothing to do with ALS. Symptoms that I didn't recognize as being serious such as minor overall weakness I attributed to getting older and fasciculations which I thought were benign.
I scheduled all the blood tests and MRIs very quickly, (I don't procrastinate). The MRIs did confirm stenosis in my neck.
The second opinion with the specialist at UT medicine was 12 weeks almost to the day. They confirmed ALS.
My theory is since I was diagnosed very early, I may appear to be slow progressing. Just a theory!

At my last clinic, the Dr told me I might be in the ten percent to make it to ten years. I looked at her and said "maybe I don't have ALS". She looked me in the eye and said in a very empathetic tone "You have ALS".
 
So there you go I guess stenosis is common with als. My dad has both lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis. Will he be the lucky guy to have all three? They said my dad is very early on as well as it isn’t affecting anything above his waist. Both neurologists he saw said it was very early. Don’t know if that’s good or not but I would like to get him the new drug edaravone. Sounds like it could be good
 
Sounds like you’ve been going strong. Are your legs very weak or do you have overall weakness?
 
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My dad had ALS and I also worked in Neurology so I have a pretty solid understanding of the diagnostic process, although I am not a physician. The diagnostic process is one of the most difficult periods for family members, I remember the frustration. Yes, it is very very common for a lengthy testing and waiting process to diagnose ALS. The reason for this is that ALS is a rule out diagnosis. That is, a neurologist does not give this diagnosis unless all other explanations have been ruled out. Unfortunately there is no specific test that says "yes this is ALS," its more like this test suggests it could be ALS but it could also be X, Y, or Z. Once the doctor can confirm it is not X, Y, or Z then they can diagnose ALS. The process does vary person to person especially depending on how advance their symptoms are and whether their personal case is complicated. For my dad his case was complicated because he had several other health problems that could have also caused his symptoms, but after a lengthy process of testing and waiting and testing and waiting we did finally get the diagnosis which I remember very clearly as both incredibly emotionally painful but also relieving that we finally knew what was going on and that process was over. I looked back and it looks like it took nearly 2 years for his diagnosis, though this is longer than normal I believe because of his complex medical history. My best advice to you is to keep advocating for your father as you have. Make sure to self-care through this stressful time. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you're not getting answers. I literally had a general neurologist send my father home with a wheelchair and no diagnosis and no plans to pursue a diagnosis and I had to fight for him to get the testing necessary for diagnosis. So, as frustrating and difficult it is, just keep in mind that if your dad's doctor is continuing with more tests its a good sign and that the doctor is not just throwing their hands up in the air and not pursing answers for him. Also, make sure your dad is seeing a neuromuscular specialist if not already, a general neurologist may not be qualified enough. Lastly, if possible, have extra support for yourself as you go through the diagnosis process with your dad. I clearly remember how hard the day was when we got the news. I hope the best for your dad and hope it's not ALS. Regardless sending you warm wishes and positive vibes.
 
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Maybe I’m just trying to look on the bright side but I know of two specific instances where someone was exhibiting fasocualtions in their lower and upper body as well as leg weakness and it was just a result of their stenosis. I am praying and hoping that is my fathers case. As I said before he isn’t showing any other symptoms aside from leg weakness (it’s gotten worse) and fasiculations. It won’t be too long now as we have an appointment a week from Wednesday. Thank you so much everyone for your support
 
In my case, the EMG was conclusive immediately and the ALS diagnosis was made.

How many EMG's has your dad had so far?
 
At the time of diagnosis, which was 3 months after symptoms began, I did have bulbar symptoms, speech and swallowing but no upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk weakness or breathing issues.

I hope your dad has only the spinal stenosis diagnosis. If your still searching, maybe the EMG would help determine the diagnosis.
 
he is scheduled for his third meg in five months. Is that normal?
 
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