Jamesgol
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2018
- Messages
- 38
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 12/2018
- Country
- US
- State
- OK
- City
- Oklahoma City
I first started having symptoms 3 years ago. It started with a little left leg weakness and fatigue. My PCP said I was just getting old and that being tired was a symptom of every disease.
Over the course of 3 years my left leg got weaker and weaker, and the fatigue continued. My PCP eventually referred me to a cardiologist because of fatigue at my insistence. Result: mild aortic stenosis and mild regurgitation at the mitral valve. Not enough to explain the fatigue.
This past year I suffered two really bad falls because of my weak left leg. My PCP ordered a lumbar MRI and physical therapy. My orthopedic surgeon, did not agree. He ordered a cervical MRI and referred me to a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon examined me said he needed me to get an EMG, so he referred me to a neurologist for an examination and EMG. But, the neurologist he referred me to just happened to be affiliated with our local branch of the MDA. He ordered a thoracic MRI and then did an EMG. He was able to finally diagnose my disease as ALS.
There was a certain sense of relief in finally knowing what is wrong with me. Looking back, the diagnosis fits perfectly with my history of symptoms. I've had the disease for three years and can still walk with the aid of a walker. I just got a GoGo scooter and it really helps me feel less tired and more mobile.
Of course, now I wonder what's next? Will it progress quickly? Slowly? Who knows?
Should I opt for treatment? If so which one? My neurologist is a bright guy but he doesn't put much stock in any of them.
Over the course of 3 years my left leg got weaker and weaker, and the fatigue continued. My PCP eventually referred me to a cardiologist because of fatigue at my insistence. Result: mild aortic stenosis and mild regurgitation at the mitral valve. Not enough to explain the fatigue.
This past year I suffered two really bad falls because of my weak left leg. My PCP ordered a lumbar MRI and physical therapy. My orthopedic surgeon, did not agree. He ordered a cervical MRI and referred me to a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon examined me said he needed me to get an EMG, so he referred me to a neurologist for an examination and EMG. But, the neurologist he referred me to just happened to be affiliated with our local branch of the MDA. He ordered a thoracic MRI and then did an EMG. He was able to finally diagnose my disease as ALS.
There was a certain sense of relief in finally knowing what is wrong with me. Looking back, the diagnosis fits perfectly with my history of symptoms. I've had the disease for three years and can still walk with the aid of a walker. I just got a GoGo scooter and it really helps me feel less tired and more mobile.
Of course, now I wonder what's next? Will it progress quickly? Slowly? Who knows?
Should I opt for treatment? If so which one? My neurologist is a bright guy but he doesn't put much stock in any of them.