Did any of you with ALS start with slurred speech?

[Shatzie]

I have had difficulty with speech since the end of July. Sometimes it is moderately slurred like I've had a couple of drinks or a strong pain pill. The rest of the time it is mildly slurred, I feel like I now have a lisp. Then about six weeks ago I started having foot drops. I fell hard a week ago, my foot just went out from under me. I've had an MRI and a full blood workup, all negative. I will be seeing a neurologist Nov. 28. Both a friend who is a paramedic and another who is a physical therapist mentioned ALS when I described my symptoms. Did anyone here who has ALS start with speech symptoms?

[davis08]

Mine did, for about 6 mo. they thought it was MG at
first.

Davis

[gdts]

Bulbar ALS will usually start with slurred speech, swallowing problems. Look in the search section under bulbar or at the bottom of this page there are some old threads discussing it.

[CindyM]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I hope it turns out to be something treatable. If it helps, only an ALS clinic can tell for sure. My local docs thought I had ALS but the clinic is holding off until I meet more criteria. Maybe you and I will both be lucky! Cindy

[shopathonic]

Hi--
You write that you are seeing a neurologist on November 28. You should verify that this neurologist specializes in neuromuscular diseases.

Best,
Jeff

[Shatzie]

Thanks for your replies. I looked up the bulbar symptoms and learned more. Apparently the excessive yawning that I have been having for the past few weeks is also a symptom, and I had felt some spasms in my tongue, but had not connected it to the other symptoms.

I do not know if the neuro I am going to is a specialist in neuromuscular diseases. But he was a professor of neuro when my GP was in medical school, and my GP thinks he is a genius, for whatever that is worth.

[cherie]

My husband had problems with his bulbar right from the start,when he would raise his voice he would sound drunk or something it was kinda weird,he had trouble with chewing and swallowing his food because his tonuge doesnt work right anymore,he said it feels his jaw gets tired all the time,this started in oct of 2007,then shortly after that he noticed his right foot was stiff and he had a hard time walking up the stairs of our house,he has to keep his running shoes on durning the day he said it helps him to walk better..He moves very slowy I watch him change everyday he was a weight lifter before all this he could squat 300 pounds,and now his mucels are shrinking in his leg,our dr measured his legs and showed us the diffrence..I guess the answer to your question yes my husband had trouble with his speech right from the start..

[patricia1]

I have had difficulty with speech since the end of July. Sometimes it is moderately slurred like I've had a couple of drinks or a strong pain pill. The rest of the time it is mildly slurred, I feel like I now have a lisp. Then about six weeks ago I started having foot drops. I fell hard a week ago, my foot just went out from under me. I've had an MRI and a full blood workup, all negative. I will be seeing a neurologist Nov. 28. Both a friend who is a paramedic and another who is a physical therapist mentioned ALS when I described my symptoms. Did anyone here who has ALS start with speech symptoms?

Yes I started with slurred speech 8 years ago

[kmgy]

my father's started with speech. symptoms first noticed in august 2003, finally diagnosed in july 2004, and passed in december 2007. his fingers were affected, but it did not progress to his arms or legs. It was mainly speaking, swallowing (choking) and breathing. hope this helps.

[kmgy]

sorry, I meant to say that he passed in december 2004, only 6 months after diagnosis.

[APC]

My husband has the slurred speech,sometimes worse than others,especially when he's tired. His chest muscles have been checked and remain strong. He also coughs when he's eating at times. His voice also has a tendency to sound nasally. I've also heard the neurologist mention this when assessing him. Is this a form of Bulbar?

[Nene]

Hi I too started with slurred speech I sounded like I was drunk then I had balance issues now swallowing is affected i was dx Oct. 2007

[Markbreton]

My wife's first symptoms were slightly slurred speech and difficulties swallowing and that was 2.5 years ago. She is still going strong and remaining very positive. Keep up a PMA, Positive Mental Attitude. I know at times this will very difficult but PMA does help.
Out thought are with you.
Mark

[jackson]

My mom's started with slurred speech, almost like she had a stroke. Almost from the start I had her carry a note with her while driving in case you would get pulled over to avoid any hassle - just a thought - my prayers are with you.

[sherry0459]

I had the slurred speech for 1 & 1/2 yrs before dx in Mar 07. Now the choking and uncontroled emotional problems make me sometimes speech less. I also carry a card to show the police in case of traffic stop. It helps to have two members of the family in law enforcement locally. Have you heard of the EPI card. It has a bar code that the EMTs can look up, via computer, your rx, dx, Dr. and understand why you may not be able to speak. Especially helps if your taken to a unfamilar hospital. The Doctor will have quick info. Good Luck and God Bless. I hope it is treatable. Sherry

[Rachel]

My mum started with tongue problems, she said it felt too big in her mouth, & this was in 2004. Progressed to slurring and excessive yawning. By 2006 it was quite difficult to understand her and she was having trouble swallowing & choking very easily. Dx bulbar onset in Jan 2007 and passed away Nov 2007. Symptoms were typical bulbar as she retained strength in her arms and legs & was able to walk until October.

[arlie]

hi-i wa diagnosed with als in oct-o7-but my speechwas slurring the spring before and progreeively got worse-i can still talk but with difficulty-i have extra salvia and eat softer foods-i sincerely hope you do not have als but some other neurological problem arlene smith toronto canada

[Candi]

My husband started with slurred speech in feb of 2005. By November of 2006 he was having some coughing when drinking water or wine. He was dx in Feb of 2007. Today he has not only ALS but also has significant dementia. He cannot speak and only eats via the PEG tube. One year ago he was lifting weights, doing about 200 sit-ups and 90 push-ups daily. Today he cannot complete even one sit-up.
We walked across England in July of 2006 but today he can barely walk across the street.
The dementia is severe enough that he cannot think of the word to write on a wipe-off board so communicating is very difficult. Fortunetly he does not seem too get too frustrated.
I find that this forum does not have many members that can relate to the dementia but you certainly have come to the right place for information on Bulbar ALS.
I hope you find you do not have ALS.
Candi

[anne]

My mom started complaining of hoarseness in her voice December 2004. We started going to different doctors to try and figure things out but no one could diagnose her until she started slurring her words Spring of 2006. She started to drool and had problems swallowing water. She was unable to move her tongue. Was diagnosed with motorneuron disease with bulbar symptoms at the ALS Clinic at Sunnybrook Hospital June 2006. She lost her speech by July 2006. Had a Peg Tube inserted Jan 2007. My mom was still mobile and her fine motor skills were still fine. She was out of breath with the slightest bit of exertion. She started using the Bipap August 2007. Unfortunately she passed away with respirtory failure Sept 2007.

Just remember everyone progresses differently.