how fast can als progress?

[just me]

hello again.

How fast does als progress?

Within the past three weeks I have gone from feeling strong and perfectly healthy to having muscle weakness fasciculations, and cramps in my legs as well as weakness in my arms and cramps in my shoulders. The fasciculations seem to be exacerbated by excercising the muscle, although I also have random diffuse fascics at rest spread throughout my body (legs, arms, back, etc.) They are not constant, but sporadic.

As well as these problems, since last Sunday (1-20) I have developed a tinny or "squeaking") timbre to my voice when speaking at certain volumes However, my enunciation is still precise (no slurring) and my voice volume is good.

Can als progress this fast?

Thank you for answering my many questions!

[wright]

Bottom line: that is not ALS! There is no way it could have spread that quickly, so I'd go see your doc.

[just me]

I have an appt. with a neurologist on Feb 12.

Yet another question - I had recent dental work (within the past several weeks) requiring injections of anesthetic. Could I be having some kind of weird nerve reaction to the anesthetic?

I also am having some kind of c-spine problem - oftentimes I can feel my neck pop and crack when I breathe. Gonna ask the doc about that too. Maybe my crackly neck is causing some of my problems.

I still have plenty of energy and good reflexes - I have a job that requires me to be on my feet for 12 hours at a stretch - so far so good. No problems with fine motor coordination and no clumsiness or problems climbing stairs, etc.

Thank you again - there are some wonderful and caring folks who post here!

[pmbenb83]

Hi Justme,
Hang in there. No one but a doctor can tell you what is going on with your body and a lot of times, the docs are not sure. The main thing right now is to try not to think about it and enjoy your life. One of the many lessons that I have learned from this forum is to enjoy your life no matter what obstacles are thrown at you. Every day is precious and should not be consumed with worry and regret. I think we could have all been Marines... adapt and overcome! Semper Fi (actually, a part of any branch of the military)

Take care.
Pam B in Va

PS - We live close to a Marine Corps base, so I hear that a lot. :)