rose
Extremely helpful member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2008
- Messages
- 2,925
- Reason
- DX MND
- Diagnosis
- 7/2008
- Country
- US
- State
- Maryland
- City
- Anytown
Many of us here on this forum are willing to spend time to squelch fears of ALS. When the worried person posts with symptoms that are not realistically related to a MND, there's not much we can say, and frustration builds for all of us.
If you do not typically lean towards the hypochondriac side, and it's just that your doctors can't find what is wrong, then, please open you mind to possibilities other than motor neuron problems.
Illnesses caused by autoimmune problems are notoriously hard to diagnose. Finding the cause if it is something in this field goes way beyond blood tests for antibodies. Endocrine and metabolic type disorders can also be present despite normal preliminary screening tests.
A tumor, located somewhere in the body can effect many of the systems of the body before ever causing a "typical" tumor symptom. All of these other areas of medical problems most definitely can cause some of the problems that overlap with neuromuscular and motor neuron conditions.
Old injuries and calcification of the vertebrae can cause weakness and other symptoms shared by ALS.
So, if you feel like I'm describing your situation, consider going back to a general practitioner and square one again. Don't ask to see a neurologist, don't try to steer your doctor's referral choices in any direction. Be honest about what is actually impacting your life without adding other symptoms which, to your horror you find "fit" once you've started internet surfing.
For those who's symptoms are likely anxiety driven, here are some links to support forums, etc.
Other than locating these web addresses, I have no real knowledge of them, and do not endorse them, or claim that this forum does. BUT, on the surface they seem like they could be very helpful for those of who continue to fear the worst, despite all the calming or reasonable words you receive from us, and your health professionals, family, etc.
Please, if you are one of these people, give the following resources a chance to help.
http://www.google.ca/search?q=hypochondriac+forum
In the past other forum members have taken the time to post links to the Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) forums, but I don't really know if those that could have benefited from these sites actually were receptive to the idea, because they, in their minds, had something other than BFS whether or not it was the case. But, if you've been told by a doctor that you have, or most likely have BFS, then please look into a support forum, I'm sure you will find others there who have had the same experiences, fears and frustrations that you have had.
If you do not typically lean towards the hypochondriac side, and it's just that your doctors can't find what is wrong, then, please open you mind to possibilities other than motor neuron problems.
Illnesses caused by autoimmune problems are notoriously hard to diagnose. Finding the cause if it is something in this field goes way beyond blood tests for antibodies. Endocrine and metabolic type disorders can also be present despite normal preliminary screening tests.
A tumor, located somewhere in the body can effect many of the systems of the body before ever causing a "typical" tumor symptom. All of these other areas of medical problems most definitely can cause some of the problems that overlap with neuromuscular and motor neuron conditions.
Old injuries and calcification of the vertebrae can cause weakness and other symptoms shared by ALS.
So, if you feel like I'm describing your situation, consider going back to a general practitioner and square one again. Don't ask to see a neurologist, don't try to steer your doctor's referral choices in any direction. Be honest about what is actually impacting your life without adding other symptoms which, to your horror you find "fit" once you've started internet surfing.
For those who's symptoms are likely anxiety driven, here are some links to support forums, etc.
Other than locating these web addresses, I have no real knowledge of them, and do not endorse them, or claim that this forum does. BUT, on the surface they seem like they could be very helpful for those of who continue to fear the worst, despite all the calming or reasonable words you receive from us, and your health professionals, family, etc.
Please, if you are one of these people, give the following resources a chance to help.
http://www.google.ca/search?q=hypochondriac+forum
In the past other forum members have taken the time to post links to the Benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS) forums, but I don't really know if those that could have benefited from these sites actually were receptive to the idea, because they, in their minds, had something other than BFS whether or not it was the case. But, if you've been told by a doctor that you have, or most likely have BFS, then please look into a support forum, I'm sure you will find others there who have had the same experiences, fears and frustrations that you have had.
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