Worrysome Symptoms

[JBenz7524]

Hello, first off my heart goes out to anyone with this horrible disease. I recently began to notice my middle finger twitching sporadically on and off throughout the day, occasionally my thumb as well but not as pronounced. It suddenly just jerks from side to side and on the top part of my hand i can see the skin moving.

On top of that, I feel like that hand is weaker than normal and things feel heavier, however it is more from a pain that i feel in my wrist than from actually not having the strength. Everytime i try and lift something or open a door, turn a key, etc I feel a pain in what feels like the tendons of that hand at my wrist. The bone is also sore to the touch. Additionally the wrist and fingers feel stiffer than normal and almost like burning sometimes.

I am very concerned about the possibility of ALS because of the twitching and the pain and feeling of things being heavier, so please tell me if this sounds at all like it could possibly be the very early stages of ALS, and if not please tell me why you feel these symptoms don't point towards ALS for some reassurance. Thank you very much for your time and help.

 

[vickim]

Have you been to the dr ? It could be something as simple as carpal tunnel. My advice would be go to the dr and please don't jump to the conclusion that you have a fatal illness. Start with the simple first.

 

[JBenz7524]

Should also add that I'm 31 y/o, but I'm not sure if that's important since I know this disease can strike at any age. Thanks for the reply Vicki, I haven't yet been to the doctor. I'm starting a biz right now so don't have health insurance. It'd be great if it turned out to be something that simple, but I can't shake the worry about this and can't go to doctor right now for reassurance.

 

[ottawa girl]

Benz,

How much does a doctor visit cost in your part of the world? Surely you could borrow some money or sell something on eBay to finance a doctor visit? Are there any free clinics in LA? I am not being flippant or disrespecting you one iota. I just wonder why someone who fears having a fatal disease wouldn't see a doctor.

 

[JBenz7524]

Thanks for the reply. To see a neurologist and do the required tests would probably be around 500-700 dollars. At this point i was hoping more for thoughts on my symptoms and hopefully some reassurance as to why I probably don't have a fatal disease. If it were to progress, I would find a way to get to a doctor but I'm really hoping that won't happen.

 

[vickim]

Well we are not drs, but I doubt is it als based on what your complaint is. I would go see a regular dr first, and the office visit would be far cheaper than specialists visits. Or like Elaine said a free clinic. Most university hospitals charge based on your income. If necessary you can arrange payment plans with the dr or hospital. Just a few ideas to bounce around.

 

[JBenz7524]

Thanks again Vicki. Typically without tests however, it is all assumptions made by the doctor. I had a health scare about a year ago and spent a ton of money going to primary docs only to be referred to specialists. Anyways, what is it about my complaint that make you feel it is most likely not ALS? I've heard the fact that I feel pain in my wrists and hands is actually a sign that points away from ALS and is quite honestly the only thing keeping me from really coming unraveled worrying.

 

[vickim]

I posted a message on your personal page.

 

[skipper66]

Caparal tunnel or arthritis maybe? See you regular Dr. He might have a simple answer on what it could be. You are getting worked up unnecessarily. Only a dr can help you not us. Good luck!