ALS questions?

[Danguglie]

Hi all,

I have been having many strange symptoms and was hoping to get some input.

For about a year I have been dealing with constant foot pain and muscle tightness in my upper arms muscles(shoulder and biceps) like mild cramps. Also all my muscles seem to hurt when pressed on. Seemed to struggle with speech but only I noticed this.Then i noticed muscle loss in my back, arms and hands around the same time.
In the last month I have been experiencing foot pain, calf cramping loss of strength in my left hand, trouble holding things for long or doing simple tasks like peeling potatoes , brushing teeth ect. And mild weakness in right hand. Also cramping in my upper arms is much worse. Neck and chest pains, Also noticing frequent muscle fascinations all over body. Also seem to be having more speech issues. Throat feels like it has a knot in it.
I went to see neuro scared of possible ALS he did tests said everything looked normal. Had MRI , also had emg and it was normal.
Does ALS effect so many body parts so quickly

Any info/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
God Bless

 

[ottawa girl]

Trust your neuro.

To answer your question. Nope.

Not typical for all symptoms as you describe. Did the neuro notice the atrophy? I'm thinking if he/she did, he/she would have mentioned it.

Hope you get an answer soon - be happy it ain't ALS.

 

[Danguglie]

Elaine,


Thanks for your input. I did tell the doctor I felt I was loosing muscle tone and he kinda just shrugged it off. I seem to have constant pain/ cramping in my upper arms and also my biceps when i try to make a muscle, and definitely have lost most of the muscles in my hands. They are skinny and weak. Also seem to have lost all muscle in my back, neck and chest which again he didn't seem to be worried about. (odd ?) I seem to get out of breath very easily and my voice is very weak with neck and chest discomfort.
However everyone says I'm fine.

 

[ottawa girl]

Muscle atrophy is unmistakable.

I have lost most of the muscle in my hand - so consequently I can't use it. I can't even lift it.
Can you use yours? I'm thinking you can. See what I mean? Your doctor would not have missed a gimpy hand.

ALS does not start all over, all at once. Please trust your doctors and trust yourself to stop worrying.

 

[Atsugi]

IF EMG=NORMAL
THEN it ain't ALS.
Congratulations.

 

[AfraidButNotAlone]

IF EMG=NORMAL
THEN it ain't ALS.
Congratulations.

Yep yep yep

 

[ottawa girl]

IF EMG=NORMAL
THEN it ain't ALS.
Congratulations.

So nice to " see" you again! Hope you are doing well.

 

[Danguglie]

Thank you for your input. It is greatly appreciated. My Neuro that did the Emg seemed to be confused. It seemed basic Only about 15-20 minutes and he said it ruled out pinched nerves in my neck and carpel tunnel? Does this seem normal?

There must be a more specific EMG just for testing the muscles for ALS ?

Thank you again for your replies.

 

[Clearwater AL]

In your first post your wrote that your EMG was normal. Your last post you indicate the Neuro was confused. If the Neuro was confused I'm sure he would have explained his confusion... what did he/she say?

 

[Danguglie]

By confused I meant that he didn't seem to be concerned about ALS and didn't do a complete test as i was expecting him too.
The Neuro seemed to only be concerned with arm pain and hand weakness and dismissed ALS when I brought it up. At the end of his brief testing.
He then said to wait 6 weeks to see him again and then we will reevaluate everything.

I'm concerned because since my visit 2 weeks ago I've tried to go to other Neuros for second opinions and I can't get another appointment. I really don't think he took my other symptoms seriously.
Over the last year I've noticed worse and worse foot pain and calf cramps in both legs. Recently my Upper arm cramping in both arms has got much worse my left arm with loss of agility in my left hand. Back pain, neck weakness, voice crackling with throat pain cheek and jaw face soreness.And in the last week I'm having muscle facilations all over my body.

Even more scared after realizing my Neuro didn't do a complete and appropriate test to rule out ALS.
Appreciate any additional input.
THank you and God Bless !

 

[Mediasmart]

THank you and God Bless !

ahhhh help1117 surfaces again

 

[Danguglie]

Is it unusual to have symptoms in both arms, both legs , both hands, neck and throat all at the same time without any of them showing totally obvious signs ?

Thanks again

 

[ottawa girl]

Asked and answered and answered.

 

[Clearwater AL]

I can't say for sure because I was referred to a neurologist from a brain surgeon because of a initial diagnosis of CMS but doesn't make sense that you could not get an appointment with another neurologist for a second opinion. Most neurologists encourage a second opinion.

 

[Danguglie]

Sorry
I meant not quickly. The Earliest appointment I've been able to get is still 4 weeks out after calling many different
Neuro offices.
It's amazing how hard it is to to get an appointment to see a specialist if you haven't seen them before.