Status
Not open for further replies.

veryscared3303

New member
Joined
Apr 1, 2014
Messages
7
Reason
Learn about ALS
Country
US
State
GA
City
Atlanta
23 year old male; neuro visit is tomorow.

About 3 weeks ago I found a lump in my mouth and noticed that I had some trouble swallowing certain foods; typically sticky and crumbly foods like apples and cereal that would get stuck in the back of my throat near my oral cavity. I had a CT scan which came back with no abnormalities and I simply figured that there wasn't any real problem -- the swallowing issue was simply anxiety based.

A week later and the issue still persists except I just realized that when I was chewing cereal tonight, food was sticking to my gums and the insides of my cheeks. I also have some leg cramps and have had a cough for the last 3 weeks or so (not sure if it's related to my eating and drinking though)

I'm extremely nervous and can't sleep. Please -- if anyone can provide insight -- help me!
 
Wait on the neurologist before worrying.
 
>I'm extremely nervous and can't sleep. Please -- if anyone can provide insight -- help me!

My first advice would be to quit visiting sites like this and imagining solutions to all your problems.

We have ALS. See your neurologist and see an ALS clinic. If you want to join this club get confirmation. Simple.

Hope not to see you then. :)

Max
 
You wrote, ("Please -- if anyone can provide insight -- help me!"). The best insight and help is just a day away when you see your Neurologist. You best get your fear under control. If your problem is anything near Neurological... the diagnostic process takes time. Often Neuro appointments are months apart before a diagnosis is rendered. However, be sure and tell your Neurologist how scared you are that it might be Bulbar ALS. Finally, be happy your Neuro appointment is tomorrow... many wait weeks or more for their first appointment.
 
You have been given sound advice. Worrying adds stress to your body. Do something that you enjoy. Stay off the internet tonight. Let us know what you find out.

Tracy
 
I recommend like everyone else to stay off this site unless something is confirmed. There are millions of things that could be causing your symptoms. Let the doctor do his job because that it what he is trained for. You might have simple anxiety causing your issues. Try to do something relaxing to get your mind off things. Wish you the best of luck. Take care, Kim
 
ditto to skipper....this is not the first site you should find but the last one. Most diagnosed here go through a stream of tests and "no not that" observations. We are here by default. Don't be here BY CHOICE.
 
I have bulbar and remember waiting to go for confirmation, it's hard to stay calm, I went to my primary Dr and was put on Zoloft and a weak xanax, it helped me through the diagnoses. I don't think you have bulbar but I'm not a doctor, none of us are.
 
Hey guys,

I think I misspoke earlier. My appointment was actually today. The neuro (repeatedly) assured me that I did not have a disease of any kind even though he didn't actually run any test...but I figured he's the doctor and he has the years of experience and education to back him.

He thought that the dysphagia I was experiencing was due a combination of food allergies and severe anxiety, which is why I had trouble with only certain foods. I think he was wrong about the allergy part as these foods never gave me any trouble before, but he definitely hit the nail on the head with the anxiety bit.

After I began taking a beta blocker and anti-anxiety medication he prescribed, I could have sworn I felt my throat open back up and relax and a healthy amount of saliva come back in. I began eating some candy I was previously having trouble with. At first, I still had some trouble -- probably from some lingering anxiety -- but eventually I began to notice a big difference in how I was swallowing.

Right now, I just ate a cheeseburger and french fries after going almost 3 days with minimal amounts of food and water. Still having a teensy bit of trouble with some food getting stuck but I imagine it will all clear up as I start thinking about it less and essentially "reteach" myself to eat over the next few days -- the difference is already pretty astonishing.

I've notice that quite a bit of medical literature cites psychogenic oropharynx dysphagia (or any type of psychogenic dysphagia) as rare. But honestly, based on the massive amounts of anecdotal accounts I've heard, I really think it is far more common than people think.

Anyhoo, I know my words will probably ring hollow, but I have to say, I really appreciate what the PALS do on this forum. As people who are actually afflicted with the disease, I can only imagine how incredibly frustrating it is to have to deal with and console a bunch of paranoid 20-year-olds like myself who spend too much time on the Internet trying to diagnose themselves with rare diseases.

Best,
Mike
 
Hi, Mike --

>The neuro (repeatedly) assured me that I did not have a disease of any kind


Good for you.

There are probably local support groups that deal with anxiety kinds of issues where you can talk to real people rather than an anonymous forum on the Internet.

It might be beneficial for you to be able to talk to real people.

>23 year old male

Enjoy being a 23-year-old now, because I assure you you won't be 23 next year or the year after :)

best of luck,

Max
 
Hi, Mike --

>The neuro (repeatedly) assured me that I did not have a disease of any kind


Good for you.

There are probably local support groups that deal with anxiety kinds of issues where you can talk to real people rather than an anonymous forum on the Internet.

It might be beneficial for you to be able to talk to real people.

>23 year old male

Enjoy being a 23-year-old now, because I assure you you won't be 23 next year or the year after :)

best of luck,

Max

I'm actually seeing a psychologist come tomorrow. Think it's about time I finally learn how to manage this mental illness.
 
I have dealt with allergies for 50+ years. They are based on a threshold level. Below the threshold you can tolerate them. Above the threshold, a normal substancwe can have a killer reaction. For me it's anaphylaxis. One of the things that lowers the threshold is stress or anxiety. So, I learned early on that stress must be avoided or it clouds everything. It sounds like you'll be fine, so learn to be mellow. Good luck!
 
Hello everyone. I would first like to say that to each and everyone of you battling this disease my heart and prayers are with each and everyone on you. Only God can give us the strength to deal with these devastating diseases and I am hopeful that He can lead you through with dignity and hope.

I am very sorry for posting this, but I have had very bad HA after watching a documentary on cable tv with a person that had als. Every since the viewing my anxiety is though the roof and I am having a hard time getting through my days. Luckily I have 3 kids to preoccupy me at times, however my life has been consumed the last 4 months with the fear that I have als.

My questions are this, I am having slurred speech one other person has noticed only aside from myself. Everyday is seems to be worse in the afternoon. No swallowing problems, yawning, or chewing issues. Been to a neuro he said all clear but slurring has gotten worse. I do 500 push-ups a day and are as active as I can be supporting a family of 5. My tongue is fine. I can touch my nose with it do tongue gymnastics just fine, and there seems to be no weakness there. No fascullations. But my slurring is very bad and I am scared to death to go for an emg.

With only slurring as a symptom and tongue seems to be strong, can this be associated with als? No weaknesss anywhere. Just slurring of words....

Your answers are very much appreciated and may God bless all of you on this forum.
 
Inhopeforacure, you have a very serious issue but fortunately (for you) it is not ALS. Do not jump someone else's threat with your issues. Go do another 500 push ups, play with the kids but do see a mental health specialist real soon. And, say a few more prayers (for yourself) that you get the help you need accepting your out of control fear and anxiety.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top