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CMShepard

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Learn about ALS
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Florida
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Miami
Hello everyone, about 2 days ago I had a weird ache on my left arm. The ache went away however my left arm felt very weak and heavy, I felt generally weak also. The next day thinking I was gonna be better when I woke, I felt the same, I became anxious and soon my legs felt weak and heavy. My legs still feel the same today, maybe somewhat better. When I try to put my hands into a fist it kind of costs me to do so and I've felt somewhat shaky, and I have had some twitching on my left arm, legs and foot, not much, but still. My left arm also has a very strange sensation, I cannot describe it, it sort of feels like a heat/burning sensation, with goosebumps/chills? This is starting to bug me and I'd like for it to stop. I have had trouble swallowing also, not all the time, I can swallow and chew fine overall, and this swallowing problem has happened to me for a few years, maybe 3-4, so it might not be related but I'm still concerned. Are these usually the first symptoms of ALS and what can this be? God bless.
 
Hi -- ALS/MND is a scary disease to consider/fear. We empathize. This note is not to deter you from your investigations, but just so thoughts on how we can help each other ...


Here are some first considerations that may help:

#1 - Read the STICKIES at the top of this forum. Many questions are answered there. 99% of new questions are addressed.


#2 We are not doctors or diagnosticians, but people who are dying from or caring for people with ALS. Some of us have to type with one hand, one finger, via dictation, or even with our eyes, so reading/replying to the anxiety-ridden can be very tiring.


#3 if you think you have a motor neuron issue, see your Primary Care Provider and get a referral to a motor neuron qualified neuro, note: most are NOT ALS/MND (Motor Neuron Disease) experienced!


#4 an EMG, properly done, is the gold standard test for ALS. But also, an abnormal EMG can indicate HUNDREDS of other, non-fatal, diseases. So listen to your doctor.


#5 ALS does NOT present with pain, cramps, or fatigue. In ALS, you feel perfectly normal but your muscles simply won't work. Typically, the first sign of ALS is a foot or a hand that inexplicably just won't lift up. It doesn't hurt or feel weak, it just is limp. That is paralysis.


#6 ALS is about failing, not feeling, so forget the "feeling" symptoms


#7 If your main issue is twitching go to the bfs forum. If you have weird neuro symptoms try neurotalk. There are also forums for health anxiety.


#8 Your doctor is wise to look at other diseases. ALS is rare. In order for it to be ALS, it has to be nothing else.


#9 Many of us cough/gag/choke and/or can no longer speak. It is difficult to have anxious people constantly chasing this disease, when we can't escape it. There seems to be this cult of ALS wannabees/groupies. You don't want to fall into that bucket do you?


#10 Anxiety can be a real problem that can endanger your physical health. It is what leads many folks here to this forum -- it is a self-fueling fire. Try to avoid using google and/or this forum if you can -- if you cannot stay away and off this forum it should tell you something important!


Lastly, if you are still interested, go to alsa dot org or mda dot org ...


We sincerely hope you do not need to be here! But find out first. If you do need to be here let me say "Welcome, sorry you are here!"


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Max - Monday, August 18, 2014 12:03:01 PM
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onset 9/2010, diagnosed with ALS by Stanley Appel 8/29/2013
It Is What It Is ...

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CM, I considered every symptom you described and it seems there is something going on there. Possibly it involves the nervous system.

You definitely do NOT have ALS. No way. In fact, the things you describe specifically point AWAY from ALS. Read the sticky at the top of this subforum.

I suggest you look elsewhere for answers, as we don't have doctors here, and you need a doctor. We're pretty much experts on ALS, though, and I can guarantee you don't have ALS.
 
CM,
Atsugi is indeed a expert pretty much on ALS. So, please believe him when he say no ALS. Your symptoms do seem a little alarming and you definitely need followup with a qualified doctor. We aren't doctors so it would be unsafe for us to try to give you any other medical suggestions. Wishing you the best of luck and am so glad that you don't have to join us. Take care, Kim
 
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