Status
Not open for further replies.

RedLion

New member
Joined
Oct 3, 2014
Messages
1
Reason
Learn about ALS
Country
US
State
MD
City
Gaithersburg
Hi all,

I've looked through the stickies and found quite a bit of helpful info, so i'll try to keep this simple.

For the last couple months, I've recurrently had an extremely hyperactive gag reflex. It will happen just while walking, or driving, with no apparent trigger - I'll just start gagging for no reason. Trying to talk makes it worse, as does singing, particularly singing high. These attacks usually end after a few minutes. I've also been clearing my throat almost constantly, and have had a dry, recurring cough, particularly after eating. I feel like there's a lot of mucus I need to clear, but not much comes up. My voice is a bit hoarse as well, but maybe that's just from all the coughing/clearing. I can swallow food and liquids just fine, but occasionally when I'm just swallowing saliva it feels like the swallowing process gets "caught" somewhere.

I went to an ENT doctor who said I do have some irritation and mucus and prescribed me an antibiotic. He also suggested it may be anxiety related and to check with a psychologist. I followed the antibio treatment with no real results, and the psychologist said that anxiety likely wouldn't cause the need to clear my throat or fits of reflexive gagging.

I know you're not doctors and I'm not asking you to diagnose me.

I'm just wondering if any of this symptomatic of typical bulbar onset?
 
NUP does NOT sound like bulbar onset and I know how that starts, go back to your doctors and keep working with them.


Try to stay off google and even leaving this site is going to be best for you. Fixating on what is happening will only be likely to make it happen more. I don't know why the psychologist would say that, of course anxiety can cause these symptoms.

I am sorry that you are having these issues, it would be alarming, but that's why you need to keep going back to your doctor and working to what health professionals can do and suggest for you.

All the best, please do yourself a favour and stay off the internet.
 
?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!"


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

.
 
Actually it sounds more like my GERD issues...might want to see a gastroenterologist....
 
I tend to agree with gooseberry. It does sound more on the line of GERD. But, we aren't doctors so we shouldn't try to diagnosis you other then to say we don't feel it is ALS related. Please stay away from the internet and Dr. Google. Please see your primary physician and let him decide what route you need to take. Good luck to you. Kim
 
Not a doctor, and of course, that is who you need to see. But my husband has bulbar onset and both my mother and sister have GERD, one with a hiatal hernia (which is not exclusive but much more likely if one is overweight). Your symptoms are very similar to my mother's and sister's and nothing like my husband's. Just an observation.

Like others have said...a gastroenterologist might be your best next contact.
 
Hi I to started having bulbar onset. Mine started with speech now speaking is so hard and I get short of breath and swallowing solid food is so hard, I am drinking ensure plus for I have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks. It has been this way for going on 6 months. I pray you find answers for yours. I had test done and now they are sending me to a neuro science specialist in Agusta Ga for diagnosis. My neurologist said my nerve conduction test showed weak nerves in arms and legs and tongue and lips. Don't give up keep them pushing to find out what this is. God Bless.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top