Scared

[stymied]

I posted a little over a year ago due to concerns about twitching and other symptoms. I had a good clinical and a "normal" EMG back in late December of 2014. My issues started with twitching and other stuff in early September of that year. I had big plans to come here at the year and a half mark and post something postitive to twitchers but instead ibfind myself in a panic again.

Over 2015 with the normal EMG and no noticabke weakness, I came to accept that my isseus were benign as the neuro said. She was not s neuromuscular specialist but did have 10+ years experience with EMG/NCV. She did my whole left side from foot to neck. I thought it was pretty thorough. Over the last few weeks, I have had a hard time negotiating my guitar pick with my right hand. I've been using for 20 years so it was really second nature. Now it's all off and awkward. I was living off of the mantra "clean EMG = no ALS" but now I am right back where I was before. My job is pretty strenuous and I continue to do it. I really thought that after all this time I was in the clear. Unfortunately I have read stories similar to this in these forums and elsewhere. I know to take stories on the internet with a grain of salt. I just don't know what to think.

Thank you to anybody who reads this and takes the time to respond.

 

[Nikki J]

Go back to the doctor and get checked. There are many things that could cause a hand dysfuction. Until you have a professional evaluate this there is no way to guess what the cause may be. For the sake of argument IF this is the beginning of MND ( statistically very unlikely) what happened in 2014 would likely be unrelated anyway. I had a normal EMG for research in 2013 and an abnormal one in 2014. It does not mean 2013 missed anything. It means I was not affected then

 

[lgelb]

Boston, my inclination is to look for the horse (vs. zebra) first, which in your case would be some kind of overuse nerve injury like carpal tunnel syndrome. Something tells me that you've played a lot over the last 20y, and wrist/hand/finger strain is definitely involved as you hold it at an angle. I would see an orthopod who is a hand specialist.

Best,
Laurie

 

[stymied]

Thank you so much for responding. I got the little rippling fascis between the thumb and finger. They've been there since 18 months ago, maybe longer. Is that a long time? I'm so confused and paranoid. I have a neuro appointment Thursday. I don't have a good feeling. I've been twitching all over for 18 months. I've read that's not a typical presentation. Damn I can't believe I'm back.

 

[Atsugi]

You're doing the right thing by seeing the doc. Don't sweat ALS, though. As Laurie said, when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras. ALS is a pink zebra.

 

[GilWest]

I agree with carpal tunnel.

 

[GilWest]

If you are really looking for ALS, my mom will gladly give you hers...

 

[stymied]

Gilwest, I'm not looking for it, but I'm concerned about it. Before this I never had any health anxiety. I would probably think carpel tunnel too if it weren't for the fascics and everything else that has gone on over the last 18 months.

 

[Nikki J]

Well you have an appointment the day after tomorrow so you will get a professional opinion. In the meantime remember twitches are incredibly non specific and as Laurie says horses not zebras