MerrySunshine
New member
- Joined
- May 24, 2016
- Messages
- 2
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- IL
- City
- Chicago
I went to the doctor with some mild concerns thinking I might have had a transient ischemic attack. I have high cholesterol. ALS had never crossed my mind.
Doc did a neuro exam amd said, "I'm more concerned it might be ALS," and noted hypereflexia, changes in reflexes over time, and ataxia, which I had not noticed (not that I would have noticed, since I am not a doctor).
She referred me to a neuro and for imaging.
I'm not losing sleep over it right now. She's a great doctor, but she's not a neuro doc.
I can't think of any reason to actually go right away. Maybe I should postpone neuro and imaging appts to see if I get worse. I'm thinking that odds are it won't be ALS. But if
i rush out right away and have tests and its negative I might end up going through repeat tests that that could cause worry. If I put it off and see if I get significantly worse then the answers might be more clear cut and I won't have as many appts.
Is there any downside to delaying these tests and consults? How common is it for family docs to be this up front about a concern? What are the physical signs that I really need these appointments? What is the point to early Dx of an untreatable disease?
I'm thinking maybe wait a few months and see if I really develop actual disability.
Doc did a neuro exam amd said, "I'm more concerned it might be ALS," and noted hypereflexia, changes in reflexes over time, and ataxia, which I had not noticed (not that I would have noticed, since I am not a doctor).
She referred me to a neuro and for imaging.
I'm not losing sleep over it right now. She's a great doctor, but she's not a neuro doc.
I can't think of any reason to actually go right away. Maybe I should postpone neuro and imaging appts to see if I get worse. I'm thinking that odds are it won't be ALS. But if
i rush out right away and have tests and its negative I might end up going through repeat tests that that could cause worry. If I put it off and see if I get significantly worse then the answers might be more clear cut and I won't have as many appts.
Is there any downside to delaying these tests and consults? How common is it for family docs to be this up front about a concern? What are the physical signs that I really need these appointments? What is the point to early Dx of an untreatable disease?
I'm thinking maybe wait a few months and see if I really develop actual disability.