Persisting symptoms

[BluSkys]

Hello everyone,

First I'd like to say that those of you who answer everyone's questions and provide useful information are truly truly incredible. Unfortunately some persisting symptoms have led me here looking for opinions. Here is a brief timeline:

May 2016: right arm/hand stiffness, popping when turned, etc. I attributed it to overuse, ignored it.
July 2016: noticed right pec was lagging/smaller than my left. I am right handed, but just thought it was from lifting and favoring the left side.
August: began noticing stiffness in one area of my right leg (right above the knee, near the muscle that looks like a tear drop, I suppose it's all considered the quad). Attributed it to running, overuse, working out, etc.)
September-now- stiffness in leg area continued, noticed the quad area was getting smaller and it quite noticeable now that my left leg is larger.

When exercising, the right leg is always stiffer more sore after working out, feels like other areas of the leg and hip are overcompensating for the area that appears smaller. During the night and morning the right leg and quad is extremely stiff. The right leg is also more sensitive to touch, it doesn't hurt, just more sensitive.

October: I had an emg done on the right leg and an EMG center from a neurologist. I have attached the results. Basically all clean. When I called another neurologist for a second opinion, the receptionist asked who performed the first emg. I told her and she replied "yeah, his always come back clean that's why we re do them", which was not comforting in the least.

Anyways, I guess I am wondering if you suggest another emg, if something would have been missed on the first emg. I am just in a state of limbo. Also, based on the first report, the tear drop muscle was not apart of the emg. I have read on this forum many times that it doesn't necessarily matter if an exact muscle was emg'd but I am still nervous about that fact.

Thank you for listening.

 

[Vincent]

Lucky you, I've never had a clean emg. An emg will pick up denervation long before symptoms. The issue is not with the muscle it is with the nerves that communicate with the muscle. If it will make you feel better, get a second opinion.
Vincent

 

[BluSkys]

Thanks for the response Vincent.

I just want to give an update. I received another emg for a AANEM recognized doctor. The emg was clean. A second opinion was nice to have. Unfortunately the emg was only ordered for my leg, and I am still have symptoms in my right arm of stiff fingers, hand muscles feel soft/light, shoulder weakness/fatigue, harder to grab things, popping of wrist, thumb always cracking, but no pain in any of this. Is this something I should also have emg'd? Could anxiety cause these symptoms and it's all just coming to a boil even though I don't feel anxious? Thanks for your replies.

 

[Atsugi]

I don't see any indication of ALS in your posts.

First, regarding one muscle being smaller than another--If the doctor didn't concern herself with it, then it isn't a problem.

Second, popping and stiffness and cracking aren't on anybody's list of "See ALS" so I consider that to be just regular wear and tear.

Finally, fatigue is a good sign. You see, in ALS, the muscle never recieves the "go" signal from the brain, so it doesn't go. It doesn't feel weak or tired or weird or anything at all, it just doesn't go.

Two clean EMGs, including two neurologists physically seeing you, is pretty good reassurance that you don't have ALS.

You asked about anxiety. Anxiety can make your body do serious physical things. Not feeling anxiety? Me neither. I swear I'm am never bothered by stress, even when my muscles are so tight and painful I have to take a valium and wear a neck brace. What, me worry? You might be one of those people like me who never notices their own stress levels.

If you are still concerned, ask your PCP to talk it over with you.

 

[BluSkys]

Thanks Mike. I feel like I'm trying everything for my right fingers/hand/arm. Baths, ointments, Tylenol. The stiffness and swolleness are still there (especially in the morning), assymetrically which is the worrisome part. I have read a bit about CT but I don't have tingling or pain. I don't want to have go back to my PCP or ask for an emg of my hand/arm. Anyways, thank you for your responses as I navigate through these symptoms.

 

[codyclan]

So here is where I struggle . You said you have been reading up on Carpel Tunnel but you don't have tingling so you jump to a terminal disease that two neuros and two tests have cleared you of and a disease for which you don't have demonstrate of the hallmark signs either. Sooooo.... isn't more likely that you have a more benign condition such as carpel tunnel or anxiety? My husband never had a clean EMG. Please follow up with your pcp and stop chasing ALS.

 

[BluSkys]

I have a question regarding hand atrophy. Unfortunately the stiffness and weakness is persisting. The veins in the hand in which I am having issues are a lot more apparent than the other hand. There being no pain is the concerning part as well. Can overuse be painless?

 

[ShiftKicker]

I'm looking back in this thread and see it was recommended you visit with your doctor again in order to help you track down the source of your symptoms. From your most recent post, it appears that maybe you haven't done so. It's important to do so for a few reasons. One, it helps the doctor track any changes or new symptoms. Two, your doctor can continue to assist you in figuring out what's going on with your hand and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

It's clear you are very worried about your symptoms, and that's likely adding a great deal of stress in your day to day.

 

[BluSkys]

Thank you for the reply ShiftKicker I appreciate it. I reached out to my doctor today and have scheduled another appointment. I appreciate your response. I am hoping it is simply overuse but I worry as symptoms persist.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Best of luck to you.

 

[BluSkys]

Does anyone know if it is considered a babinski response if fours toes go downward but the big toe remains neutral/does not move, while it moves downward on the other foot? This is yet another symptom causing me stress. My next appointment isn't until March unfortunately.

 

[ShiftKicker]

User banned for multi- id