21 and concerned

[Noble]

Hi, let me start by saying everyone diagnosed here is a warrior. And I've thought long and hard before even posting here, purely because I don't want to waste any of your time.

I don't know what else to do at this point though, the anxiety from this is killing me.

Anyways, I'm a 21 year old male, and I first started having symptoms about three years ago. It started with twitching in my legs, then about one year after that, my legs began to shake every time I bent my knees.

Somewhere along the road my feet began to do the same thing, they're always shaking when moving them. Especially when trying to do slow precise movement.

About one year ago it spread to my core, my neck, and my hands. I wasn't even anxious about it then though. I have only recently become concerned about it within the last month, as it's now causing what feels like muscle weakness.

I'm unsure if it's clinical or perceived weakness though.

My hands feel stiff like my fingers want to curl up, and my right thumb has visible atrophy going on. Or at least I'm fairly certain it's atrophy.

My legs feel heavy, my balance feels off, I have hyperactive reflexes, and I'm now starting to slur my words at least once per sentence.

I have my first nuerologist appointment a week from today.


If anybody has read this far, you deserve a medal. Let me know if this sounds like ALS to you. Thank you for your time, and thank you in advance for your reply

-Mike

 

[WendyWooG]

It really doesn't sound like als, there is a sticky at the top of the forum that is highlighted in yellow. Have a read it should reassure you.

I had no shaking or feeling weak, things just stopped working and the twitches came after.

Good luck with your appointment I hope they find an easily treatable solution for you.

Wendy

 

[Noble]

Thank you for the reply Wendy. I really appreciate it!

 

[Noble]

Is there anybody with SALS on here that's my age? A lot of young cases of ALS seem to be FALS.

 

[affected]

No hon SALS really does not happen to 21 years olds.
Please work with doctors as nothing you describe sounds at all like ALS.

 

[Noble]

I suppose I'm just kinda anxious waiting for my Nuero appointment this Wednesday. Thank you for your time and the response Tillie

 

[Noble]

Hi all, I saw the Neurologist and got neither bad news or good news. I didn't mention ALS because I don't want her just testing for that, but I could tell she was concerned. She found atrophy on my left pectoral muscle and my left lateral, not to mention my whole left shoulder pops like crazy when I roll it. I hadn't even noticed those things. She scheduled me for an EMG for this upcoming Thursday.

I fully realize nobody here is a doctor and I'm not asking for medical advice just by the way, just opinions.

I don't know what's causing this but my best guess is this isn't the only health issues I've been dealing with. I just had surgery 3 months ago for SVT (an arrhythmia) and after that surgery I was fairly inactive. I still walked around but only to the extent of using the restroom, and making food. I didn't go anywhere or do anything else for about 2 months. I also had quite a bit of chest pain after the surgery but assumed it was because the surgery, even though I wasn't supposed to be having pain after more than a week. It didn't help that the chest atrophy is happening on the left side either, making it pretty hard to tell what's what. I went into the ER 3 times for severe chest pain within those two months and they could never find anything wrong with my heart.

Do you guys think I could have noticeable atrophy in just the left side of my body from 2 months of being inactive? I am right handed and I have told the Neurologist about it. Sadly the Neuorogist was crazy busy when she saw me and didn't take a lot of time with me so I didn't really get an answer. I also called my cardiologist and asked if my surgery could've caused atrophy, and he said no. I just wonder if inactivity for 2 months could cause it.

Thank you all for your responses in advance!

 

[Noble]

Hey, do any of you know if any Neurologist knows what ALS looks like on an EMG? Or do you need a motor neuron specialist?

 

[ShiftKicker]

Yes. Any neuro can detect abnormalities via emg- that's a major tool of their specialty. If they had ANY concern about ALS they would have referred you on to a specialist for further exploration.

 

[Noble]

Hey, so I had an EMG and NCS done a week ago. They tested between my index finger and thumb, bicep, tricep, pectoral, traps, on both sides.

I have a couple questions,

#1 is that considered a good workup for ALS? Or should I get my lower body tested.

#2 I got a call this morning for my results and they said that my results were "unremarkable." I asked if that meant if everything was normal and I was okay, and the lady responded "they were unremarkable, have a nice day." Then proceeded to hang up. I had been waiting quite a while for that call so I was pretty upset it was only 10 seconds long. Is "unremarkable" a good thing or bad thing?

You've all been so kind and I'm very grateful for your time and response. Thank you


-Mike

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hi Mike-

Unremarkable means there was nothing unusual about the results. Literally- nothing to remark on. This is excellent news. If there had been any concern there would be further tests or additional appointments requested by the doctor.

With regards to a proper work-up- They tested where you were experiencing symptoms. And those tests were, as you were informed, unremarkable and did not indicate a neuromuscular concern.

 

[Atsugi]

Since you're still here, Mike, I'll add just a little something.

You're good to go, cleared of ALS.

Your symptoms weren't ALS, either. You're clear.

I'd get that anxiety fixed, however, before it ruins your life.

 

[Noble]

Thank you for your in depth response shift kicker. And I'd definitely agree with you Atsugi, I'm working on the whole anxiety thing and seeking help. Thanks again. Best wishes

-Mike

 

[Noble]

So my Neurologist called me and said it was their mistake for not doing my legs. They did my legs and found fasciculations, and polyphasic potentials at a three. I have no idea what all this means and regardless of me telling them how much health anxiety I have, told me nothing. They said I have to wait and see...

I'm really not doing well right now, can any of you explain to me if this is something to be concerned about?

 

[Atsugi]

It means your legs twitch.
Lots of people have twitching, especially in the legs. It does NOT mean ALS.