anon3183
Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2009
- Messages
- 19
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- IA
- City
- Cedar Falls
Hello,
Hopefully I am not disrespecting anyone on here by listing symptoms without a diagnosis. I am not looking for any of you to diagnose me, just looking for some advice.
I had anterior cervical fusion surgery for a herniated disc a few months ago. I was experiencing weakness on my left side-especially grip and pinch tests. Noticeable and measured muscle atrophy in left forearm, none in bicep or tricep. Left side was at 10% of the strength of my right, all attributed to a pinched nerve. Prior to the surgery I was noticing some muscle twitching and weakness in other areas as well.
Post-surgery (3 months) and I am still experiencing many symptoms such as left hand/arm weakness and twitching, left calf, etc. My pinch strength has doubled in the last three months, but grip stength has remained steadily weak.
I recently read a journal article where a small number of people that have the type of surgery I had are later found to have ALS, as some of the symptoms can be similar to that of a pinched nerve(?).
I was just curious if anyone on here had experienced anything like this. I meet with nerologist in 2 weeks, GP wants me to have an EMG, will have consult first.
Would my grip/pinch strength be improving after 3 months if ALS was a possibility? I am concerned about the weakness and atrophy. What can I expect if the neuro orders an EMG?
Thanks for your time and God Bless.
Hopefully I am not disrespecting anyone on here by listing symptoms without a diagnosis. I am not looking for any of you to diagnose me, just looking for some advice.
I had anterior cervical fusion surgery for a herniated disc a few months ago. I was experiencing weakness on my left side-especially grip and pinch tests. Noticeable and measured muscle atrophy in left forearm, none in bicep or tricep. Left side was at 10% of the strength of my right, all attributed to a pinched nerve. Prior to the surgery I was noticing some muscle twitching and weakness in other areas as well.
Post-surgery (3 months) and I am still experiencing many symptoms such as left hand/arm weakness and twitching, left calf, etc. My pinch strength has doubled in the last three months, but grip stength has remained steadily weak.
I recently read a journal article where a small number of people that have the type of surgery I had are later found to have ALS, as some of the symptoms can be similar to that of a pinched nerve(?).
I was just curious if anyone on here had experienced anything like this. I meet with nerologist in 2 weeks, GP wants me to have an EMG, will have consult first.
Would my grip/pinch strength be improving after 3 months if ALS was a possibility? I am concerned about the weakness and atrophy. What can I expect if the neuro orders an EMG?
Thanks for your time and God Bless.