A Thumb Problem

Jeston · 10-03-2009, 02:56 AM

Hello, To start this post, I am 17 one month from 18 years old. I have had twitching on and off anywhere for a year or so, way more noticeable this year.

I'm skinny, Really skinny, I eat but I am tall and thin. I sit at a PC all day , everyday, not a day goes by I'm not on it for 12 hours [I'm serious] and have been using the pc like this for 4-5 years, yeah I know that is really bad , but I have been weak overall normal like, because I never exercise. So it didn't bother me cause it was obvious, also I'm home schooled.

But today something different happened, My "Right" thumb started twitching bad, and everytime it twitched I felt a tingle like a shock shoot in it a little. took like 20mins to stop.

Then I got paranoid again, And looked up finger strength tests for ALS, I passed them, Though I never use my fingers like that I passed them.
But then after a hour of the tests and the twitching had already stopped. I tried to make a pinch grip with my "Left" Thumb and it couldn't even do it and my thumb literally felt paralyzed and collapsed inward when I tried, Though a hour before I could use my thumb. That scared the living hell out of me, Its been weak/unable to grip for 8-9 hours now after sleep.

I also sometimes have a problem swallowing food, it gets stuck sometimes, I also get bad skin sensitivity sometimes and it burns to touch like a sunburn [comes and goes], I also feel dizzy alot.

Also my grandfather, my mothers father has MS.

Help...

Jeston · 10-03-2009, 02:58 AM

Also my BMI is 15.4l, since I'm 6'2 and 120 pounds, I have always weighed that much

hopingforcure · 10-03-2009, 06:11 PM

Oh my goodness, Don not even consider ALS, you are highly unlikely to have als, highly unlikely. I would not even think you should even be thinking of that. Please see your family doctor I am sure it is not anything sinister.

Jeston · 10-20-2009, 10:05 AM

This is a picture of my right hand palm, It has dents in it like atrophy, but my right hand is not weak. Its the hand I use for my mouse everyday. Sometimes my hands are stiff. my left thumb grip is still weaker than my right. as said in my original post,

I'm still scared now that I see the lines and redness on my wrist I'm more scared

Jeston · 10-20-2009, 10:12 AM

Also My hands a really skinny though. no fat at all

GlenBrittle · 10-20-2009, 11:29 AM

That hand looks like a skinny kid hand. Thats all.

You do not have ALS.

Looking to self diagnose on the internet is probably one of the worst things you can do , because there is a lot of crap out there and you are looking to validate your feelings. STOP IT.

The best person to help would be a doctor.

Relax , anxiety is the worst thing . Take a little time and get some friends you can touch.

Glen

thelma313 · 10-20-2009, 12:29 PM

You mentioned you are home schooled, does this mean you don't have recess or gym class?

As you already know sitting at the computer for 12 hours a day is very bad for you! You have got to get those muscles moving and your blood pumping... go out and take a brisk walk and maybe sign up for a sporty activity you would like to learn, like tennis or swimming or Aikido. You're so young and you sound like a good kid. It's important you see your doctor about the muscle twitching just because I am sure it is related to your computer use. Also, eat more! You need to get a little fat on those bones. Go for good fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts and fish. The Italian lady in me is screaming, "Eat! Eat!"

You know what you have to do. I have every confidence that this will serve as a wake up call and you'll get healthy. I think you're too smart to let yourself waste away in front of the screen with your hand on a mouse.

Good luck, Kid!

olly · 10-20-2009, 12:36 PM

i have to agree with thelma(also having italian connections)
you need exercise,good food and fresh air.
all your problems can be connected to being immobile,inside and using the computer too much.
get out there and live,see the world............i wish i was 17yrs and fit again.

Jeston · 10-23-2009, 08:49 AM

I feel so sick, So depressed, 100% upset. Both my hands looks like they have atrophy. just like the other pictures, I have a sick feeling in my stomach that wont go away, I don't feel rested after 9 hrs of sleep. I feel like I'm going to lose it. I feel like I will never be happy.

I feel like crying but for some reason cant.

sandradenise · 10-23-2009, 09:30 AM

Are you getting any exercise ? Lack of exercise will make you as tired as too much exercise. I am agree with the others , too much time at the computer is not good for anyone. You are 17 and should be running , biking , hiking, fishing whatever is active and fun. Take advantage of our minute of the day and live happy. You have a life time ahead of you... make the most of it.

Jeston · 10-26-2009, 11:46 AM

Both my hands have symmetrical atrophy looking skin both in the same spot on both hands and what not. Is that good or bad.

wright · 10-26-2009, 02:05 PM

That is a good sign, especially in the absence of any true weakness. The incident you had with your pinch strength came-on too quickly and I'm going to assume you regained that strength . . . things that point away from ALS. It sounds like your anxiety is in over-drive right now because of you thinking you have ALS. Please listen to what we are telling you on here and please think things through rationally and give yourself some peace of mind. You're simply too young to needlessly put yourself through anything like this (although no one should put themselves through something like this at any age). Go enjoy life because I bet you have a lot of reasons to do so.

Jeston · 10-27-2009, 06:09 AM

thanks for you reply., I still going to a specialist. For testing for other things.

Jeston · 10-29-2009, 03:02 PM

Also forgot to mention, I have been dizzy for over a year that started may 31 2008, for mostly everyday, I have subjective vertigo and feel the floor moving all the time. I got used to it [Like being on a boat]. Now Twice already, I have seen the whole room start spinning around and that sucks.

I am also having knee pains/Tingling in hands and burning pains in arms/palms like after a workout I did not have.

And random sensitive skin that is painful. A lot of sensory issues to it seems. I still got perfect balance even when I'm dizzy and hurting, I Wake up in the morning with stiff fingers and knees. I also suffer from 5-30 sec horrible headaches that I could never stand if it lasted any longer. I think that's to do with eye strain. and my legs vibrate kind of like a tuning fork. [its not all in my head]

And of course twitching everywhere now. I think from anxiety over my ASL worries

Its really annoying.

Jeston · 11-16-2009, 09:11 PM

Posting new pics as of today of both my hands

Its a little harder to see via my camera, once in a while my hands open kinda slower and are stiff.

I have also had twitching in my toes and other fingers now. I felt a twitching in my forearm and that muscle was pulling my little finger down every time it twitched. I have had my whole bicep shaking from twitching.

I'm still scared I don't know if my hands are worse or not. but the twitching has spread to more places.