Is this ALS??

ssparks · 10-05-2009, 09:24 PM

My mother,63, was diagnosed with ALS 3 weeks ago. The Neurologist is not completely sure of this though, because she is having some odd symptoms that have happened so quickly.
Started about 2 years ago she lost some weight, we all thought because whe no longes was excercising in her pool that she was loosing some of her muscle tone. That weight loss stopped.
Then about a few months ago she started with this pain in her back, it was similar to a previous diagnosis she had of a bulging disc. after a few weeks it got worse. Her posture changed, she now walked with a hump back, and balance was effected. The pain was so bad she was taken to the emergency room.
After several MRi, MRA, CT, Blood work, Lumbar Puncture, Urinalysis for toxins, Immunessay and Finally an EMG. The neurologist diagnosed her with ALS. He was still scratching his head because he couldnt figure out her pain and why she was feeling this pressure in her spine causing her to walk with a hunchback.
3 Weeks later pressure is still in the back, mobility is getting worse, Rt hand is getting weaker??
My Question is Does ALS cause all this pressure and pain in the Back and does it progress so fast. ( within 2-3 months)????

Any info would be helpful.

?

flyingaseagles · 10-05-2009, 10:06 PM

Can I ask you a question? Do you know the neurologist or was he recommended to you? I am just curious, because the symptoms you are expressing could be several things. I would get a second opinion , that is just me. I have a bulging disk and it effects a lot of areas in my body. I also have that and it effects me in my hands and the pain moves all over my body. I would take her somewhere that they specialize in ALS.
ALScan be misdiagnosed and it sometimes can be very hard to diagnose it all depends on what physician you are attending.
I hope I somehow helped, Hugs to you Debra

ssparks · 10-06-2009, 07:42 PM

Thanks for your reply. She was seen by the neurologist at the local hospital. we have an appointment monday with an ALS specialist in Dallas. hopfully he can shed some more light on this. I will keep you posted.