CGAR
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2011
- Messages
- 120
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 10/2011
- Country
- CA
- State
- ON
- City
- ST. CATHARINES
I was diagnosed before receiving my head MRI which I thought was strange.
I thought they would eliminate all other possibilities before diagnosis.
I was told by dr that he would order the MRI, but it is doubtful to show anything!
Guess what? MRI showed 2 cerebellum strokes (on the left), which I feel is the reason for weakness in the right arm, and speech problems! dr was very shocked as I am 40.
I asked would we postpone the ALS diagnosis. He said No.
I know everybody says "EMG"?
The EMG seemed controversial as the dr who performed it said it was only showing small abnormalities in right arm, he would be stretching to say any loss in the left, and nothing in the legs!
And yet the written report said "severe degeneration" (could someone have made a mistake?) The EMG along with the physical exam was the reason for the diagnosis, before MRI.
I have asked the ALS Dr for another EMG (will be on the 21st)
I wasn't happy with the ALS diagnosis, but I accepted it and was making some life changes to enjoy life.
Now my emotions are everywhere (and we all know, family, extended family and friends are along for the ride)
- I find it strange that no dr has mentioned rehab for the strokes.
- Strange to, that the dr won't put me on Rilutek, but also won't postpone the diagnosis!
- Also during my appointment this past Friday, I had the senior resident of the hospital along with another new dr examine me for about 1/2 hour!
This is as much a rant as it is a post, so, sorry for that.
I'm feeling a bit like a tetherball!
They keep adding up things that are "wrong" with me but never take any away.
No disrespect to the dr, but this panel seems more on the ball.
I stay positive and try to go with the flow, but does this all seem normal to you guys?
Cheers,
Casey
Oh ya, one more thing, "GO PATS"
I thought they would eliminate all other possibilities before diagnosis.
I was told by dr that he would order the MRI, but it is doubtful to show anything!
Guess what? MRI showed 2 cerebellum strokes (on the left), which I feel is the reason for weakness in the right arm, and speech problems! dr was very shocked as I am 40.
I asked would we postpone the ALS diagnosis. He said No.
I know everybody says "EMG"?
The EMG seemed controversial as the dr who performed it said it was only showing small abnormalities in right arm, he would be stretching to say any loss in the left, and nothing in the legs!
And yet the written report said "severe degeneration" (could someone have made a mistake?) The EMG along with the physical exam was the reason for the diagnosis, before MRI.
I have asked the ALS Dr for another EMG (will be on the 21st)
I wasn't happy with the ALS diagnosis, but I accepted it and was making some life changes to enjoy life.
Now my emotions are everywhere (and we all know, family, extended family and friends are along for the ride)
- I find it strange that no dr has mentioned rehab for the strokes.
- Strange to, that the dr won't put me on Rilutek, but also won't postpone the diagnosis!
- Also during my appointment this past Friday, I had the senior resident of the hospital along with another new dr examine me for about 1/2 hour!
This is as much a rant as it is a post, so, sorry for that.
I'm feeling a bit like a tetherball!
They keep adding up things that are "wrong" with me but never take any away.
No disrespect to the dr, but this panel seems more on the ball.
I stay positive and try to go with the flow, but does this all seem normal to you guys?
Cheers,
Casey
Oh ya, one more thing, "GO PATS"