blrw41
New member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2013
- Messages
- 5
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- LA
- City
- Provencal
I will start at the beginning because I do not know what is relevant and what isn't.
I am now 47 years old. Separated since April after 20 years with a verbally abusive man. Struggling to support myself and 2 teenagers.
I was always awkward and uncoordinated. A big clumsy girl. But basically healthy. A few years ago I stopped walking at the track because my ankles would get stiff and burn where leg connects to top of foot. I got tired easier and started having a lot of pain in my back between my shoulder blades. Hips and knees ached all the time. Right wrist became painful, then hand, inside of forearm and shoulder. Diagnosed with carpal tunnel and wore brace and took prescription naproxen. Kept complaining to doctor about feeling tired and weak and not wanting to do things. Dr said lose weight and take depression medicine. Had mild hypertension.
A year and a half ago legs felt tired all the time and knees hurt. Would come home from work and have to lie down. Had trouble sleeping, doctor thought maybe sleep apnea. In fall 2011 had severe restless legs at night or while sitting, not always confined to legs. Started stumbling sometimes, legs felt heavy and tired. In Nov 2011 I fell and hurt my knees. Started having problems getting up from seated position, had to push up with my arms. Had trouble getting to the bathroom on time. Dr said maybe nerve problem in back but I had no insurance at that time so nothing done but bloodwork which was always fine. Fell again in Dec 2011, had to be helped up, legs felt like rubber. More falls after that and extreme difficulty getting up because of bad knees. Hot flashes all the time.
Got a promotion and insurance and went to different doctor in May 2012. She suspected MS when I shuffled in. By then my left foot dragging, ankle tight. Dropping things. Funny spasms here and there. Legs muscles would tighten and spasm at night. She ordered brain MRI which was ok. Sent to neuro who did EMG and nerve conduction thing and said looked like nerve problem in neck and upper back, ordered MRIs of cervical and lower back, he said looked fine. Did EMG again and said something wrong with muscles. Sent to another neuro for second opinion. He said saw disk in neck pressing against spinal cord. Sent to another doctor who agreed.
to be continued...
I am now 47 years old. Separated since April after 20 years with a verbally abusive man. Struggling to support myself and 2 teenagers.
I was always awkward and uncoordinated. A big clumsy girl. But basically healthy. A few years ago I stopped walking at the track because my ankles would get stiff and burn where leg connects to top of foot. I got tired easier and started having a lot of pain in my back between my shoulder blades. Hips and knees ached all the time. Right wrist became painful, then hand, inside of forearm and shoulder. Diagnosed with carpal tunnel and wore brace and took prescription naproxen. Kept complaining to doctor about feeling tired and weak and not wanting to do things. Dr said lose weight and take depression medicine. Had mild hypertension.
A year and a half ago legs felt tired all the time and knees hurt. Would come home from work and have to lie down. Had trouble sleeping, doctor thought maybe sleep apnea. In fall 2011 had severe restless legs at night or while sitting, not always confined to legs. Started stumbling sometimes, legs felt heavy and tired. In Nov 2011 I fell and hurt my knees. Started having problems getting up from seated position, had to push up with my arms. Had trouble getting to the bathroom on time. Dr said maybe nerve problem in back but I had no insurance at that time so nothing done but bloodwork which was always fine. Fell again in Dec 2011, had to be helped up, legs felt like rubber. More falls after that and extreme difficulty getting up because of bad knees. Hot flashes all the time.
Got a promotion and insurance and went to different doctor in May 2012. She suspected MS when I shuffled in. By then my left foot dragging, ankle tight. Dropping things. Funny spasms here and there. Legs muscles would tighten and spasm at night. She ordered brain MRI which was ok. Sent to neuro who did EMG and nerve conduction thing and said looked like nerve problem in neck and upper back, ordered MRIs of cervical and lower back, he said looked fine. Did EMG again and said something wrong with muscles. Sent to another neuro for second opinion. He said saw disk in neck pressing against spinal cord. Sent to another doctor who agreed.
to be continued...