Recent content by chuckstr

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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    I had my second EMG on 6/24 by the neuromuscular specialist and director of the ALS center, again generally pointing to a c6 radic although the neuro did find a few random fascics in my calves. He tested several thoracic paraspinals as well as my tongue (under chin, which hurts a lot by the way...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Thanks so much Dusty. Yeah he mentioned the c6 nerve root muscles and "a few other areas" which I didn't ask about at the time. I like your idea of getting specifics though. Also, an EMG technician will do part of the test (I'm assuming the NCV) but I'll ask about specifics of that too. Thanks...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Just an update. The dr I was supposed to see was actually not a neuromuscular specialist and didn't want to see me to answer those kind of questions (which is good I guess). They managed to get me in today with a neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic board certified specialist who is also the...
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    Got diagnosed today

    Music, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It doesn't sound like your VM neuro was clear or particularly compassionate with you. I was wondering if you went to the Seattle Virginia Mason. The director of the ALS clinic there is Dr Michael Elliot (he's also a neuromuscular and...
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    I'm back after waiting off and it doesn't look good, help

    Yeah, echoing what Kosmokatten said, nothing of what you've told us your neurologist said about the EMG is indicative of ALS. I'm not an expert by any means but as far as I know EMG evidence of ALS would consist of acute (positive sharp waves, fibrillations, fasciculations), and chronic...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    I went in for follow-up with my local neuro. As expected he felt no further EMG investigations were required because there were no PSWs/Fibs anywhere other than along the c6 nerve root. And no fascics detected. I did mention to him that I've had some issues with a feeling of extra saliva and...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Thank you Tracy, I'm very sorry about your diagnosis. I'll definitely keep that appointment for reassurance at least. I'm also meeting with the local neuro next week. I'll ask about expanding the study to thoracic paraspinals and something bulbar as well as my other arm, as well as why he didn't...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Thanks for the response. The EMG wasn't done at UW, I have an appointment there for 6/27. It was done by a local neurologist on the eastside, who (supposedly) has some experience with neuromuscular disorders. I'm also waiting for a call from the head of the ALS clinic at VM (which I am glad I...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Thanks so much Dusty. The difference you pointed out is exactly what my neuro said. I'm not sure what other leg muscles (he did 20 all-together) he could do but I can definitely ask about the paraspinals and other arm when I see him next week. I know it sounds a bit wacky and probably is but I...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Wow, I'm very sorry Max. What diagnosis did the previous neuro give you based on the emg? Was there something they missed? Thank you for answering, Chuck
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    I had the EMG from the local neuro. He tested my weak left arm and both my legs. He was in a bit of a hurry since we got started late but he said no ALS. He said my legs were normal but there were definite denervation signs along the muscles from the c6 nerve root only. He tested many muscles in...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Hello all again, I had my ALS "Center of Excellence" appointment last week. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. The Dr I saw was not a neuromuscular specialist but is apparently the Dr that all of the patients not referred for dirty EMGs that are screened for MND see. She did a pretty...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    I went to the first neuro today and the good news is that as you nice folks here have suggested, he has very low suspicion for MND. He is going to do and EMG/NCV "to be safe" and to check for more information related to which nerves might potentially be causing symptoms which would potentially...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Thanks I do have copies of the MRI and treatment notes from the spine guy. I was able to get an appointment with a reputable neurologist today and we'll see what he says. One follow-up question - I assumed that if you had fasiculations in your legs (and other places that aren't your arms) but...
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    Questions on ALS symptoms

    Thank you Kim and Dusty and everyone else for being here. Dusty thanks for the tips and especially the tip to get all of the emg things. I've got an appointment with my spine surgeon to discuss referral for an emg with the specialist neuro tomorrow. I'll let everyone know how it goes when I know...
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