Recent content by kdootz

whoops, I forgot to say, I do have another neuro appointment a week from today so I will just ask him then.

Thank you very much! Appreciate it! All these things have been just popping up in the last few months and I realize that the progression would be much too fast for ALS and that most of it is probably just a side effect of the DDD but I really do appreciate the time you take to respond. Thank you...

Thank you Alyoop! I hate to be a troll or bug anyone here, I am just slightly worried as my thumb has been locking up lately and been very stiff. I work at a desk and I notice that when I go to grasp something my thumb "locks" up for a better word and it is extremely difficult for me to turn a...

Hi johnnyliverpool1. Can you explain what the neuro meant by saying that UMN can cause DDD? From what I know and have read most of the UMN symptoms start with the weakness first before the stiffness and cramping. I definitely have a dull ache in my right arm and significant stiffness in my right...

Would the DDD cause twitches in the arm, hand and stiffness in thumb and cramping in hand? Or was that mostly attributed to the ALS? My neurologists answer was that it can cause a variety of symptoms but was definitely causing the burning in my arms and head. I am most sure that I don't have ALS...

I just wanted to send an update to everyone here, I went to see a neurosurgeon and he ordered a spinal MRI which showed that I have degenerative disc disease (DDD) in my neck and early onset arthritis in the whole of my back. Very unusual for a 26 year old!He was however concerned as I have some...

That link was very helpful, thank you! I have a spinal MRI scheduled for next week. And I will try and keep off of Dr. Google for my own good until I see my neurologist.

Ok, I will do that then. Thank you!

Oh, and one more question. ALS can start proximally, but if that were the case it would start in the shoulder correct? What is symptomatic of that? Are their any strength tests I can do for that in the meantime? Thank you again.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really appreciate them. You can well believe that after my GP told me that and I looked up everything that I assesed my strength in my arms, and legs, and while they feel weak, I believe the heat has played a factor in that. Also, I am extremely aware of...

Also I should probably mention, I still get the burning feeling in my scalp every couple of days, however the weakness in my left arm, shoulder is constant.

Hello everyone, First off I just want to say how much I respect all of the people in this forum and how helpful they are to everyone. My thoughts go out to you all and I am praying for all of you and I hope that we can find a way to medically halt ALS in it's tracks. My post may be a bit wordy...