33 M worried about my ongoing symptoms

[Es5271]

Hi guys I just want to say how grateful I am for this forum and the moderators and overall community. I’ve been following this forum for the past 1.5 years since my symptoms began. I’m a 33 M with symptoms of fatigue and twitching began in my quad (right leg) last summer shortly after my 32nd birthday. Within the next few months I noticed my arms and quads have gotten significantly smaller in size, bowel/digestion issues acid reflux, indigestion, and prolonged fullness feeling. In turn my strength has gone down significantly. Also light sensitivity and eye floaters which have been getting progressively worse. My pupils seem to have gotten smaller for the past year. The past few months it seems like the twitching has progressed throughout my body and the weakness in my hands and the rest of my muscles has progressed as well as sleep difficulties and fatigue and brain fog. I’m an athlete and can see how my strength and muscles have significantly went down at this point.
I’ve seen my GP many times and have done every bloodwork under the sun it feels like, I’ve seen almost every specialist possible an endocrinologist, several rheumatologists, several neurologists, oncologist, ophthalmologists and gastroenterologist. Every test for every specialist has came back normal. A few weeks ago I went to see my neurologist for a follow up and explained my symptoms are getting worse, he preformed the physical tests which I passed all of them again he did not see any failure which I don’t have. But anyway he recommended me to get a MRI for brain and cervical as well as EMG/NCS.
I attached my EMG/NCS report as well as MRI report to this post. I have a follow up with my neurologist again in a few weeks to discuss these test results and next steps. I guess I’m looking for some input and maybe interpretation of these tests because I have no idea what any of this means and my life just feels like it’s been turned upside down this past 1.5 years.
I really appreciate you all and this community and can’t thank you enough.

 

[lgelb]

These studies suggest spine damage in your neck and probably lower back. They do not suggest ALS at all. Depending on what caused the damage (some of it may be old, maybe a past accident or trauma?), it may progress or not. But some of that is under your control.

When you see the neurologist, I would ask about trying PT to improve your symptoms. If your work or a hobby involves bending/twisting your spine, or long periods in the same position, even for long-distance driving, I would ask the PT about ways to keep a neutral spine during these activities and other considerations for avoiding further damage.

 

[Es5271]

Igelb thank you for a quick and thorough response!
Yes that definitely makes sense, I have no had any accident or trauma but I was a furniture mover for many years until these symptoms began as well as an amateur tournament golfer. It seems these symptoms all escalated after a long week of playing a lot of golf.
I’m still just very concerned about the amount of different symptoms that have been occurring since the twitching began just as significant loss of muscle and strength, gastro issues, headaches, light sensitivity and eye issues, and the progression of symptoms. It’s very unusual at my age and I’m just extremely worried because it seems to meet almost all the symptoms of ALS.
I will definitely let you know how my follow up with my neurologist goes after we meet to discuss the recent tests. Again I can’t thank you enough!

 

[lgelb]

Gastro, headaches, photophobia, vision changes are not part of ALS onset. I would have suggested an eye exam if you hadn't said you have had one. Of course, you should have one immediately if you have new signs.

So it's just not true that you "seem to meet almost all the symptoms." No idea what you are reading, but do stop and focus on what's in front of you.

 

[Es5271]

Again, truly appreciate your quick and through response. I will have to continue my long journey of figuring out all these symptoms. I pray for everyone on this forum and truly hope a cure and better treatments will come to fruition immediately. I will continue to donate and attend walks and charity fundraisers for ALS. Thank you.