Oxman
New member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2020
- Messages
- 3
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 01/2020
- Country
- UK
- State
- DN
- City
- Paignton
Hi.
I have constant faint fasciculations in both calf muscles and left arm bicep and forearm and possible occasional twitch in other bicep.
First noticed when up the gym on the cross trainer and got tightness in back of left knee.
Looked on internet re als and one doctor said wait 2 months and see if they go or what changes.
Real fear comes from the fact I watched my mother die from als about 4 years ago. She was 63/64 when diagnosed and died 3 years later. I am 50, so familial als is my thinking and I am the right age. My mother’s sister also died early in a care home from dementia/Parkinson’s/als type illness, not sure they ever got a proper diagnosis.
So since my awareness of the fasciculations, they continue as they were, but l have also noticed the gradual onset of left shoulder tightness, occasional left bicep and forearm ache pain and most noticeably left hand thumb pains especially when I rotate it or move it touch my little finger. The other very noticeable thing is most of my joints have started to make a crackle sound but more pronounced on left side , especially the arm/ elbow again. Have others experienced this thumb issue and obvious joint crackle as early symptoms.
Not aware I’ve lost obvious muscle or strength , though I have stopped using the gym. Also as a regular squash player and playing with my teenage son I now feel slow , aching and very inflexible, I know something is not as it was.
Anyway I believe this arm pain, tightness/discomfort and joint ache/crackling can come before any muscle weakness in some cases of als. Is that true, as I guess to date I might perceive some weakness but no real evidence/example of clinical weakness. What I am definitely experiencing though is the stiffness and ache in muscles again more left hand side in the mornings when I wake and the thumb hand pain. Wish I had found out more from my mum, l know she had foot drop but she also never really wanted to talk or discuss als but that was her way.
Realise I will need to visit my doctor and have tests to be sure , but rightly or wrongly obviously fear the worst having seen what my mum went through. Just keen to hear if others can relate to my early symptoms. I know more about what happens latter down the line unfortunately so any reply greatly appreciated.
Nigel
I have constant faint fasciculations in both calf muscles and left arm bicep and forearm and possible occasional twitch in other bicep.
First noticed when up the gym on the cross trainer and got tightness in back of left knee.
Looked on internet re als and one doctor said wait 2 months and see if they go or what changes.
Real fear comes from the fact I watched my mother die from als about 4 years ago. She was 63/64 when diagnosed and died 3 years later. I am 50, so familial als is my thinking and I am the right age. My mother’s sister also died early in a care home from dementia/Parkinson’s/als type illness, not sure they ever got a proper diagnosis.
So since my awareness of the fasciculations, they continue as they were, but l have also noticed the gradual onset of left shoulder tightness, occasional left bicep and forearm ache pain and most noticeably left hand thumb pains especially when I rotate it or move it touch my little finger. The other very noticeable thing is most of my joints have started to make a crackle sound but more pronounced on left side , especially the arm/ elbow again. Have others experienced this thumb issue and obvious joint crackle as early symptoms.
Not aware I’ve lost obvious muscle or strength , though I have stopped using the gym. Also as a regular squash player and playing with my teenage son I now feel slow , aching and very inflexible, I know something is not as it was.
Anyway I believe this arm pain, tightness/discomfort and joint ache/crackling can come before any muscle weakness in some cases of als. Is that true, as I guess to date I might perceive some weakness but no real evidence/example of clinical weakness. What I am definitely experiencing though is the stiffness and ache in muscles again more left hand side in the mornings when I wake and the thumb hand pain. Wish I had found out more from my mum, l know she had foot drop but she also never really wanted to talk or discuss als but that was her way.
Realise I will need to visit my doctor and have tests to be sure , but rightly or wrongly obviously fear the worst having seen what my mum went through. Just keen to hear if others can relate to my early symptoms. I know more about what happens latter down the line unfortunately so any reply greatly appreciated.
Nigel