ALS diagnosis 12/21/22 wasn't a surprise.

[SteveO]

Greetings all,
After years of symptoms the elusive smoking gun. Dx in December at Anschutz Neurology center in Denver, CO.
Limb onset Lt hand 4/2019 arm followed, Rt hand 5/21 arm is moveable but little function, speech issues 10/22 new PCP and many tests, MRI'S here I am, I'm thankful for all of the informative, compassionate posts.
I look forward to more interaction as continue on this journey.

 

[Nikki J]

Welcome. Sorry you have to be here.

sorry too for such a long diagnostic journey. It is supposed to correlate with a slow progression so hope that is true for you

 

[SteveO]

Thank you, Nikki.
Thats why they call it practicing medicine, I guess. 2 ulnar releases, two carpel tunnel releases and a 3-level cervical fusion.
But hey no nerve compressions, got to be thankful for that.

 

[lgelb]

Welcome, Steve, while sorry you are here. Let us know how we can help.

Best,
Laurie

 

[Mary2]

Welcome to the Forum Steve. I have found a lot of information and good emotional support on this Forum.
Unfortunately, it was not much of a surprise when my husband got his diagnosis either. I texted my son the night before we went to Emory and told him, I thought it could be ALS. My husband had a laminectomy which I really don't know if it was ever needed. Then he was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy for a couple of years and had immunoglobulin treatments. Please don't hesitate to share any feelings or ask any questions.

 

[MupstateNY]

Sorry to meet you here, SteveO. I hope the forum is as helpful for you as it is for me. Sorry to hear about the weakness, etc.

I had R ulnar release in late August and my elbow still hurts multiple times a day. What's your experience been?

 

[Tomswife]

Thinking of you Steve. This is a knowledgeable and caring group to journey with.

 

[affected]

Welcome Steve, you will find great support here.

 

[SteveO]

Mupstate,
I had the Lt ulnar release and also Guyon canal release in one shot, never had pain really,
I also had Rt ulnar release and carpel tunnel release with a tendon transfer for thumb extension in one shot, other than localized swelling I was pain free in 10 days.

 

[MupstateNY]

That's great to hear. I don't really understand why I still get elbow pain from August surgery.

 

[SteveO]

It may be that the procedure I had where the funny bone is removed, Medial Epicondylectomy more thoroughly decompresses the nerve.
Sorry your still having pain, I also used a tens unit as needed.

 

[MupstateNY]

Oh, where do you place the thingies? I used to use TENS for back pain but then decided it wasn't really helping so discontinued.

 

[SteveO]

My unit has 4 pads I used 2 on my upper arm and 2 on my lower in an X fashion. Mainly helped blood flow/inflamation
But the dull ache was also eliminated for a few hours.