Mcole
New member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2020
- Messages
- 3
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Diagnosis
- 00/0000
- Country
- AU
- State
- NS
- City
- Newcastle
Hi,
I’m a 26 y.o. male hypochondriac, experiencing a range of symptoms which are giving me anxiety about this. First off, I know my age (and hypochondria) make it less likely that I have this disease but the range of symptoms has me worried. Unaware of any family history.
Fifteen months ago (I was 25), I started experiencing some nerve related symptoms in my left hand. My fourth finger would twitch for extended periods a few times a day (as though hitting a piano key) and at rest would have a slight side to side tremor. At the same time, I noticed having more difficulty eg in picking up a glass or playing a computer game with that hand. I had significant weakness when touching my ring finger to thumb to make an O. I had previously experienced isolated weakness in my left arm, particularly after swimming. The fourth finger twitch and tremor are both still apparent today although to a lesser extent.
If relevant, this onset of symptoms came 2-3 days after a fall playing soccer resulting in concussion and bruising all on the right side of my body (and anxiety / loss of sleep).
After approx. 2-3 weeks, these symptoms largely abated. However, they returned periodically and I’d have to say my sense is that they became more significant and more frequent.
Throughout last year I developed other recurring twitches - specifically mainly in the fourth left toe, left corner of mouth but also elsewhere (eg can remember experiencing muscle switching on / off every 2 seconds in my left quad just above the knee in January last year.
Today the weakness in my left arm has increased - still functional, but notice trembling and difficulty typing for extended periods, quick fatigue carrying a bag, rely mainly on my right hand when opening a bottle etc. Very rarely (2-3 times) have dropped keys / phone. Saw a GP in December who found no significant difference in arm / grip strength but believe that was (a) a time where the strength loss was less evident and (b) possibly a result of testing arm muscles which are still relatively normal. Noticeable weakness when trying to paddle a surfboard 2-3 weeks ago.
More recently (infrequently and then more noticeably over the past week) have experienced similar symptoms in right hand (fingers feel weak, twitch / tremor in ring finger).
About midway through last year, I noticed the fourth toe on my right foot felt asleep - felt like it was squashed up to the third toe although visually, responses to flexing toes seemed symmetrical with left foot. Initially went away after a day so wasn’t too worried. However in December this sensation returned, moving between both feet. Occasional stubbing of toes on ground when walking (although I do wear too-big shoes) and feeling of weakness in front of shins / ankles.
Now have tightness in calves and spasms semi regularly up back of legs. Ankles are quite tight. Slow walking speed sometimes and feels like an exertion going up stairs. Still functional (eg can play soccer but not well).
In about October I felt a sharp, sustained pang in the right of my neck and noticed right away my singing voice had changed (was singing in the car at the time). Since then, have experienced reduced volume in voice (people can’t hear me over music, or from long distances in same house) with hoarseness like my throat is clogged also evident and more frequent in past month. My voice seems higher and my lower singing range is often unreachable.
I’ve also experienced difficulty articulating words over past month. Had experienced this before but only when tired - more frequent now. About a week ago, noticed weakness / droop on one side of mouth / face for first time which worsened relatively quickly and spread to other side of mouth within days.
About two weeks ago, had sudden onset of relatively significant shortness of breath. Improved for a few days (as did my voice over that time) before returning last weekend. Slightly better now.
Should note that the past month or so has been a very stressful time (and my baseline stress / tiredness levels are usually already high) due to family illness / my own health anxieties.
For past year have experienced strong generalised tiredness and semi regular headaches, typically in afternoons / evenings.
Sorry if this got a bit long. Does this sound like it could be ALS? Very grateful for any advice anyone can offer.
I’ve seen a GP who has asked for a blood test and suggested possible MS ( without knowing the full extent of the above symptoms). Will be referred to neurologist if that test comes back clear.
I’m a 26 y.o. male hypochondriac, experiencing a range of symptoms which are giving me anxiety about this. First off, I know my age (and hypochondria) make it less likely that I have this disease but the range of symptoms has me worried. Unaware of any family history.
Fifteen months ago (I was 25), I started experiencing some nerve related symptoms in my left hand. My fourth finger would twitch for extended periods a few times a day (as though hitting a piano key) and at rest would have a slight side to side tremor. At the same time, I noticed having more difficulty eg in picking up a glass or playing a computer game with that hand. I had significant weakness when touching my ring finger to thumb to make an O. I had previously experienced isolated weakness in my left arm, particularly after swimming. The fourth finger twitch and tremor are both still apparent today although to a lesser extent.
If relevant, this onset of symptoms came 2-3 days after a fall playing soccer resulting in concussion and bruising all on the right side of my body (and anxiety / loss of sleep).
After approx. 2-3 weeks, these symptoms largely abated. However, they returned periodically and I’d have to say my sense is that they became more significant and more frequent.
Throughout last year I developed other recurring twitches - specifically mainly in the fourth left toe, left corner of mouth but also elsewhere (eg can remember experiencing muscle switching on / off every 2 seconds in my left quad just above the knee in January last year.
Today the weakness in my left arm has increased - still functional, but notice trembling and difficulty typing for extended periods, quick fatigue carrying a bag, rely mainly on my right hand when opening a bottle etc. Very rarely (2-3 times) have dropped keys / phone. Saw a GP in December who found no significant difference in arm / grip strength but believe that was (a) a time where the strength loss was less evident and (b) possibly a result of testing arm muscles which are still relatively normal. Noticeable weakness when trying to paddle a surfboard 2-3 weeks ago.
More recently (infrequently and then more noticeably over the past week) have experienced similar symptoms in right hand (fingers feel weak, twitch / tremor in ring finger).
About midway through last year, I noticed the fourth toe on my right foot felt asleep - felt like it was squashed up to the third toe although visually, responses to flexing toes seemed symmetrical with left foot. Initially went away after a day so wasn’t too worried. However in December this sensation returned, moving between both feet. Occasional stubbing of toes on ground when walking (although I do wear too-big shoes) and feeling of weakness in front of shins / ankles.
Now have tightness in calves and spasms semi regularly up back of legs. Ankles are quite tight. Slow walking speed sometimes and feels like an exertion going up stairs. Still functional (eg can play soccer but not well).
In about October I felt a sharp, sustained pang in the right of my neck and noticed right away my singing voice had changed (was singing in the car at the time). Since then, have experienced reduced volume in voice (people can’t hear me over music, or from long distances in same house) with hoarseness like my throat is clogged also evident and more frequent in past month. My voice seems higher and my lower singing range is often unreachable.
I’ve also experienced difficulty articulating words over past month. Had experienced this before but only when tired - more frequent now. About a week ago, noticed weakness / droop on one side of mouth / face for first time which worsened relatively quickly and spread to other side of mouth within days.
About two weeks ago, had sudden onset of relatively significant shortness of breath. Improved for a few days (as did my voice over that time) before returning last weekend. Slightly better now.
Should note that the past month or so has been a very stressful time (and my baseline stress / tiredness levels are usually already high) due to family illness / my own health anxieties.
For past year have experienced strong generalised tiredness and semi regular headaches, typically in afternoons / evenings.
Sorry if this got a bit long. Does this sound like it could be ALS? Very grateful for any advice anyone can offer.
I’ve seen a GP who has asked for a blood test and suggested possible MS ( without knowing the full extent of the above symptoms). Will be referred to neurologist if that test comes back clear.
