Any insight would be great

[Mama123]

Hi,

I am 32 years old having some symptoms hoping to get some insight. I posted in the FALS once just asking about my chances but since my grandma (died at 42 of ALS) is the only *known* family member who had ALS it wouldn’t be considered familial.

I can’t say I’m having true hand/arm weakness because I can still lift my arms up but I guess I could say they feel extremely fatigued? Is this how typical muscle weakness starts? I started noticing it a few weeks ago. Simple things like buttoning is just harder to do but I can still do it. It’s as if my pincer grasp is the issue? If I’m grounding meat my hand starts get tired really quick & cramps up. Holding my 11 month old is also just difficult. Coloring with my other kids is difficult as well. (Again hand gets tired very fast and cramps up)

So far my Sedimentation rate (16mm), CK (67) & C reactive protein (0.2mg) are normal.
My head & neck CT also normal. Other labs (CBC, etc. normal as well)

Waiting to get MRI, & EMG. Neuro wait is just forever. Won’t be seen till august.

Does this sound like the start of ALS or does it point away? Only other family history is my half sister has MS but I read it wasn’t genetic.

Thanks for reading!

 

[lgelb]

No, in ALS, typically the bottom line is failure to be able to do something that was easy before, not a gradual feeling that it's getting harder. Is this one or both hands we are talking about?

Many times muscles that you are overusing or have torqued in some way like from lifting kids, start rebelling by cramping up.

 

[Mama123]

Okay makes sense. It’s my right hand (which is my dominant) not sure if that makes a difference. Right thumb also has been twitching. They did an X-ray also was normal.

 

[lgelb]

Your dominant hand certainly gets a lot of use. While you are awaiting the neuro appointment, why not ask your PCP to refer you for a PT evaluation? That will provide more context (and possibly some relief) before your appointment.