Are my worries grounded? Bulbar ALS

[Pierre1234]

Dear Forum.
First of all. Having been reading trough a lot of these threads, I must say this is one of the most kind and helpful forums I have ever been on.

I need your help on my situation. Normally I consider myself pretty rational, but this time my worries have got the best of me.

I would really appreciate your opinions.

4-5 weeks ago I started noticing that when eating it was kind of hard to get the last few bites down. Feeling that the last bites are taking ektra effort to swollow.

I think that this has become worse over the last few weeks. Eating dryer foods like bread I need to drink water to get it down.

I have the feeling that my swallow is weaker than usual, Also my mount feels dryer.
Normally I can eat anything without must though.

I have no other symptoms, other than my tongue feeling a little weaker also.

But no fasciculations anywhere.

But no symptoms from the rest of my body.

The Internet is good and bad at the same time.

Good because of forums like this.
Bad because of the info on symptoms you find there. They can make a grown man scared like ….

Dysphagia and Bulbar ALS comes up when searching.

I have made an appointment with my doctor in a few days.

Can any of you relate to my situation or give me your opinion on it I should spend more time worrying.

Much appreciated

Btw. I’m a male 42y of age

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hi there-

Please make sure to read here: Read Before Posting. There are many many reasons for feeling like you're having a tough time swallowing. The link given provides a partial list of various conditions that bring people searching for answers and reassurance to this forum.

An examination is absolutely the first thing to do, as this will guide the doctor on what direction to look. It's not clear what your trouble might be, as what you report is a feeling of struggling with various steps of eating/swallowing, but it is not clear if you have clinical weakness. This could be anything- from a dry mouth, allergies, post viral issues, etc. This is why the doctor's exam is the most important step.

Please consider stopping online searches for symptoms til you can see your doctor. Unfortunately looking for reassurance can sometimes bring about more anxiety, as Dr Google serves up worst case scenarios unnecessarily.

 

[lgelb]

A dry mouth is common in seasons of changing weather and tree pollen, to name two features of March.

As well, sometimes your breathing in sleep makes your mouth drier. It can help to hydrate before bed and drink juice before and as you eat.

I would see a doctor, nurse or PA who can help assess whether there is really anything unusual about your swallowing, but also know that even if there is, ALS is very down on the list of possible causes.

 

[Pierre1234]

Thanks both of you.

I feel I need to share the end of this chapter with all of you seeking explanations on symtoms.

It has been a big lesson for me, and maybe some of you can benefit from my story.

I have had just under a week of very dark thoughts.

In the seek of an explanation I have trolled this forum and others in search of relief and hope that my feelings and symptoms was not related to this horrible illness ALS.

What I thought would be helpful for me, was in fact taking me down a very very dark path. Thoughts of my death, thought of how my family would manage etc. Very dark places.

To all of you seeking answers. You are very lucky that all these beautiful people who really have a purpose here on this forum are helpful and caring.

But as they say over and over. Stop overthinking. Get the correct help, and take it from there.

For the ones like us, that are hoping to find the correct answer will never be satisfied with the answers here. We search on, cause maybe there really is the more simular symptoms that fit ours.

But as I found out, it consumed me. Ate me.

So what happened to me?

This morning (Monday) I called my doctor. I told him I was under a big pressure, I needed to find an answer now.

I told him, that I wanted a scheduled EMG. I have one a week from now.

But also he told to get an appointment with a nose-ear-neck specialist first.

Called him and he had a cancellation today. Thank you…

I arrived and told him to please take a look at me.
He put this thing in my nose that goes down to the throat. And bingo. Red and a bit of inflammation. Is that it. Chewing problem, swollow problem etc.
Yes, that and the rest in my head.
Crazy. Just arrived home. I feel normal and relieved and alive. And just ate a good meal without any problems.

Oh boy……….

And the EMG next week?

I don’t think so. What answer do I search then.
Ok, if the situation changes. Otherwise hell no.

This has been a crazy journey. I’m mad at myself that I couldn’t just take one step at the time.

Please listen to what I’m saying symptomsearchers.

I know that some of you are here for the real reason. Bless you.

Everyone else. Try to take it easy. Talk to your doctor before going hunting here for your answers.

Hopefully this was the last post from me here.

To all of you living with ALS and to you who have lost loved ones. How brave you are. You are truly heroes.

Love

 

[Nikki J]

Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a long and healthy life

 

[Pierre1234]

Forgot to say. The nose-ear-neck specialist laughed at me when I told him about my assumptions and fear.
That just showed me even more how far my mind had taken me.
Crazy