Bulbar ALS -22 yr old

[Blizna]

Hello,
Im 22 year old male from Czech republic. I was always anxious about my health (too much as doctors say).
A 3 months ago I got tremor - my muscles shake a bit. It was during an exams on the university.
I read about Wilson disease and got panic attack. It was terrible. Some time later I got muscle twitches - everywhere on my body. Just 2-3 fires. Its better now, I got only few twitches per day.
I saw 3 neuros - all told me its from my mind and I got antidepressives and Rivotril (Klonopin). No EMG - they just test my reflexes and so and told me all is OK.
But a few days I was stupidly researching if Im able to clench my teeth symetrically. From this my chewing muscles got tired very quick. I dont know if its weakness-I just had to wait a few seconds and its OK.
Few days ago I also noticed my swallowing is worse - I feel ĺike I have to swallow twice to complete it. I knew that this is ALS symptom and my mind is really strong (if I was affraid of MS- I feel pins and needles in my hands for hours), but Im scared to death of ALS. My anxiety is killing me. I would be very thankful for any comments of people who know this nasty disease...

You all are brave, very brave people, I envy you and wish you the best!

 

[brooksea]

Blizna,

the symptoms of ALS do not go away or get better. The symptoms may get worse for a couple of days upon exertion and return to the way they were before exertion.

Were the neuros you saw ALS specialists?

I think perhaps you may need to seek counseling to control your anxiety. JMHO

 

[CindyM]

Hi. It is very easy to feed one's anxiety when surfing the net. If your docs are not concerned then this is lucky!:-D You are blessed. Did they offer somehting for anxiety? Do you have any hobbies or friends who can help you keep your mind occupied? Good luck and I wish you well. Cindy

 

[Blizna]

I know, I too know that the chance I have bulbar ALS in 22 years is almost nothing..but Im still scared to death.
No, they werent ALS specialist. The one said he had seen many people with ALS and I dont have it- he couldnt find any trouble, even no twitching because now it occurs only a few times per day. He said twitching is due to anxiety - I had many worries this time, probably had chronical anxiety.
I also almost never had twitching in my face..everywhere but on the face it was only 3-4 times during these 2-3 months. No weakness, just quick tired (excerise intolerance probably -BFS? Hoping...)
I have Klonopin for anxiety but Im not taking it anymore -too addictive and it wont help later. It helped me through my first panics of ALS.
Still hope its all my silly mind (in 13 I was convienced I had tumors) and oh yes, I have ANXIETY-CAUSED breath unsufficience since I was 14.