Cleared of bulbar?

[brewsury]

Hello everyone,

I have lurked here for a couple months now, and taking the advice of many people here, I did not go to my doctor saying "Do I have ALS?"

I presented my symptoms, and he did an EMG looking for something completely unrelated to ALS. Before I continue I will admit that like many others here, I have severe health anxiety and I am currently seeing a psychologist as well as starting a zoloft prescription.

With that said, as soon as I got the EMG done I started feeling like I was slurring my words (this feeling has stayed), as well as the feeling of not being able to get food all the way down my throat sometimes, which takes two swallows (I am going to chalk this up to anxiety since it comes and goes).

I've attached pictures of my full EMG report and was hoping that somebody more knowledgeable than I can tell me whether or not that would detect any bulbar issues. I really don't want to take time away from my neurologist seeing other patients if I don't have to.

The symptoms that are worrying me are my slurred speech, which it seems only I can tell. Would others be able to tell if it were truly slurred?

Also, I seem to keep biting the tip of my tongue.

I really don't know how it would present so I am hoping that the EMG was enough to cover bulbar issues too.

Thank you and God bless you all,

James

 

[lgelb]

Yes, if your speech were slurred, others would hear. Ever been in a bar at last call? Close your eyes and I'll bet you could tell who had what.

Yes, this EMG would show some abnormalities in the 4 limbs that were tested, if you had bulbar motor neuron dysfunction that was leading to slurring, swallowing and biting issues.

Anxiety can cause dry mouth, which can make speech and swallowing more "stiff" and lead to tongue biting as well. Meds can cause dryness as well. Fatigue is also a common cause for slurring.

As we often say, if you live your life as if you're well, perhaps taking the time to lend support to those less fortunate for a little perspective, quite often you are able to transcend the anxiety and take fuller advantage of the abilities that many here would give a great deal to have.

Best,
Laurie

 

[brewsury]

Thank you so much Laurie, that is very reassuring.

Once I get over this anxiety about ALS I intend to volunteer at my university's ALS clinic. Just seeing the impact this forum has on people has been so inspiring , I hope I'll be able to make a difference to people in my local area soon.

God bless all of you reading this

 

[Clearwater AL]

Brewsury, (James) the only person who could properly interpret EMG read outs is your Neurologist or an ALS Specialist. I know Neurologists read this Forum in their off time but... What if a member said, "I have looked over your EMG read outs and it is my determination you have Bulbar ALS"... ?

Follow up with your Neuro, give consideration to what Laurie posted above.

I hope you get over "this anxiety" soon too. Wishing the best.

PS I forgot... you wrote,

("I really don't want to take time away from my neurologist seeing other patients if I don't have to.")

Hey... those other patients aren't paying your bill! I'm sure you weren't billed $19.95 for your office visit and EMG!

 

[brewsury]

Do you think its worth it Clearwater Al?
I would almost feel silly doing so because I only started feeling this way IMMEDIATELY after I got done with the EMG and realized he might not have checked any bulbar areas. Nobody else hears a problem with my speech, and I AM able to go back and say whatever I think I messed up correctly.

I am really afraid that it is something real, but Laurie kind of said the same thing people in real life told me. If I was slurring, one of the people I've made sit down and listen for it would have noticed.

I haven't read a lot of stories, but could bulbar present in a way such that only I notice it? I did bring this issue up with my primary care doctor and this was during the same session that he prescribed me zoloft, so I guess he didn't think it was too serious.

I'm sorry this is kind of a long reply and I feel like I am almost being defensive its just that I don't want to spend money where it doesn't need to be spent (insurance doesn't cover the neuro I'm going to ;() and too much more energy on this if I don't need to.

You seem to always tell people to follow up with neuro (which is good advice no doubt) but I really want to avoid it unless someone in this community, that has some experience with the disease, is at all suspicious of how I'm presenting.

But thank you nonetheless and if the problem doesn't subside I'll definitely consider going back to the neuro again.

 

[brewsury]

And to answer your question, if someone said that I would most certainly make a follow up with my neuro to get it cleared up, since that response would mean somebody here is suspicious of it

 

[Clearwater AL]

Ok, being that you saw a Neurologist and that appointment led to an EMG and your file is probably still open... I should have suggested you just call him/her on the phone or Email him/her with the concerns you posted.

Maybe one of the members here 'can' read (diagnose) your EMG reports... I think that's why you posted them. Stay tuned... you never know.

Take care...

 

[brewsury]

I'll throw in that he did the emg looking for.. well I dont know exactly what. It was a response to a blood test that came back, which we concluded was probably off due to an injury.

When I went in with widespread muscle twitching, he did a full clinical and nothing was wrong. Reflexes and strength everywhere all perfect.

 

[Nikki J]

Closed for multi id