Could this be als? And crazy wait times in Canada for a neurologist and emg?

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Taylor byers4

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Jul 19, 2021
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Learn about ALS
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00/0000
Country
CA
State
ON
City
Brockville
Could this be als?

I have constant twitching in my thighs, calf and foot on both legs, flexing my thighs makes my muscles Go crazy and the twitching gets worse, Almost like a jitter. Both of my legs feel weak and I have to look down when walking or I’ll trip ( maybe that’s anxiety) my fingers also feel very crampy and stiff and I tend to drop things when I never did before. I went to the doctors numerous times and they don’t know what it could be, my reflexes in my legs and arms were all normal. I asked to be referred to a neurologist ( have to in canada) and he told me it’s over a 2 year wait to see one and get an emg. I found that ridiculous as I want to get one and ease my mind about what’s going on. Does this sound like als and any suggestions about getting an emg done in Canada quicker ? Thanks everyone!
 
Please read this. Important - READ BEFORE POSTING! Answers to common concerns about possible symptoms

as you can see twitches mean nothing. Feeling weak is the opposite of ALS PALS are weak ( detected by doctor on exam) and feel fine. You are complaining of symptoms in all extremities yet apparently have normal exams. Limb als starts in one extremity stays there for a bit doing considerable and clinically noticeable damage by the time it spreads to another extremity.

2 years does not sound like the experiences reported here and if there is concern by the examining referring clinician I have seen people report fairly swift action. Perhaps one of the Canadian members will comment more.
 
Thank you for the comment back so quickly it’s def reassuring and eases my mind a bit. I have read all forum post that their first symptom was twitching and then followed closely my clinical weakness so it seems diagnosis is different for everyone? I would love for a Canadian member to have input on this crazy wait time for a neurologist and emg to be done. That seems crazy for someone to start having symptoms of als and by the time they see a specialist they would be well into the disease by that point. Maybe I should go to another doctor? It’s hard to get a new one in Canada. My weakness in my legs stem mostly in my knees and I can feel it when I’m walking, would als start in the knees and maybe my other muscle are compensating so I haven’t fallen yet? Sorry again for all the questions. I appreciate all members on here to take the time and to answer these posts. Thanks again
 
Specialist referral is based on urgency. What you basically asked for was a referral to a specialist where a doctor did not see a need for a neurological assessment, so you would be at the bottom of the list. If you show neurological signs, the referral would be expedited.

I was referred and received an appointment within weeks when I was going through diagnosis.
 
I doubt that you found “all the forum posts” by diagnosed people saying twitching preceded weakness. That is an extremely rare occurrence and most of those people were noted to have weakness on their first clinical exam. I have heard ALS specialists say frequently their patients present with weakness and no complaints of twitching even when the neuro sees it. For the record all my family members had weakness first.
 
When my husband presented to a doctor with the inability to raise his foot or go back on his heels, after all his blood work and his MRI was done, it took him two weeks to get in to see a neurologist.

In fact, when my husband was talking to the doctor who was reading his MRI, he peaked at his requisition form and noticed that the doc had scrawled on top of his notes "suspect ALS", thus the expedited appointment with a neuromuscular specialist.

My husband reported no twitching whatsoever when he started looking to see why his foot no longer worked.
 
Hey there I have a newer symptom and was wondering if this could be drop foot, whenever I’m walking my right foot ( where my knee weakness feeling began) tends to “slap” down and make a noise compared to my left foot. I can hear the difference when walking in a grocery store. I also notice my heel tends to drag or hit on this foot as well when I’m walking. Is this the start of drop foot? I have read about slap foot. My twitches have gotten worse as well in my legs. Just wanted your insight and if I should go back to the doctors. Thanks again everyone!
 
It's important to keep speaking with your doctor and make an appointment where they can examine you and assess what you are reporting. While your personal fears and focus are on ALS, there are many reasons (read here) that can cause issues. The people here are unable to help you much other than to recommend you show your doctor what you are experiencing.
 
Always go back to your doctor if you have any concerns.
 
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