Oconnokm, I'm going to jump in and I hope that Nikki does not mind. I'm also going to be very blunt about something--ALS is a one-way ticket without a cure. Period. The only questions is how long the journey will last. In my humble opinion, some people continue to be positive throughout the journey because they have accepted the outcome and have decided, with effort and intention, that they are not going to waste the time they have left.. I've learned a lot by watching my husband and others find their way to acceptance--even without an incurable disease I now try to live my life as they did and do. Each day is a gift and tomorrow is not promised.
I have neuropathy. I stumble, I trip, I fall way too often. I must appear drunk to people who see me get out of a chair too quickly. I drop things (it's in my hands and feet). No doctor has been able to determine why I have it, so I live with it.
I understand that your symptoms are much worse than mine, but you need to rejoice that you do not have ALS. Whatever your diagnosis ends up being, TODAY you have hope. With ALS, the only hope is that you can remain positive and embrace life as long as it lasts.
Please focus on finding out what is going on in your body and stop focusing on ALS. Continue to prepare your son--because you could be struck by a car any day. Get your affairs in order--again, you could be struck by a car any day. Do those things even if tomorrow all of your symptoms disappear. Get help with your anxiety while you get to the bottom of this.
Also, please direct your questions to your doctor and neurologist rather than asking here. You've received a lot of great advice and information, now it's time to turn your attention to finding out what IS wrong, and this is not the place to do that. I wish you luck and peace, and hope you find your answers soon.