ThatGuy
New member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2010
- Messages
- 2
- Reason
- Learn about ALS
- Country
- US
- State
- IL
- City
- Downers Grove
Hey all, pleasure to meet you and hopefully you will be able to help me out with some guidance on what to do next. Ugh, where to start...
It was Summer 2008, was going to college and one night I happen to notice my arm shaking. Since then I've had an array of symptoms that annoy me but one that has stayed consistent is facialations. This thing first began in my calfs, now they happen everywhere. They will always turn up though right before I fall asleep at night. My tongue, lips, face, legs, arms anywhere.
I've also have had trouble swallowing during this time at night as well. Unlike the facialations though, this seems to have subsided on and off every few months. At night recently it seems to have returned, as I try to fall to sleep I feel like someone is trying to choke me. Sometimes needing to gasp for right when I'm about to fall asleep.
My balance is off. In my opinion it seems that my foot and calf have lost shape causing me to walk funny. Wearing shoes makes walking so much easier!
I find my speech to be slurred at time especially at night, pronouncing some letters with my tongue gets a little tough.
So here's my problem, if you were to see me on the street, you would think that I would be a pretty healthy looking guy. Sure you may think my speech is off sometimes, but otherwise I look like a healthy 22 year old.
Around a year ago, I could only afford an EMG (or ECG?) I forget the name, at the time though, I would say the symptoms were a little less active then they were now. Nevertheless, I passed fine.
During the last two years, I also have reoccurring instances with flashing lights while my eyes are closed as I try to fall asleep. So yea, I've been around enough doctors to know that this symptom isn't typical of ALS. It's actually the only thing that keeps me from completely losing it thinking I have ALS honestly!
So here are my questions,
So I've dealt with these symptoms for slightly more than two years now. IF I was dealing with ALS would I already have lost complete strength in a limb or something. I always pass the docs strength tests. They would have me squeeze their fingers and push my legs towards them. It would be nice to know how long ALS actually takes to take a major hold of one's life once symptoms start.
Another question I have is that my left foot and calf seem to have shrunk. But strength, wise I don't seem to have any problems. I recently took up swimming. My balance still is off though, and I blame it on my foot.
What do you guys think? Sounds like ALS? Maybe MS? Any response would be great, typing this has helped after having these problems build up for two years! Thanks!
It was Summer 2008, was going to college and one night I happen to notice my arm shaking. Since then I've had an array of symptoms that annoy me but one that has stayed consistent is facialations. This thing first began in my calfs, now they happen everywhere. They will always turn up though right before I fall asleep at night. My tongue, lips, face, legs, arms anywhere.
I've also have had trouble swallowing during this time at night as well. Unlike the facialations though, this seems to have subsided on and off every few months. At night recently it seems to have returned, as I try to fall to sleep I feel like someone is trying to choke me. Sometimes needing to gasp for right when I'm about to fall asleep.
My balance is off. In my opinion it seems that my foot and calf have lost shape causing me to walk funny. Wearing shoes makes walking so much easier!
I find my speech to be slurred at time especially at night, pronouncing some letters with my tongue gets a little tough.
So here's my problem, if you were to see me on the street, you would think that I would be a pretty healthy looking guy. Sure you may think my speech is off sometimes, but otherwise I look like a healthy 22 year old.
Around a year ago, I could only afford an EMG (or ECG?) I forget the name, at the time though, I would say the symptoms were a little less active then they were now. Nevertheless, I passed fine.
During the last two years, I also have reoccurring instances with flashing lights while my eyes are closed as I try to fall asleep. So yea, I've been around enough doctors to know that this symptom isn't typical of ALS. It's actually the only thing that keeps me from completely losing it thinking I have ALS honestly!
So here are my questions,
So I've dealt with these symptoms for slightly more than two years now. IF I was dealing with ALS would I already have lost complete strength in a limb or something. I always pass the docs strength tests. They would have me squeeze their fingers and push my legs towards them. It would be nice to know how long ALS actually takes to take a major hold of one's life once symptoms start.
Another question I have is that my left foot and calf seem to have shrunk. But strength, wise I don't seem to have any problems. I recently took up swimming. My balance still is off though, and I blame it on my foot.
What do you guys think? Sounds like ALS? Maybe MS? Any response would be great, typing this has helped after having these problems build up for two years! Thanks!