Mel35
New member
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2016
- Messages
- 5
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 06/2016
- Country
- US
- State
- Nebraska
- City
- Omaha
Hello, I'm a 35 yr old female. My dad was diagnosed with ALS when he was 33 - and he passed away at 36. My dad had a cousin who also died of ALS, but I know nothing beyond that.
I've recently seen a neurologist, due to being referred to one by an Ortho doc, after some strange symptoms. I'm scared, and hope just for some feedback. It's difficult to type with my right hand already. I wouldn't be posting on here and be so concerned, except that I have two right-hand fingers that are curled and weak, and won't go straight unless I manually straighten them with my left hand.
Please read my timeline of symptoms - the newest symptoms from today seem to say "NOT ALS" - so maybe it is just a different MND/neuro problem?? any feedback is appreciated.
-------------------
Fall/Nov 2015 - Noticed weakness in hands, generalized, right hand definitely- difficult to open pill bottles. Suspected CTS due to being pregnant.
March 2 2016: Noticed weakness in my Right hand, more pronounced. (I am 1 week after having a baby). Watched in mirror while doing morning face routine, noticed R index finger curls inward, difficult to straighten. Pinpointed weakness to R index finger & thumb. Noticed right thumb bent sideways, wasn't like that before; thumb is almost stuck being bent. Difficult to straighten index, & especially thumb. Weakness with supporting baby's head, getting myself dressed, getting babys clothes & diapers done w/right hand, difficulty with turning keys, holding utensils, with writing. Have been using other fingers or left hand instead. There's been NO pain. No tingling or numbness. Wondering if it's still CTS.
April 13-16, 2016 Noticed fine tremors in right hand and all right fingers except middle finger.
April 15, 2016 . Saw orthopedic doctor. RO Cts. Was referred to neurologist.
April 18, 2016 Numbness/pain in RIGHT forearm. Numbness starts from where baby laying head, now today it is not going away and is more bothersome. Pain is intermittent- a 1 or 2 on pain scale.
April 26, 2016 Have noticed forearm numbness is not constant anymore, not so bothersome. It still comes on as dull-numbness when baby lays head on right arm. A new thing started - since April 24 have noticed muscle twitching in back of upper right arm (triceps). Twitching comes and goes during the day/night. it's annoying but not painful.
4/29/16 - neurologist appointment:
Neurologist wants me to get an MRI of head & neck. Scheduled for May 5. He doesn’t want an EMG at this time, he doesn’t think this is related to what an EMG would find – he said maybe later. (Of course the fine tremors in hand were not there anymore).
From Neuro exam: Positive /present Babinski sign. Confirmed there is weakness on right upper extremity, says right fingers are curling due to muscle/nerve issue. Probable Upper Motor Neuron Lesion at some point. he thinks I've been compensating for some damage from earlier in my life - I have hyperreflexia (have had it since childhood), & clonus. Says there is slight left upper extremity weakness.
5/3/16:
All above symptoms continue. Have continued to notice twitching in both upper arms. Today and last night noticed cramping/pain in BOTH hands and wrists. Almost like a BURNING sensation at times. Right arm is hurting up and down it - mostly feels like burning or cramping. Would rate it a 4 out of 10 at worst times though; it is tolerable. Feeling numbness in R forearm and R fingers. Today had a muscle cramp in right forearm - like a charley horse! Also had this happen a couple of days before by Neuro appt (happened approx 4/27/16). I can still hold my baby, but my discomfort is increasing.
Also concerning me, just today, is an intense, almost electrical pain, in my left buttock - near the middle of my butt, but on the Left side, near end of my tail bone. It happens sporadically all day, started about 11am, has increased in how much it happens as day goes on. I don't know if this is related to the other things.
Thank you for any feedback.
- Mel
I've recently seen a neurologist, due to being referred to one by an Ortho doc, after some strange symptoms. I'm scared, and hope just for some feedback. It's difficult to type with my right hand already. I wouldn't be posting on here and be so concerned, except that I have two right-hand fingers that are curled and weak, and won't go straight unless I manually straighten them with my left hand.
Please read my timeline of symptoms - the newest symptoms from today seem to say "NOT ALS" - so maybe it is just a different MND/neuro problem?? any feedback is appreciated.
-------------------
Fall/Nov 2015 - Noticed weakness in hands, generalized, right hand definitely- difficult to open pill bottles. Suspected CTS due to being pregnant.
March 2 2016: Noticed weakness in my Right hand, more pronounced. (I am 1 week after having a baby). Watched in mirror while doing morning face routine, noticed R index finger curls inward, difficult to straighten. Pinpointed weakness to R index finger & thumb. Noticed right thumb bent sideways, wasn't like that before; thumb is almost stuck being bent. Difficult to straighten index, & especially thumb. Weakness with supporting baby's head, getting myself dressed, getting babys clothes & diapers done w/right hand, difficulty with turning keys, holding utensils, with writing. Have been using other fingers or left hand instead. There's been NO pain. No tingling or numbness. Wondering if it's still CTS.
April 13-16, 2016 Noticed fine tremors in right hand and all right fingers except middle finger.
April 15, 2016 . Saw orthopedic doctor. RO Cts. Was referred to neurologist.
April 18, 2016 Numbness/pain in RIGHT forearm. Numbness starts from where baby laying head, now today it is not going away and is more bothersome. Pain is intermittent- a 1 or 2 on pain scale.
April 26, 2016 Have noticed forearm numbness is not constant anymore, not so bothersome. It still comes on as dull-numbness when baby lays head on right arm. A new thing started - since April 24 have noticed muscle twitching in back of upper right arm (triceps). Twitching comes and goes during the day/night. it's annoying but not painful.
4/29/16 - neurologist appointment:
Neurologist wants me to get an MRI of head & neck. Scheduled for May 5. He doesn’t want an EMG at this time, he doesn’t think this is related to what an EMG would find – he said maybe later. (Of course the fine tremors in hand were not there anymore).
From Neuro exam: Positive /present Babinski sign. Confirmed there is weakness on right upper extremity, says right fingers are curling due to muscle/nerve issue. Probable Upper Motor Neuron Lesion at some point. he thinks I've been compensating for some damage from earlier in my life - I have hyperreflexia (have had it since childhood), & clonus. Says there is slight left upper extremity weakness.
5/3/16:
All above symptoms continue. Have continued to notice twitching in both upper arms. Today and last night noticed cramping/pain in BOTH hands and wrists. Almost like a BURNING sensation at times. Right arm is hurting up and down it - mostly feels like burning or cramping. Would rate it a 4 out of 10 at worst times though; it is tolerable. Feeling numbness in R forearm and R fingers. Today had a muscle cramp in right forearm - like a charley horse! Also had this happen a couple of days before by Neuro appt (happened approx 4/27/16). I can still hold my baby, but my discomfort is increasing.
Also concerning me, just today, is an intense, almost electrical pain, in my left buttock - near the middle of my butt, but on the Left side, near end of my tail bone. It happens sporadically all day, started about 11am, has increased in how much it happens as day goes on. I don't know if this is related to the other things.
Thank you for any feedback.
- Mel