JW119
New member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2021
- Messages
- 5
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 02/2022
- Country
- US
- State
- MN
- City
- Circle Pines
I started having a muscle spasm/ cramping in my left hand in Sept. of 2020 after riding my motorcycle for three long days. I didn't let it concern me at all. Fast forward to the summer of 2021, I was having lots of medical issues with knee replacements. I was holding my iPad and both hands started to spasm/cramp. I started having swallowing issues and lots of phlegm in my throat. I also notice my voice changing. I believed it was because I was intubated twice for two surgeries May and July. I couldn't sing in church and swallowing issues and choking became a bit more frequent.
I saw a ENT in November, she recommended a swallow study or a referral to a neurologist. My wife who is an RN, Kidney Transplant Coordinator thought I should see a neurologist. Appointment was scheduled, exam was thorough. He recommended an EMG, I couldn't get that done until January, 19. He performed it one my right leg and both arms, he did stick a needle under my chin for my tongue. On 02/10/2022 we saw the doctor at Noran Neurology in MN. He stated that EMG's showed signs of ALS. He referred me to the University of MN, ALS Center for a 2nd opinion. My appointment is on Jan. 17. I'll be having a pulmonary test right away and spend time with the doctor.
Prior to to getting my results, I had an upper endoscopy, they dilated my esophagus and that improved swallowing. I also had a swallow study and that went well.
Yesterday, I went out running errands and great in the morning but when I got home I was exhausted. I've been noticing more tightness in my forearms and more spasms/cramping in my hands.
I apologized for rambling and not being extremely thorough. My wife and I scheduled to leave for Mesa, AZ on Friday the day after my appointed. We are prepared to wait a day, if I need to wait for medications, giving the outcome of my appoitment.
I saw a ENT in November, she recommended a swallow study or a referral to a neurologist. My wife who is an RN, Kidney Transplant Coordinator thought I should see a neurologist. Appointment was scheduled, exam was thorough. He recommended an EMG, I couldn't get that done until January, 19. He performed it one my right leg and both arms, he did stick a needle under my chin for my tongue. On 02/10/2022 we saw the doctor at Noran Neurology in MN. He stated that EMG's showed signs of ALS. He referred me to the University of MN, ALS Center for a 2nd opinion. My appointment is on Jan. 17. I'll be having a pulmonary test right away and spend time with the doctor.
Prior to to getting my results, I had an upper endoscopy, they dilated my esophagus and that improved swallowing. I also had a swallow study and that went well.
Yesterday, I went out running errands and great in the morning but when I got home I was exhausted. I've been noticing more tightness in my forearms and more spasms/cramping in my hands.
I apologized for rambling and not being extremely thorough. My wife and I scheduled to leave for Mesa, AZ on Friday the day after my appointed. We are prepared to wait a day, if I need to wait for medications, giving the outcome of my appoitment.