Is this a sign of ALS? So anxious I can’t sleep, eat or concentrate on anything else

Status
Not open for further replies.

AnxiousWorrier7

New member
Joined
May 17, 2022
Messages
9
Reason
Learn about ALS
Diagnosis
00/0000
Country
UK
I’m almost 34 and female.
For the last 3/4 weeks I’ve had muscle twitching that started on my right knee, then by the next few days I was noticing it mainly in my calf’s, thighs, legs in general with the occasional twitch in my neck, lower lip and eyelid, arm even tummy and buttocks!
I’ve not had anything like this before where it’s been noticeable daily, I’ve had the odd eyelid twitch now and again but nothing like this.
I did some googling and am now terrified it’s the start of ALS, I have bad health anxiety that I am making my first step towards dealing with and getting help with next week.
I have spent the last 4 days frantically googling, and reading all different things about the first signs of ALS, the statistics of getting it with age and gender etc. I’ve seen the famous athletes and young cricket players rugby players that have had it so it’s fuelled my fear that it’s not just older people that get it.
I can’t eat, sleep or concentrate on anything.
I have had bloods done yesterday but Go didn’t seem worried about the twitching.
I did have covid in April and the twitching came on about 4 weeks afterwards.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m looking for things and being paranoid but my left pinky finger feels a bit sore around the knuckle and stiff.
Is twitching all over a sign of ALS? I’m terrified and it’s consuming my every day life.
Thank you so much for your time 😊
 
Twitching alone means nothing. You don't have to worry about ALS. Please stay away from Google or forums like this, it fuels your health anxiety as you well know. I'm happy you're taking steps towards dealing with it. That's worth your time and effort.
 
Please, I sincerely ask you ensure you follow through with getting help with your health anxiety and not just talk about getting help. Further, please do not troll forums like this one, seeking the terminally ill to help you. You know deep down you do not have ALS, as symptoms don't come on in 3 weeks, but the mind is a powerful thing that can cloud your good judgment. Lastly, having covid has caused many, many, many twitches to come to this site fearing ALS. Of course, none have had it.

Again, please don't say the words about getting help for your health anxiety, actually do it. You'll go much further in helping yourself that way.

Best of luck to you and take good care.
 
Last edited:
I'm sorry you're going through anxiety. You should definitely follow up with your primary care and tell her/him about your worries. The twitches could be a post-Covid issue. Meanwhile, try not to Google. It will just make your anxiety worse. Let your doctor help you.
 
The advice to continue working with your physicians and to stay away from Google is so very accurate. Remember that this forum or other social media platforms dedicated to MND (or for that matter any disease) are intended for information sharing and connecting with others experiencing the same disease. It should never be used as a diagnostic weather vane.

There is certainly a wealth of information here but it is very important to understand that, to the best of my knowledge, there are no practicing or retired neurologists specializing in neuromuscular diseases that are members on this site. Further complicating matters is the vast heterogeneity of MND with different symptoms, onset, test results, etc. The Read Before Posting” notes were never intended to describe these hundreds of different variations.

It is often tempting for me or other members—whether someone like me suffering from the disease or current or former caregivers that went through or are currently providing care to loved ones—to give our opinions on what might or might not be going on. At the heart of it, though is that we are basing our opinions on limited personal experience, no matter how much that experience may have involved tons of personaI research, knowledge gained from this and other forums, and comments or opinions from one or (usually) more neurologists.

Personally I had a very atypical presentation and currently have a slow progression, and as a result I am not in any way qualified to say to someone that you definitely do or don’t have to worry.

So circling back to the main point, don’t let strangers on the internet diagnose you. Listen to your PCP, and if deemed necessary, a neuro-muscular specialist. And believe them. If you don’t, find a physician you do trust. All the best, Kevin
 
Last edited:
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply I truly appreciate it and I wish everyone the very best.
I am attending my first day health anxiety week on on Monday.
The mind is indeed a powerful thing.
Can I just ask one last question?
Today I’ve felt a lot of tightness in my neck, around the back and like the muscles at the front of my throat under my chin feels tight. Is this still nothing to be concerned about alongside the twitching? I am aware this may be my anxiety but obviously I’m anxious to know if this is a sign of ALS around the throat area.
Thank you 😊
 
No, not an ALS symptom that I have ever heard of. Please, as strongly suggested, continue working with your doc as you will net better info through him/her. The wonderful new is, there is not a reason for you to be hanging around this site as it may be further exacerbating your anxiety, rather than quelling it.

Best of luck to you in your journey as you move forward in life. Take good care.
 
Sounds like a good time to start an exercise regimen or take a long nature walk and work out some of those kinks. Surfing Google for hours and obsessing is almost a guarantee of getting tight.

Many people here cannot take that walk, so take full advantage, and as others have said, it is in your power to get help with the fears and not let them rule your life.

Best,
Laurie
 
Each time you get really anxious about this again, I can suggest you read this, and nothing else online. Don't google, just read this and then talk to your doctor about any concerns. I wish you the best.
 
Thank you for everyone’s replies, I know I need to speak with someone About my health anxiety.
I just wondered if someone could clarify something for me please and then I won’t bother anyone anymore,
I read somewhere about testing reflexes so stupidly I decided to test my below the knee reflex to put my mind at rest or so I thought. When I did it it was quite a quick and brisk reaction not like kicking my leg right up straight but just a pronounced flick up and then down again. Is this something that I need to be concerned about? Or can you have strong reflexes normally? To be honest I’ve not ever tried it before so no idea what it’s normally like.
Thank you x
 
First brisk brisk reflexes are common and non worrisome. Also anxiety can make them brisker. But secondly and most important YOU CAN NOT TEST YOUR OWN REFLEXES. No one can. Not even the best neurologist in the world. The fact that you are trying is testament to your anxiety. I am taking you at your word and closing this thread. Do not start another. I suggest you block this site and the other MnD sites and groups you frequent. Good luck
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top