Is this ALS

[TLAC]

Hi. I'm a 45 yr old female. I have been suffering with weakness since 2014. It's now gone into my legs. I have to sit often and if I do walk to much I'm in so much pain the next day. I'm having breathing problems, and problems clearing the phlegm from my throat. It feels like it's stuck in my nasal. I also have trouble swallowing, it feels like it wants to go into my nose. My neck, stomach, and back muscles are weak. I have pain at times. I feel very off balance. I have no idea what's going on, but it's getting worse. My doctors don't have any diagnose. I'm waiting to go to Emory in a week.

 

[TLAC]

I forgot to add I have had muscle fasilations In several parts of the body.

 

[Nikki J]

Your description is a little vague. Pain and generalized symptoms sounds like something else as far as I can tell.but hard to know Emory is a good place to get things sorted out. Please read carefully the sticky by lgelb on how to prepare for your appointment. Are you being seen by the neuromuscular doctors?

 

[TLAC]

Yes going to see the Nuromuscular specialist. I can't run anymore or do any of the physical things I did. it's hard to do the daily things. I feel as if my legs could just stop working at anytime.

 

[Nikki J]

You will be in good hands. Hope they find another answer. As I said read Laurie's sticky. You want to get the absolute most you can out of the appointment and preparing does help

Good luck and let us know what happens

 

[TLAC]

Thanks Nikki! Does it sound like ALS to you? My regular doctors are baffled, and have tested me for everything under the sun.

 

[Nikki J]

I can't tell what does you clinical exam show. Have you had an EMG? Pfts? Swallow test?

 

[TLAC]

I have had an EMG the doctor said he didn't see anything neurological, but that was in June before this really hit me. My strength tests were ok. I don't know what a PFT is?

 

[Nikki J]

Pulmonary function tests. You said you had breathing problems. If your exam showed no clinical weakness and your EMG was normal after having symptoms since last year it sounds like it is not going to be ALS. Good luck at Emory

 

[Atsugi]

TLAC, if you've been having weakness since 2014 and the EMG in June showed nothing neurological, then I wouldn't worry about ALS while waiting for Emory. If you must worry, worry about something else.

 

[TLAC]

Thanks you guys. I don't have a clue what it is? God bless.

 

[TLAC]

I went to the Nuro muscular specialist. She said my exam didn't show anything, and I was clinically strong. She's going to do a single strand EMG and something else that stimulates the muscles. I feel so weak in my body, having difficulty breathing, and swallowing. Lots of phlegm in the back of my throat all the time, and my voice is hard to project. I hurt like heck when I walk during the day. My right leg seems like it has the most pain and wants to give out? I have no idea what to think. She's also looking for Malantis Gravis? I tested negative on the blood work, but she says it sometimes won't show up but they can see it on the EMG. Any thoughts?

 

[TLAC]

Can ALS attack a different part of the body everyday? It seems my symptoms are effecting me very quickly.

 

[Atsugi]

When is your EMG going to happen?

Reviewing your posts, I don't see any ALS there.

The doctor pronounced you "strong" even though your posts have complained of weakness. So I suspect that you have "perceived weakness" and not actual weakness. That's not ALS.

 

[TLAC]

My EMG is set for a week. I appreciate the reply. I'm praying it's not ALS.