Is this ALS?

[Noo]

Hello all,

I am a 35 year old female.

About 3 weeks ago I started having visible twitching in my right (dominant) upper arm.

Thought it was so weird, but it stopped after about ten days.

Around that time it stopped, I started noticing shaking in my left (non dominant) hand. Very subtle, almost like when your blood sugar is low if you haven’t eaten in a while. And very weak. A couple days later I noticed my left leg (non dominant side) started feeling “off” (for lack of better words). Very weak, very different, very strange. Sometimes tingly, sometimes achy, but very “heavy” all the time.

Then the twitching. My legs and feet and face are twitching. Not all day everyday. But everyday.

I can still do everything I could before. There has been no failure (I don’t think?). But definite weakness, twitching, feeling very off.

We don’t know about my father’s side of the family so I have no idea if ALS is in the family.

I have a neurologist appt in a couple weeks. I’ve had a brain CT and bloodwork that were both normal (which I know means nothing).

But unfortunately, it’s too late, and I’m terrified I have ALS. I was under the impression that (while possible of course) it wasn’t very common in people under 50 or women, and my doctor explained that is no longer the case, and it’s very common in ages 20+ of both gender.

I’m so scared I’m not eating or sleeping. Does this sound like ALS?

 

[lgelb]

No, it doesn't. I expect the neuro visit to be reassuring, at which time you might want to work with your PCP on the possibility of something post-viral. I would also try to quantify your sleep with a wearable and ask about a sleep study (these can now be done at home) if your respiratory rate, sleep stages, pulse, oxygen level, and/or movement seem out of whack. And it never hurts to inspect your pillow, mattress and seating surfaces for the support and comfort they are providing.

Whatever your doc said, ALS dx peak at 60+ so, yes, pretty rare at your age, but what drives my answer to your question is your description of your issues, not how old you are.

 

[Clearwater AL]

Was your doctor a Neurologist? Apparently not. ALS is a rare disease and even more rare is anyone
in their 30s to be diagnosed with ALS.

Try and find a way, anyway to control your severe Health Anxiety. Even go back to your doctor.
He started it.... hopefully he/she will help you.

As written so many times before.... wide spread twitching points away from ALS for one.

 

[Noo]

I very much appreciate your time and response.

My symptoms have mostly ended up in my left (non dominant) hand/arm.

Lots and lots of weakness and shakiness. I can’t see visible shaking but it feels like it’s trembling almost.

I’m not having any failure in that I’m still able to do everything I need to do, but the abrupt change in strength is alarming.

I’m extremely concerned as I’m a 35 year old mother of 3.

How worried should I be? My appt isn’t for several weeks.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hi,

I'll refer you back to what Laurie replied to you. It was pretty straightforward. And as Al also pointed out, this in not how ALS presents itself.

No, it doesn't. I expect the neuro visit to be reassuring, at which time you might want to work with your PCP on the possibility of something post-viral. I would also try to quantify your sleep with a wearable and ask about a sleep study (these can now be done at home) if your respiratory rate, sleep stages, pulse, oxygen level, and/or movement seem out of whack. And it never hurts to inspect your pillow, mattress and seating surfaces for the support and comfort they are providing.

Whatever your doc said, ALS dx peak at 60+ so, yes, pretty rare at your age, but what drives my answer to your question is your description of your issues, not how old you are.

 

[Noo]

Hi all,

I am a 35 year old woman.

I have been dealing with left hand tremors/shaking and left hand weakness for about a month. Non dominant hand. My left arm is also smaller/thinner than my right. I can do everything I want to do, but things are “harder”, as in, the gallon of milk feels heavier, but I don’t know if that’s a good way to judge, as I’m not left handed. I don’t do anything with my left hand typically (drive, unlock a door, type on my phone, write, etc).

I’m supposed to see a neurologist this week for an EMG/rule out ALS, as I am very concerned with these symptoms.

I just got a message from the nurse in the office that they don’t want to proceed with testing since “ALS first presents on the dominant side” and my symptoms are not.

I am appalled and angry and have found no research to support this. Is this correct?

I am so worried and scared. I don’t want to leave my children.

Everything on google points to ALS and now I may not get answers.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Nikki J]

It is normal for your non dominant hand/ arm to be smaller. Mine was so much so that early on they questioned atrophy. ( I was leg onset zero arm symptoms for several years)

It is not true about always starting on dominant side though I think it might be more common. It has been true of every member of my family.

If you still have an appointment with the neurologist for an exam they will see if there is reason to do further testing

Mr google is a dreadful diagnostician. You currently have perceived weakness. Even if it is clinical there are about a million more likely reasons than ALS

 

[Noo]

Please help me, anyone

I was just notified by my employer I was placed on a leave of absence due to my “lack of focus, anxiousness”.

I can’t think of anything else. All I can think of is this possible diagnosis looming over me.

I have no failure in terms of function. My hand and arm does what I want it to do. But it’s much smaller than my dominant side. And it shakes. And feels weak. It’s hard to judge failure when people say “I couldn’t button my shirt or tie a tie” when I don’t do those things with my left hand anyway.

This has been going on for almost a month.

Does this sound like the beginnings of ALS?? Please, any and all guidance is appreciated and helpful.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hi there-

It's not clear if you read any of the above replies, as you keep asking about ALS and people have told you no, it sounds like something else.

If you have anxiety at levels that affect your daily function, including your ability to work, you must address that while you work with your doctors to track down any cause for symptoms. But you must also listen when people take the time to answer your questions here and not keep repeating the same question. Being unable to take answers and reassurance in makes it very clear you are in the grip of pretty powerful health anxiety.

 

[Clearwater AL]

How fitting.... click on it to enlarge.