Thank you all for the replies. I initially posted this in the veterans with ALS forum as I was just looking to get a read on whether or not the VA neurologsts follow similar timelines as far as testing and ruling out, etc.
I initially went to my primary with muscle tightness and heaviness bilaterally in my arms. That was in July 2021. I had since seen the neurologist for an initial appointment, an electromyography, and then a follow up appointment to the tests. I was diagnosed with bilateral carpal and cubital tunnel and underwent surgery of the right arm for both conditions. I do not actually work with my hands to any great extent so I felt like something other than the usual overuse was the cause/problem.
Since getting the surgery in July 2022, the tightness and heavyness have come back and have extended into my shoulders, upper back and neck and I've noticed more and more that my fingers and hands feel tight. This morning, I actually struggled with my dominant hand to pick up a few of my daily medication pills that I spilled on the table (pincer grasp). I have also noticed for a few weeks now that I seem to be coughing alot more afdter meals or drinking as if things are going down the wrong pipe somehow.
Anyway, my initial post is mostly due to my wondering if perhaps the doctors have their suspicions but just holdout until they can see you again in a year or 18 months to see the progression vs your original visit. For me it has been nearly 18 months and I feel like they have no clue as to what the problem could be. When I was diagnosed with Carpal and cubital tunnel, I also had the same feelings of tightness in my upper arms which the dx given does not address.
