Nerves vs ALS

[Ed Par]

I've been told after a very long summer of test etc That I have ALS. I've always had really bad nerves and as you can imagine after this news their not any better. All I've lost so far is my use of my left hand . My problems seem to be wondering if the biggest things I'm feeling right now is mainly because of my nerves . Everytime I even think about this my nerves twitch like crazy . At least I presume this is what's happening any suggestions or is there any way of telling which is which. I'm still walking fine, running, playing hockey etc. My dr. Has offered me a couple choices for meds. Any suggestions Thanks. Ed

 

[Atsugi]

Strange words, Ed. Did a neurologist who specializes in ALS diagnose you after reading an EMG test report? Did they stick needles up and down your arm?

 

[Kristina1]

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. When you say "nerves" do you mean your anxiety, or do you mean literally your nerves as in the nerves in your body?

 

[Ed Par]

Strange words, Ed. Did a neurologist who specializes in ALS diagnose you after reading an EMG test report? Did they stick needles up and down your arm?[/,


Hi, I was first send to a nerve specialist in our local hospital ,thinking that was my problem . After his testing ,he decided to send me to ALS clinic in Sunnbrook at Toronto. First visit the neurologist there didn't see signs of ALS . So he ordered MRI of my spine , at our hospital . Then they thought they found a problem on my fifth vert. Down . So we where very excited that this may be my problem . The specialist I was seeing decided I needed to go back to ALS clinic one more time,to get their opinion . After more testing there, he has told me yes I have ALS .

 

[Ed Par]

Hi, yes when I am reading or thinking of this situation , my arms , legs ,anywhere can start twitching ,stomach goes into knots .i'm having a very hard time getting my head wrapped around this situation .

 

[lgelb]

Hi Ed,
Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and we'll support you however we can.

As for telling the difference between twitches that reflect anxiety and those that reflect ALS, the surest indication of how muscles are doing is whether they still work. Sounds like yours do, except for the left hand. Thinking about things can certainly cause twitches, so once you've completed any life planning decisions that need attention, the best way to get past those kinds of twitches is to enjoy using your muscles while that is possible, and generally to live your best life until you can't.

Best,
Laurie