Neurologist thinks I may have ALS

[dragonlibra]

HI

Don't give up hope yet. There are other things that can cause severe atrophy in a hand and symptoms other places in the body. I pray they will find you another answer.

Take care

Thank you, my prayers as well. Feel better I also have a neurosurgeon neurology involved as well. My friend at work's sister works for him so I got some special consideration including getting a quick appt. :smile:

 

[notme]

I'm glad you got a quick appt. Regardless of the results the neuro gives you, please do seek a second opinion to confirm whichever way they go. I know how much things can get complicated by other issues involved.

I've got 90% loss of use and atrophied dominant L hand, and loss starting in the right. Spasticity and a whole host of other issues that are confusing the neuros--abnormal EMG--but not 'abnormal' enough to be ALS. So that gives me hope that the other issues might solve some of the issues.

With me, one thinks a nerve is impinged in my elbows causing the progressing atrophy. One neurosurgeon thinks it's the impinged spinal cord in my neck...It makes things harder to figure out when multiple issues are going on. But, remember a saying we have around here---(courtesy of Zaphoon) It is ONLY ALS when it can NOT be anything else.

The ALSA can point you in the right direction for that second opinion--and, heaven forbid if ALS is confirmed, point you to the help you might need. They actually got me in to the ALS clinic I go to now very, very quickly. Much faster than I could have on my own.

Best wishes for you. Before you consider surgery--please get a second opinion on that from an ALS specialist. Mine specifically told me to NOT have any surgery until they knew what was going on for sure.

 

[dragonlibra]

I'm glad you got a quick appt. Regardless of the results the neuro gives you, please do seek a second opinion to confirm whichever way they go. I know how much things can get complicated by other issues involved.

I've got 90% loss of use and atrophied dominant L hand, and loss starting in the right. Spasticity and a whole host of other issues that are confusing the neuros--abnormal EMG--but not 'abnormal' enough to be ALS. So that gives me hope that the other issues might solve some of the issues.

With me, one thinks a nerve is impinged in my elbows causing the progressing atrophy. One neurosurgeon thinks it's the impinged spinal cord in my neck...It makes things harder to figure out when multiple issues are going on. But, remember a saying we have around here---(courtesy of Zaphoon) It is ONLY ALS when it can NOT be anything else.

The ALSA can point you in the right direction for that second opinion--and, heaven forbid if ALS is confirmed, point you to the help you might need. They actually got me in to the ALS clinic I go to now very, very quickly. Much faster than I could have on my own.

Best wishes for you. Before you consider surgery--please get a second opinion on that from an ALS specialist. Mine specifically told me to NOT have any surgery until they knew what was going on for sure.

Well neurologist did admit my symptoms a bit confusing. NeuroS said he wouldn't do surgery until sure. I'll get my records & contact ALSA if I get ALS diagnosed. Member & fellow Pittsburgher KissJ has been SUPER at keeping me updated on her hubbies experience at other big ALS clinic in town. Definitely will go there for 2nd opinion.