moslofowl
New member
- Joined
- May 6, 2018
- Messages
- 1
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 04/2018
- Country
- US
- State
- MD
- City
- Abingdon
I have been lurking for a couple of months but noticed when one asks a question that background is requested so thought I would start with that. On March 16 of this year I went to work (warehouse) without a care in the world. I was a healthy, active hiker with a love of nature and a crazy dog. When I left my shift that day I found I couldn't turn my ignition key. I promptly blamed my car and made a note to call my mechanic.
Upon arriving home, I kept dropping my keys, unable to put them in the lock. I struggled to open a ziplock bag....the list goes on. I contacted Dr, Google who assured me I had Carpal Tunnel and the following week I went to my primary with my diagnosis. Luckily, she saw something more going on and sent me for an EMG of the hand. That Dr, with a concerned look, told me to get myself to a teaching hospital ASAP.
My primary called Johns Hopkins and was told the next appointment was a couple months out. I took matters into my own hands and went to the ED the following Friday (something I wouldn't recommend as insurances have just changed about non emergency ED visits) I waited for 8 hours and didn't get past routine blood work (tho i do see why a 60 year old lady complaining of weakness in her hand isn't high on the triage list) so I went home.
The following week I was better prepared. I left my dog with a sitter, brought 2 novels and a small cooler with snacks and water. This time I saw the neurologist on staff and was admitted by 3:00. The following morning one of the ALS neurologists and a few residents did a full work up. Thats when I got my preliminary diagnosis.
Since then I have had another EMG with nerve conduction study, 2 MRI's, 2 CAT Scans and lots of blood work...all looking for something to explain my symptoms. A few weeks ago I was put on Riluzole and I begin clinic next month. I am OWL and thats my story.
Upon arriving home, I kept dropping my keys, unable to put them in the lock. I struggled to open a ziplock bag....the list goes on. I contacted Dr, Google who assured me I had Carpal Tunnel and the following week I went to my primary with my diagnosis. Luckily, she saw something more going on and sent me for an EMG of the hand. That Dr, with a concerned look, told me to get myself to a teaching hospital ASAP.
My primary called Johns Hopkins and was told the next appointment was a couple months out. I took matters into my own hands and went to the ED the following Friday (something I wouldn't recommend as insurances have just changed about non emergency ED visits) I waited for 8 hours and didn't get past routine blood work (tho i do see why a 60 year old lady complaining of weakness in her hand isn't high on the triage list) so I went home.
The following week I was better prepared. I left my dog with a sitter, brought 2 novels and a small cooler with snacks and water. This time I saw the neurologist on staff and was admitted by 3:00. The following morning one of the ALS neurologists and a few residents did a full work up. Thats when I got my preliminary diagnosis.
Since then I have had another EMG with nerve conduction study, 2 MRI's, 2 CAT Scans and lots of blood work...all looking for something to explain my symptoms. A few weeks ago I was put on Riluzole and I begin clinic next month. I am OWL and thats my story.
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