New symptoms out of nowhere. Scared of possible ALS

[Mic2022]

First let me say thanks to anyone who offers advice or input. So I am a active 28 year old male that works in the ER as an RN. About two months ago I was running and lifting weights when I developed a strange chest pain and dizziness that gave me near syncope. After an hour the symptoms were alleviated by lying down. Ever since that incident I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, body aches, orthostatic tachycardia when standing. Feeling of something stuck in my throat/irritation. I have GI issues, one day may be constipation the next may be diarrhea. I have weird sensations in my lower extremities that feel almost like a tickle and I have muscle twitching with this as well. Ear and nasal congestion. Muscle fatigue/stiffness especially in my shoulder muscles. The muscle twitching is only at rest and stops when I move. I have problems with my pupils being unequal size whenever I exert myself and my heart rate is elevated. My toes and extremities get cold and I am intolerant to cold in general. I am currently seeing, neuro, hemo, ENT, cardiologist. No one has found anything. Any input would be great I am scared right now but I am open to any good or bad news y’all have. Thank you in advance.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hi Mic-

Sorry you find yourself here. I want to make sure you have read this: Read Before Posting

I'm guessing an online search of twitching brought you here, but if you read the above link, you'll see that ALS is not in the picture because of all the other things that you are experiencing too. It's not clear what might be, but your collection of symptoms all point away from ALS.

I am assuming you've been tested for covid? It can cause all sorts of longer term effect- including neurological ones. I do hope you find some answers from the various specialists you've been visiting with, but ALS ain't it.

 

[lgelb]

I would ask for a 24-holter, which may show persistent inappropriate sinus tachycardia, which is not uncommon in younger clinicians. If so, a CCB or beta blocker may alleviate many of your issues. A food/exercise/sleep diary may also help illuminate possible etiologies, as may a DIY sleep study (video). Totally agree that this is not ALS.

Best,
Laurie

 

[Mic2022]

Thank you for the response. Yeah the muscle twitching and I am slightly dull to sensation in my left foot. And fatigue in my legs when I lift my my feet up and down. I apologize if this seems nothing like it to you guys. I’m just scared right now of what’s going on. I went from running miles a day to bed bound in a matter of weeks. And I just wanted to check and see if y’all thought it could be ALS.

 

[Nikki J]

Bed bound? Are you admitted? In a nursing home ? What exactly is keeping you from getting out of bed? Who is caring for you? This sounds very frightening but so far nothing like ALS I hope wherever in the US you are you have access to university level specialists

 

[Bestfriends14]

Your symptoms, while they sound scary, really do not have anything to do with a motor neuron disease. Your issues sound very sensory neuron centric; quite the the opposite of ALS. If you are bedbound, I do hope that you have sufficient insurance for the days you need to take off work so this illness does not eat through your savings. Further, the cost of you to have a caregiver, being bedbound, can eat away at your savings, as well. My husband, who has ALS, is a near quadriplegic, and needs everything done for him, is not even bedbound, so this must be very scary for you. Again, though, your story is not an ALS story. Should you find out what is going on, please stop back and update.

I wish you well on your diagnostic journey and hope you get an answer soon. Take good care.

 

[Mic2022]

I have an update on my situation, they have found upper cervical misalignment that is causing pressure on my brain stem/nerves and vessels that run next/in c1 and c2. Again I apologize for posting on here without knowing. I hope everyone is having a great day, and I appreciate anyone that has given advice on my situation.

 

[Nikki J]

Thank you for returning to tell us. I am happy they found an answer for you and hope they can successfully treat you so you can fully recover. Best of luck!

 

[Bestfriends14]

Great news that it is not ALS. Best of luck to you on your journey towards healing.